JERUSALEM (RNS) — When Texas megachurch pastor John Hagee wrapped up a visit to Israel on Nov. 15 with 40 pastors in tow, he sought out the places where Jesus walked, preached and prayed some 2,000 years ago. But there…
Charities, yes; churches, no
WASHINGTON (RNS)—Americans are being more generous to religious charities, but why are they skimping on their giving to churches? A new report from Empty Tomb, an Illinois-based Christian research organization, contains an analysis that found from 2007 to 2008, Protestant…
Americans are feeling charitable, just not through churches, says report
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Americans are being more generous to religious charities, but why are they skimping on their giving to churches? A new report from Empty Tomb, an Illinois-based Christian research organization, contains an analysis that found from 2007 to…
The ‘new monasticism’
GRESHAM, Ore. (RNS) — In the two years since David Knepprath and Josh Guisinger moved into the rough-and-tumble Barberry Village complex, about a dozen young Christian men and women have made Barberry Village their home. Their goal: Create a sense…
Young Christians seek intentional community among the poor
GRESHAM, Ore. (RNS) — In the two years since David Knepprath and Josh Guisinger moved into the rough-and-tumble Barberry Village complex, about a dozen young Christian men and women have made Barberry Village their home. Their goal: Create a sense…
Pigskin pilgrimage
AUBURN, Ala. (RNS) — Chad Gibbs has been on a pigskin pilgrimage throughout the South, searching for spiritual truth in Tuscaloosa, Baton Rouge, Gainesville and Fayetteville. He grew up a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and switched allegiance to…
Author finds faith and fanaticism in devotion to college football
AUBURN, Ala. (RNS) — Chad Gibbs has been on a pigskin pilgrimage throughout the South, searching for spiritual truth in Tuscaloosa, Baton Rouge, Gainesville and Fayetteville. He grew up a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and switched allegiance to…
Bible study asks, ‘What would Andy do?’ Andy Griffith, that is
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (RNS) — Say a group of immigrants want to build a mosque in Mayberry, right next to All Saints Church. WWAD: What Would Andy Do? The question, of course, never surfaced in the beloved “Andy Griffith Show” that…
Bible study asks, ‘WWAD’
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (RNS) — Say a group of immigrants wants to build a mosque in Mayberry, right next to All Saints Church. WWAD: What Would Andy Do? The question, of course, never surfaced in the beloved “Andy Griffith Show” that…
OPINION: Time to scrutinize the restoration experts
Everyone seems to have a solution for “restoring” America. Take power away from liberal intellectuals, say some, and put “ordinary” people in charge. Or make this a white-run, Christian nation. Or insist on leaders who are intelligent and informed. Or…
Christian counselors say they encounter discrimination over views on homosexuality
WASHINGTON (RNS) — When are religious views on homosexuality an issue of religious and academic freedom, and when are they discrimination? That’s a question raised by counselors and educators across the country. Recently, a federal judge ruled against Jennifer Keeton,…
ANALYSIS: Does gay debate mirror church dispute on slavery?
WASHINGTON (RNS) — One group of Christians confidently proclaims that a plain reading of the Bible is a slam-dunk in their favor. The other side appeals to Scripture’s grand narrative toward freedom and inclusive love. The argument boils over and ripples…