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, ‘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…
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…
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…