WASHINGTON (RNS)—Liberty University is expected to release a report soon on whether Ergun Caner, president of the school’s Baptist Theological Seminary, fabricated or exaggerated his life story as a former Muslim extremist rescued by Jesus. Caner is no ordinary ex-Muslim….
Gulf oil spill prompts environmental soul-searching
WASHINGTON (RNS)—The constant loop of disheartening images from the Gulf of Mexico—oil-covered pelicans, dead sea turtles, despairing fishermen—has prompted many Americans to seek ways to do something, anything, to take better care of the Earth. But what? And how? While…
Clergy shortage turns to ministerial glut in some denominations
WASHINGTON (RNS)—After a decade-long clergy shortage in America’s pulpits, Christian denominations are now experiencing a clergy glut—with some denominations reporting two ministers for every vacant pulpit. “We have a serious surplus of ministers and candidates seeking calls,” said Marcia Myers,…
If there’s a just way to wage war, what about ending one?
WASHINGTON, D.C. (RNS)—For centuries, Christianity’s theory of “just war” has helped religious and political leaders determine when, if ever, war is justified and how to conduct a moral military campaign. Now, as the United States prepares to reduce troop levels…
If there’s a just way to wage war, what about ending one?
WASHINGTON, D.C. (RNS)—For centuries, Christianity’s theory of “just war” has helped religious and political leaders determine when, if ever, war is justified and how to conduct a moral military campaign. Now, as the United States prepares to reduce troop levels…
Is God trying to send people a message through disasters?
WASHINGTON (RNS) — What do homosexuality, health care reform and British advertising standards all have in common? They’re all things that have angered God, some religious leaders say, and he vented his frustration with the angry fires of Iceland’s Eyjafjalla-jokull…
Researchers probe whether, why, free will exists
ORLANDO, Fla. (RNS) — Are people really responsible for all the things they do? Do they have what theologians call God-given “free will” to choose between right and wrong? Those questions are at the heart of a four-year research project…
Catholic scholar among experts named to White House bioethics panel
WASHINGTON (RNS) — President Obama has named 10 medical and legal experts — including a Franciscan friar — to a commission that will advise the White House on bioethical issues. Daniel P. Sulmasy The appointees include Daniel Sulmasy, a friar…
Obama, Graham meet at evangelist’s home
MONTREAT, N.C. (RNS) — President Obama and ailing evangelist Billy Graham exchanged prayers during their first meeting recently at Graham’s home in western North Carolina. President Obama meets with evangelist Billy Graham at his house in Montreat, N.C. (RNS/Pete Souza/The…