Monthly Archives: May 2013
Meet Robert Ingersoll, America’s most famous forgotten atheist
By Kimberly Winston — May 29, 2013
(RNS) Robert Ingersoll was a Victorian-era rock star who packed theaters with people who traveled hundred of miles to hear his lectures against religion. Though largely forgotten, the man known as ``The Great Agnostic'' is enjoying a bit of a revival.
Wednesday’s Religion News Roundup: Bachmann won’t run * Pope gets soaked * Russell Moore tweets
By Yonat Shimron — May 29, 2013
Michele Bachmann will protect "innocent human life, traditional marriage...and religious liberty," but won't run for reelection. The pope gets soaked. Russell Moore, the Southern Baptist ethics czar, tweets.
Father Knows Best: How do I reconcile unemployment?
By Martin Elfert — May 29, 2013
My own periods of waiting, including those times when I was unemployed, taught me so much about myself, about the world, about meaning, and about the divine.
Quote of the Day: Novelist Stephen King
By Ron Ribiat — May 29, 2013
“I want the preacher where … he’s going to, you know, shake his fist a little bit in the air and then he’s going to smile and throw his hands up and say, ‘God’s good! God’s great! Can you give me hallelujah?’ I just adore that. And it’s really only about two steps from the […]
Out with Richard Land, in with Russell Moore
By Mark Silk — May 29, 2013
Let us pause to reflect on the changing of the guard at the Southern Baptist Convention's policy shop. Richard Land, a member of the founding generation of the religious right, fought to restore -- or maintain -- conservative cultural values in society at large. And how does his successor, Russell Moore, compare?
The New York Times and Francis’ liberation theology
By Michael J. O'Loughlin — May 28, 2013
The New York Times writes of Pope Francis' "affinity for liberation theology" just weeks after reporting on his distaste for it. What gives?
Quote of the Day: Australian Cardinal George Pell
By Ron Ribiat — May 28, 2013
“If we’d been gossips, which we weren’t … we would have realized earlier just how widespread this business was.” Australian Cardinal George Pell explaining to a board of inquiry why the country’s Catholic hierarchy took so long to act against clergy who sexually abused children.
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Video: Bobby McFerrin’s music and faith
By Sally Morrow — May 28, 2013
Ten-time Grammy-award winning artist Bobby McFerrin believes music has a transcendent spiritual power.
Sidebar: Tweets by Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore
By Adelle M. Banks — May 28, 2013
(RNS) Here’s a sampling of tweets by Russell Moore, who becomes president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission on June 1: I disagree with the Dalai Lama, of course, on faith, but I admire him for standing up to Chinese totalitarianism and for a free Tibet. — Russell Moore (@drmoore) May […]
Southern Baptist Richard Land passes baton to Russell Moore
By Adelle M. Banks — May 28, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) “Jesus is convictional,” Russell Moore said in an interview as he began to adjust to his Washington office just off Capitol Hill. “He speaks clearly about sin, righteousness and judgment but Jesus is not panicked or outraged.”
Lacking recognition, Italy’s Muslims face an uncertain future
By Mustafa Hameed — May 28, 2013
ROME (RNS) In a country dominated by Roman Catholics, Muslims make up Italy's second-largest religious group. But unlike smaller religious groups, Italian Muslims are not officially recognized by the government.
Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup: Oklahoma Atheist * Dinosaur Denial * Hugging Saint
By Lauren Markoe — May 28, 2013
The "Oklahoma Atheist" gets some greenbacks. A S.C. Christian school needs a dinosaur lesson. And the "hugging saint" is hugging her way around the U.S.
COMMENTARY: The thrill of the race
By Tom Ehrich — May 28, 2013
(RNS) What I have found at the Indianapolis Speedway is similar to the best faith moments I have had: pure experience, no pretense, no whining, a clear focus on what matters.
Embattled Newark archbishop demotes his top deputy
By Mark Mueller — May 28, 2013
NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) Monsignor John Doran is among the highest-ranking Roman Catholic officials in the country to be demoted over the handling of a priest accused of sexual abuse, observers say.
The life of a free-range preacher: An interview with Barbara Brown Taylor
By Jonathan Merritt — May 28, 2013
One of the most influential living preachers, Barbara Brown Taylor, talks about why she left ministry and why she still hopes.
