Monthly Archives: December 2013
Peace! Why you can expect a ceasefire on the ‘War on Christmas’ until Thanksgiving 2014
By Tobin Grant — December 26, 2013
(RNS) 12:01 a.m. The annual winter siege known as the “War on Christmas” is over, for now. For the next 11 months, the holiday will be able to exist in peace. The new ceasefire is unlikely to be permanent, however. The war is expected to return by December 1, 2014, when slow news days and the […]
Pope Francis’ off-script Christmas nod to atheists is part of a pattern
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 26, 2013
Pope Francis' Christmas Day outreach to atheists was off script but not out of character for the pontiff. He often invites all to work for the common good.
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Video: Blind boys of Alabama
By Sally Morrow — December 26, 2013
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly talks to the Blind Boys of Alabama about their music and spirituality.
Christmas feast * Jews and eggrolls * 2014 outlook: Thursday’s Religion News Roundup
By Yonat Shimron — December 26, 2013
On the day after Christmas, can Lent be far behind? Jews and Chinese food. A positive outlook for 2014.
Why are these comedians going to Sedona to make a film about belief?
By Chris Stedman — December 26, 2013
What’s so special about Sedona, Arizona? And what does it have to do with mysticism and belief? If you can’t make the trip yourself, two young filmmakers want to show you. In a recently launched Kickstarter for their upcoming documentary film Sedona: A Documentary Film, which they will produce with experienced multimedia producer Adam Isaak, Carrie Poppy and Brian […]
Finding fulfillment in a self-centered world: An interview with Shane Hipps
By Jonathan Merritt — December 25, 2013
Author Shane Hipps talks about faith, fulfillment and the danger of religion.
As state prepares appeal, Utah same-sex couples rush to wed
By Elizabeth Weise — December 24, 2013
(RNS) For now, a state considered as one of the most conservative in the nation, has joined the likes of California and New York where same-sex couples can legally wed. Legal experts say that even if a judge halts the weddings, the licenses that have already been issued will likely still be valid.
A Methodist pastor calls for speedy resolution in conflict over gays
By Renée K. Gadoua — December 24, 2013
(RNS) A deep divide within the United Methodist Church over how to minister to gays and lesbians has led a Washington, D.C., pastor to suggest the denomination should not wait until its 2016 General Conference to change its policies.
Controversy follows Utah judge’s decision to allow same-sex marriage
By Jana Riess — December 24, 2013
Friday's surprising decision that Utah's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional has resulted in an unsurprising flurry of political debate in Mormondom, from Meridian Magazine's complaint about activist judges to a clever spoof of Gov. Herbert as the Grinch Who Stole Gay Marriage.
Central African Christmas * Ohio Makes 19? * Muslim Yuletide : Tuesday’s Religion News Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — December 24, 2013
An imam and an archbishop band together in the Central African Republic. An Ohio judge moves the state closer to gay marriage. And Jesus is a Muslim prophet - but what do Muslims do on Christmas?
An atheist’s Christmas tree ornament tattoo
By Chris Stedman — December 24, 2013
As an atheist who grew up in a nonreligious household that celebrated Christmas with gusto—for us it was about food, family, and Santa, but not about Jesus—I’ve always loved the holiday. As a child this was partially due to the “magic” of the season—such as the year we found pieces of cotton strewn about the […]
Becket Fund shames Wisconsin for being too religiously inclusive
By Brian Pellot — December 24, 2013
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty has given its lowest honor, the Ebenezer Award, to Wisconsin’s Department of Administration for allowing diverse and controversial holiday displays at the State Capitol. Who’s the real scrooge here?
Religion in 2013
By Martin E. Marty — December 23, 2013
With this release Monday’s Sightings says good-bye to 2013. Appropriately, I want to use this moment to take a retrospective look at religion-in-the-news during the past year.
Overlooked in nativity drama, Joseph is the quiet hero
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — December 23, 2013
(RNS) Joseph’s quiet heroism often goes overlooked in the Christmas story. Yet there is something profound and compelling in Joseph, a patron saint to Roman Catholic stepfathers and a role model for all Christian dads.
Physicist Aaron Adair is skeptical about the star of Bethlehem
By Kimberly Winston — December 23, 2013
(RNS) Could the star of Bethlehem have “risen in the east” and led the Magi to the infant Jesus? Physicist Aaron Adair has his doubts. A Q&A.
