Monthly Archives: February 2014
Whither Christian horror?
By Laura Turner — February 26, 2014
You won't see this genre represented at the Oscars, but Christian horror movies are proliferating in recent years. Is that a good thing?
Would Arizona’s SB 1062 protect the right to refuse to serve food to ‘gluttons’?
By Rachel Marie Stone — February 26, 2014
What if Arizona's SB 1062 allows restauranteurs to refuse service to "gluttons"?
Gay equality is the new norm
By Mark Silk — February 26, 2014
Part of me would like Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer to surprise everybody and sign SB 1062, aka the Religious Freedom to Discriminate Against Gays Restoration Act. That way, a gay or lesbian in Flagstaff, Phoenix, or Tucson -- the only jurisdictions in the state that currently bar discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation -- could go to court and get a ruling that Arizonans' religious freedom no more allows such discrimination in business than it allows discrimination on the basis of race or gender or religion itself.
Benedict rejects rumors on why he resigned as “simply absurd”
By David Gibson — February 26, 2014
(RNS) In a letter to a journalist, the former pope indicates scandals did not drive him from office and says he continues to wear white because when he stepped down "there were no other clothes available."
Survey: Americans turn sharply favorable on gay issues
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — February 26, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) A new survey finds the rapid shift toward favoring LGBT rights in the past decade has a wide impact on American religious and political life.
Best moments in religion and film
By Laura Turner — February 25, 2014
Religion and Hollywood don't always mix. Here are a few films that got it really (mostly) right.
Pope Francis blasts arms dealers, decries indifference to war
By David Gibson — February 25, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) "Think of the great dining halls," Pope Francis said, "of the parties thrown by the bosses of the weapons industry who makes the arms. ... A sick child, starving, in a refugee camp -- and the great parties, the fine life for those who manufacture weapons.”
Quote of the Day: The editors of America magazine
By Ron Ribiat — February 25, 2014
“No one should be subject to a criminal penalty simply for being gay. If laws like these do not constitute the “unjust discrimination” against gay people that the church rightly denounces, then what possibly could?” — The editors of America magazine, a Jesuit publication, denouncing new laws in Nigeria and Uganda that impose stiff penalties […]
Danish Jews, Muslims fight for exemption to ritual slaughter ban
By Robin Herr — February 25, 2014
COPENHAGEN Denmark (RNS) The Danish government approved a measure earlier this month forbidding poultry and livestock to be killed without being stunned first. But Jewish and Muslim customs require animals to be conscious when killed.
Update: Bob Jones University rehires firm hired to investigate sex abuse
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — February 25, 2014
(RNS) The Christian school had fired the group one month before it planned to release the findings of its 13-month review.
Hindus in New Jersey school district want a day off for Diwali
By Katherine Davis-Young — February 25, 2014
(RNS) “I think if the school granted the (Diwali) holiday, then his friends would know, ‘OK, you are a Hindu,’” said Jyoti Sharma, who is asking the Millburn Township School District to consider a day off for Diwali for her son.
Russell Crowe really wants Pope Francis to see ‘Noah’
By Eric J. Lyman — February 25, 2014
ROME (RNS) "Screening? The message of the film is powerful, fascinating, resonant," actor Russell Crowe tweeted to Pope Francis.
COMMENTARY: Hatred is in the air
By Tom Ehrich — February 25, 2014
(RNS) Instead of live and let live, entire states are saying, "Your existence as a free being makes us feel less free. So kiss your freedom goodbye."
ANALYSIS: The surprising afterlife of Pope Benedict XVI
By David Gibson — February 25, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) When Pope Benedict XVI officially left the Vatican in a helicopter a year ago this week (Feb. 28), becoming the first pontiff in 600 years to resign, many in his conservative fan base were aghast, even angry. He has betrayed us, said those who thought Benedict’s papacy would be the final triumph […]
Amazon’s CreateSpace vs. IngramSpark: Which is best for self-published authors?
By Jana Riess — February 25, 2014
Amazon's CreateSpace beats IngramSpark in four out of five categories.
