David Gibson
David Gibson is a national reporter for RNS and an award-winning religion journalist, author and filmmaker. He has written several books on Catholic topics. His latest book is on biblical artifacts: "Finding Jesus: Faith. Fact. Forgery," which was also the basis of a popular CNN series.
All Stories by David Gibson
Princeton Theological Seminary reverses decision to honor Redeemer’s Tim Keller
By David Gibson — March 22, 2017
(RNS) The seminary had faced mounting criticism over Keller’s conservative views on women and LGBTQ people. So he will not receive an award but will still deliver a major lecture.
Princeton seminary taking some heat for honoring Redeemer’s Tim Keller
By David Gibson — March 21, 2017
(RNS) The Manhattan pastor is popular — but his Presbyterian denomination does not ordain women or gays, and his traditionalism has some criticizing the more liberal Princeton Theological Seminary for giving Keller an award.
Trump’s budget slashes aid to the poor. Would Jesus have a problem with that?
By David Gibson — March 20, 2017
(RNS) The sharp debate that broke out among believers suggests that any Christian rationale for the nation’s social safety net depends on how you translate a single Greek word in the Gospel of Matthew.
The Slingshot: Muslim ban battle; Wars of Religion 2.0; MormonLeaks 3.0
By David Gibson — March 16, 2017
(RNS) Trump vows to take his travel ban to the Supreme Court. Dutch Anti-Islam candidate falters, dire warnings do not. LDS challenges leak of Mormon documents. A ‘parable’ on GOP health care, an apocalypse that ends with a toilet, and a New Zealand river is declared a person.
Is Pope Francis really facing a coup? Or just ‘fake news’?
By David Gibson — March 10, 2017
(RNS) As the pontiff marks the fourth anniversary of his election, reports of plotting in the Vatican and a 'civil war' in the Catholic Church are rampant. But a reality check suggests a different story.
The Slingshot: Digital Lent; Russia eyes evangelicals; Muslims in America
By David Gibson — March 9, 2017
(RNS) How our devices can help us help the world this Lent. Time magazine reports on Moscow’s charm offensive toward the right, including social conservatives. Muslims on their ‘new normal.’ Plus: A new look at Dorothy Day. And a puppy joins a monastery.
The Slingshot: Honor killings? Pastors and Obamacare; Top Mormon on Trump
By David Gibson — March 7, 2017
(RNS) The president’s travel ban to also tally honor killings in the U.S. Or is it a way to tar Muslims? Ministers and their families have come to rely on the health care law and fear the GOP version. Mormon leader worries about the “aggressive new presidential administration.”
Notre Dame avoids Trump controversy as Pence to receive honorary degree
By David Gibson — March 2, 2017
(RNS) The decision to invite the vice president caps months of intense debate over the wisdom of bringing Trump to campus. But it raises other potential concerns.
The Slingshot: Trump’s missing agenda; Islam a religion? Mosques to ashes
By David Gibson — March 2, 2017
(RNS) The president ignored any discussion of hot-button social issues in his speech to Congress. Does he think Islam is a religion? Mosques burn, shot fired at synagogue, safe haven for immigrants. Ash Wednesday gallery.
Trump’s missing agenda in Congress speech? Moral issues
By David Gibson — March 1, 2017
(RNS) He won praise from pundits and the public for appearing 'presidential' in his first address to Congress. But a few religious conservatives are upset that Trump ignored their concerns.
‘Destroy’ the Johnson Amendment? Trump’s rhetoric meets reality (ANALYSIS)
By David Gibson — February 17, 2017
(RNS) The president has vowed to gut the law barring clergy and churches from politicking without risking their tax-exempt status. But his promise may be more symbol than substance.
The Slingshot: Refugee aid cuts; God and sports; Saint Melania?
By David Gibson — February 16, 2017
(RNS) The president’s refugee ban decimates World Relief. Orthodox Jews skate and score for God’s glory. Cardinal lets girls play on Catholic boys team. Melania the Saint’s lessons for the First Lady. Hate groups rise, Trump keeps LGBT official, and fear of eternal life is a thing.
Vietnamese refugee priest to Trump: Give my citizenship to a Syrian
By David Gibson — February 11, 2017
(RNS) The Catholic priest, who fled to the U.S. from war-torn Vietnam as a youth, wrote the president asking that his citizenship be given to a refugee barred under Trump’s Muslim travel ban.
Leading clergy abuse group to stay the course despite lawsuit, departures
By David Gibson — February 9, 2017
(RNS) The chair of the board of SNAP said it would focus on developing local support groups despite the upheaval.
The Slingshot: Pope trolls Trump? Muslim superheroes; Job’s cold comfort
By David Gibson — February 9, 2017
(RNS) The pontiff says walls are wrong, and saying “I’ll make you pay for that” is worse. Comic book Muslim heroes, and a real-life one. Jeff Weiss on his brain tumor and the God of Job. Plus: America's new ministers, and America’s untrusted unbelievers.
