secularism
Saints displaced and replaced
By Martin E. Marty — November 7, 2016
If one cannot handle the dust of the grave, there is comfort to be had, it is reasoned, in the designer urns to be mounted on the mantel at home.
EXCERPTS: Pope Francis on ecumenism, secularism, terrorism and gossip
By David Gibson — October 28, 2016
(RNS) In a wide-ranging interview published on the eve of his visit to Sweden to mark the anniversary of the Reformation, the pontiff is as quotable as ever.
New book shows humanists how to be ‘secular Jesus followers’
By Kimberly Winston — October 3, 2016
(RNS) 'Confessions of a Secular Jesus Follower' by Tom Krattenmaker strips Jesus down to the basic ethical teachings.
German conservatives call for partial ban on face veil
By RNS staff — August 20, 2016
(Reuters) The CDU's calls for a partial ban come as it has lost support to the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which says Islam is incompatible with the constitution.
Third French beach town bans Muslim burkini swimsuit
By RNS staff — August 15, 2016
(Reuters) The cities of Cannes and Villeneuve-Loubet also have banned the burkini, arguing that the garment, which leaves only the face, hands and feet exposed, defies French laws on secularism.
In Germany, secular ‘confirmation’ thrives again
By guest — July 22, 2016
HAMBURG, Germany (RNS) It has been 125 years since this group of anti-church, humanist thinkers established themselves in this port city, and in an increasingly irreligious country the tradition it promoted -- akin to a confirmation ceremony without religion -- is undergoing a rediscovery.
Why do so many ‘nones’ believe in life after death?
By Simon Davis — July 15, 2016
(RNS) The connection between belief in life after death and religious teaching may be more tenuous than widely assumed.
Humanists push for a National Day of Reason
By Kimberly Winston — May 3, 2016
(RNS) Not all Americans pray, and some want an officially designated day to prove it.
France takes dim view of burkini swimwear, unlike Brits
By Tom Heneghan — April 7, 2016
PARIS (RNS) The arrival of the burkini has rocked headlines in Europe, sparking a strong French reaction and a more flexible treatment in Britain.
Texas sheriff sued for placing crosses on patrol cars
By Aysha Khan — March 3, 2016
(RNS) A First Amendment watchdog group is suing a Texas sheriff for placing Christian cross decals on several county patrol vehicles.
Dial back Christianity in British official life, make room for secularism, says new report
By Trevor Grundy — December 8, 2015
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) The Church of England is outraged by recommendations that would diminish its dominance in public life to make room for other faiths and unbelievers.
A national campaign for ‘Islam a la Francaise’ takes root amid growing radicalization
By Elizabeth Bryant — April 6, 2015
LYON, France (RNS) The 24-week program includes classes on law, religion and how French principles of secularity are applied to daily life.
White Christians now a minority in 19 states
By Jonathan Merritt — March 5, 2015
(RNS) You might be surprised to learn that Texas and Georgia are not mostly white Christian.
Mayor: ‘Without Jews Paris would not be city that it is’
By Oren Dorell — February 20, 2015
French citizens of all stripes are part of a "national community" that transcends religion, village and country of origin, she said. "We cannot accept this opposition or violence of one group over another within a national community in Paris."
Welcome to ‘aweism,’ the nonreligious impulse you can’t explain
By Kimberly Winston — January 2, 2015
(RNS) "Secular people don’t believe in anything supernatural, but that doesn’t render us sterile souls," Phil Zuckerman said. "But because religion has constructed the language with which we describe existential wonder, it is almost like that is not our territory. But it most certainly is."
