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Need to know: Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Good without God? More Americans say amen to that
For the first time, a majority of Americans — 56 percent — say it is possible to be a good person without a religious belief, according to a new Pew study.
Judge temporarily halts new version of Trump’s travel ban
Hours before a ban on most travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries was to take effect, a federal judge in Hawaii halted its enforcement while the ban’s opponents challenge it in court. (Subscription may be required)
Colorado woman denied pardon by governor re-enters sanctuary in Fort Collins church
Ingrid Encalada Latorre was scheduled to be deported to Peru on Tuesday for using someone else’s papers to obtain work.
Middle East’s Samaritans link Muslims and Jews
Every Samaritan has both a Hebrew name and an Arabic name, and Samaritans are fluent in both languages — but not fully accepted by either Muslims or Jews, community members say.
Halloween costume company removes Anne Frank outfit
The costume included a long sleeve blue button-up dress, a brown shoulder bag and a green beret. The company described Frank as a World War II hero, adding that “we can always learn from the struggles of history.”
Who said that — Martin Luther or William Shakespeare?
“We all are men, in our own natures frail, and capable of our flesh; few are angels.” Take our quiz and see more quotes that will test your knowledge of Martin Luther’s writings.
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Capital murder charges filed in Muslim teen’s death
But no hate crime charges have been brought against the suspect for the June killing, which rattled Muslims across the nation.
New film on Mark Twain highlights his religious doubts
A trip to the Holy Land in 1867 launched Twain from local journalist to international satirist and cemented his skepticism of organized religion.
Amid decline, one Lutheran church strives to live up to its namesake’s spirit
On the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, one N.C. church wants to move beyond the hidebound traditions of American Protestantism, take risks, attract younger people and make Christianity more relevant to the 21st century.
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Mormons and the Boy Scouts: Heading down different trails
(RNS) — 'Separation from the BSA will allow the church to continue distinct programs for boys and girls, each designed to train the next generation in their designated gender roles,' writes Benjamin Park.
Religion is alive and well in America. Don’t believe it? Ask a professor.
... how wide is the panorama of religious versus non-religious (or quasi-religious) options in America. Counsel: learn about some of these by checking in to the company of experts on religion, including those on college and university faculties. You may be bewildered, but you’ll never be bored. And you’ll find that not all of those professors are out to “kill religion.”
I don’t like niqabs and burqas — but they should be legal
“It's hard to think of a way to more quickly alienate new neighbors we want to fully buy in to our way of life than to mock and restrict their clothing,” writes John G. Stackhouse, Jr.
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