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La Sagrada Família, the iconic church in Barcelona, Spain, designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, and under construction since 1882. Creative Commons/MartinThoma
Need to know: Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Spain terror cell was planning to attack La Sagrada Família church
The group responsible for last week’s terror attack was also planning to destroy La Sagrada Família, the iconic Roman Catholic church designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí that’s been under construction for over a century.
Imam’s softly-softly approach forces rethink in combating radicalization
Many Muslims in Ripoll, the small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees where all the suspected terrorists came from, are now asking themselves how the imam, who died when the their bomb factory exploded, was able to poison the minds of young men seemingly well integrated into Spanish society.
Why is sexuality such a big deal for the church?
Controversies over sexuality have determined whether books will be banned from stores and donations withheld from charities. They have split families and brought denominations to the brink of schism.
Trump spiritual adviser Paula White says he is ‘raised up by God’
The televangelist’s comments, made on PTL Television Network’s “The Jim Bakker Show,” came a day after the president, acting on advice from his war cabinet, said the U.S. will not only remain in Afghanistan but will up its military presence there.
Evangelicals are bitterly split over advising Trump
Are Christians better off trying to influence an imperfect president? Or should they disengage from a process that will never produce a leader who perfectly represents their worldview?
Latest news from RNS
India’s top court: Instant divorce among Muslims unlawful
NEW DELHI (AP) — The decision was widely lauded by women's rights activists as a step toward granting Muslim women in India greater equality and justice.
Heartland pagans embrace the eclipse
As Americans across the country watched the moon eclipse the sun, pagans gathered in central Missouri to appreciate the rare phenomenon with their own rituals.
Brooklyn megachurch pastor explains why he left the president’s evangelical advisory board
Remaining board members don’t have to follow in his footsteps, said the Rev. A.R. Bernard, but he hopes they will speak their minds when they feel President Trump has erred.
More views from RNS
On Confederate statues and other graven images
(RNS) — 'Idolatry is counter to any religious idea worth its weight in salt. We Jews have a name for the tearing down of images that amplify and idolize racist hatred, anti-Semitism or bigotry of any kind. ... We call it: Judaism,' writes Rabbi Aaron Alexander.
Why Christians can stay hopeful in this time of political darkness
(RNS) — After weeks of moral chaos, Americans have grown discouraged. Here's how Jesus-people can keep hope.
Trump’s redesigned culture war
It harks back to the civil rights era.
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Bonus tracks
- Billy Joel dons Jewish star against Neo-Nazis
- ‘My actions were despicable’: Catholic priest steps down after revealing he was a Ku Klux Klan member decades ago
- With bathroom bill dead, Texas pastors’ council looks to future fights
- Despite measles outbreak, anti-vaccine activists in Minnesota refuse to back down
- ‘Home Fire’ mines Greek tragedy to address modern-day war on terrorism
