commentary
Francis cardinals make up almost half of electors of next pope
By Thomas Reese — May 22, 2018
(RNS) — Pope Francis continues to remake the College of Cardinals so that almost half of the men who will choose his successor have been chosen by him.
Vatican document on economic ethics is a dismal read on a timely topic
By Thomas Reese — May 21, 2018
(RNS) — The Vatican's new document on economic ethics, 'Oeconomicae et pecuniariae quaestiones,' gives theological backing to Pope Francis’ views on the economy, one of the major themes of his papacy. Too bad it's so badly written its timely and important message may not get read.
In finding common ground, Jimmy Carter and Liberty U set good example
By Jacob Lupfer — May 21, 2018
(RNS) — Jerry Falwell Jr. and Jimmy Carter offered a model of civility and generosity that all Americans, whether Baptist or not, can stand and applaud.
To my fellow evangelicals: What you’re cheering in Jerusalem is shameful
By Richard Mouw — May 16, 2018
(RNS) — It was a shameful thing for evangelical pastors to be celebrating the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem while the Israeli army was killing dozens of Palestinian protesters.
New US policy toward Jerusalem will advance peace in the region
By John Hagee — May 15, 2018
(RNS) — The decision to update American policy regarding the holy city was both right and righteous.
Is Jerusalem embassy part of God’s grand plan? Why some evangelicals love Israel
By John Fea — May 15, 2018
(RNS) — Many American evangelicals cheered because they understood the United States' recognition of Jerusalem as the 'once and eternal' capital of Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
Is fasting at Ramadan good for you?
By Aamir Hussain — May 14, 2018
(RNS) — On the eve of Ramadan, a medical student finds that fasting has some mild health benefits, but some very noticeable consequences as well.
Why Paige Patterson’s apology may not be enough
By Jonathan Merritt — May 10, 2018
(RNS) — Southern Baptists cannot move on because they've been thrust into a larger cultural conversation.
When Rihanna dressed as the pope
By Timothy OMalley — May 9, 2018
(RNS) — At this year’s Met Gala, New York’s biggest fashion night, the theme was 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.' For practicing Roman Catholics, the red carpet coverage was at once thrilling and troubling.
Revisiting Baylor’s list: What does an effective preacher look like?
By Maggi Dawn — May 7, 2018
(RNS) — The problem with Baylor's list is not with the individuals named, but that as a whole, it creates a biased and anachronistic impression of what an effective preacher looks like.
Aaron Panken has died — I have lost my friend and teacher
By Jeffrey Salkin — May 7, 2018
(RNS) — Rabbi Aaron Panken was one of American Judaism's great leaders and teachers. That probably would make him blush.
Cheers and caution for President Trump’s new faith-based initiative
By Jacob Lupfer — May 4, 2018
(RNS) — I applaud the broad outline of President Trump’s faith initiative. Better late than never. But implementation will be key. This has to be done right.
A biblical answer to the $1 trillion problem of student debt
By F. Romall Smalls — May 2, 2018
(RNS) — Believe that the creator of the universe made us all for a much higher purpose than to languish in debt.
Anti-war protests 50 years ago helped mold the modern Christian right
By David Mislin — May 2, 2018
The anti-Vietnam War efforts of Yale University chaplain William Sloane Coffin Jr. and other church leaders alienated many Protestant Americans – with lasting repercussions.
How American Christians can break free from ‘slaveholder religion’
By Jonathan Merritt — May 2, 2018
(RNS) — It's been 150 years since the Civil War ended, but does the racist theology remain?
