Posts in Opinion
State and Federal Elections Spotlight America's Diversity and 'Religious Nones'

(OPINION) Though religious preferences don’t necessarily define policy standards — for example, Joe Biden as a pro-choice Catholic — there has been a notable shift away from mainline Christianity in the House and Senate. There has been a rise in religious “nones” as well as Muslims, Hindus, and Jews in the group of the latest elected representatives.

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How A Self-Taught Artist Became A Hit In Christian Indian Circles

(OPINION) Never having had any formal training in drawing and painting, Coreen was entirely self-taught. Over the years, she developed her skill to the point where her works found acceptance in many parts of the country. Her first love was depicting flowers, believing that God has created this colorful tapestry for us to enjoy and so in the early years she focused on nature and landscapes.

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Christians and the conspiracy theories that helped fuel the Capitol mob

This week’s Weekend Plug-in explores why Christians seem so susceptible to conspiracy theories. Plus, as always, check out the best reads in the world of faith news.

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EU hypocrisy? Factory Farming Continues, but Kosher and Halal Traditions Nixed

(OPINION) Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are growing threats in Europe. The EU outlawed certain kosher protocols that also follow halal guidelines — expressing implicit bias towards animals over devout religious people. Though, they may need to prioritize cruelty during the animal’s life over cruelty during the animal’s death.

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Religious freedom is central to the Epiphany (and condemns the Capitol violence)

(OPINION) This season of Epiphany, which we are now in, affords us the opportunity to honor Christ’s manifestation and ministry in the world. Epiphanytide invites us to reflect on the role of religious freedom and religious literacy in Christ’s manifestation to the world. This is perhaps even more relevant in light of the Capitol violence last week.

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The Solution to Christian Nationalism? Better Theology

(OPINION) To combat a plague of Christian nationalism, seen on display in the recent Capitol violence, Christian leaders should teach the right Christian theology: that Christians should never seek to have the government privilege one religious group over another, God gives good ideas to all people, not only Christians, and our advocacy in the public square should not pretend everyone believes the Bible.

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Capitol Violence Calls Us To Recommit To Redeeming Institutions, Not Tearing Them Down

(OPINION) The violence at the Capitol on Wednesday was a horrific assault on our essential democratic institutions, but it calls attention to the importance of sustaining the institutions of government, even when those institutions themselves are flawed.

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The role of religion in President Donald Trump's tragic last stand

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the key religion angles related to Wednesday’s violence by a pro-Trump insurrectionist mob at the U.S. Capitol. Plus, check out all the week’s top reads in the world of faith.

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Massachusetts Court to rule on whether professors at religious colleges can have 'ministerial exemptions'

(OPINION) The high court’s ruling on whether Gordon College, an evangelical school, can require its professors to adhere to its doctrinal statement on LGBTQ relationships could have nationwide impacts. The arguments hinge on whether professors at religious institutions qualify for “ministerial exemption” from workplace anti-discrimination laws because of their role in faith formation of the students.

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Why Christian Faith Led A California Philanthropist To The YIMBY Movement

(OPINION) After I became a Christian in 1973, in my early 20s, I lost interest in politics for a while, because there were new spiritual dimensions of reality to investigate and map. But around 1978 something awakened my interest again. That was the campaign in Santa Ana, Calif., to run the Rescue Mission out of town. I realized that a lot of land use law in our country is based on a not very Christian concept of who is “undesirable neighbors.”

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