News Analysis
Attack on Rushdie shows divisions among Lebanese Shiites
By Bassem Mroue — August 17, 2022
BEIRUT (AP) — The religious edict, or fatwa, urging Muslims to kill Rushdie was issued in 1989 by Iran's then-spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who accused the author of blasphemy for his portrayal of the Prophet Muhammad in the novel 'The Satanic Verses.'
‘God’s Favorite Idiot’: Proof we need more religious comedies
By Jillian Cheney — June 28, 2022
(RNS) — The show is a reminder that not all stories with a religious message have to be somber or existential. Sometimes they can — and should be — as sweet and simple as pecan pie.
How Christian nationalism paved the way for Jan. 6
By Jack Jenkins — June 9, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The president seemed to frame himself as leading an existential fight against liberal foes, defending America from an attack on the Christian faith.
From the cushion to the couch: Buddhism’s powerful influence on psychotherapy
By Ira Rifkin — April 5, 2022
(RNS) — Your therapist might be a Buddhist, and you'd never know it.
They were killed by death squads in El Salvador four decades ago. Now, these martyrs are closer to sainthood.
By Alejandra Molina — March 11, 2022
(RNS) — As the four martyrs are one step closer to sainthood, Salvadorans in the United States hope the designation could inspire the Catholic Church to center the poor and marginalized.
‘If you build it they will come’ no longer works for baseball — or organized religion
By Bob Smietana — March 4, 2022
(RNS) — Faced with declining audiences and a troubled product, baseball — like organized religion — has turned on itself.
‘The Righteous Gemstones’ laughs with Christians, not at them
By Jillian Cheney — February 11, 2022
(RNS) — The Gemstones represent some truths about many filthy-rich televangelists and church leaders, priming them to be a perfect parable for Christianity, for those who have ears to hear.
George O. Wood, dead at 80, remembered as ‘door-opener’ in leadership of AG
By Erica Ramirez — January 16, 2022
(RNS) — The longtime general superintendent of the Assembles of God saw the Pentecostal denomination to its highest levels of membership and promoted the leadership of women and minorities.
Gay ‘Bachelor’ Colton Underwood says relationship with God is ‘best it’s ever been’
By Jillian Cheney — December 8, 2021
(RNS) — In the new Netflix show ‘Coming Out Colton,’ the former ‘Bachelor’ star looks to own his real identity and atone for past wrongs.
Andy Warhol as a gay artist in conflict with his Catholic faith
By Jillian Cheney — November 19, 2021
(RNS) — A new show at the Brooklyn Museum presents the pop-art master as a man caught between his Catholic faith and his queer identity.
What is the Nation of Islam and why is Marjorie Taylor Greene praising it?
By Paul O'Donnell — November 8, 2021
(RNS) — Anti-vaccine conspiracies and rampant populism represent definite parallels between the Georgia congresswoman's agenda and the Nation's.
Marilyn Manson, Ye and the art of the troll
By Ryan Hamm — November 3, 2021
(RNS) — These days, Ye's albums are largely minor blips on the radar. All his press is for the dumb things he does. It’s hard not to think that’s by design.
New ‘Dune’ movie gives us a messiah for uncertain times
By Jillian Cheney — October 27, 2021
(RNS) — Legions of fans of Frank Herbert’s mystical 1965 sci-fi novel have been waiting for someone to get the screen version right. The HBO Max adaptation goes a long way, with a few nods to modern sensibilities.
Pat Robertson turned Christian TV into political power — and blew it up with wacky prophecy
By Mark I. Pinsky — October 4, 2021
(RNS) — Robertson, who announced his intention to retire as daily host of 'The 700 Club,' transformed televangelism from hot, pulpit-pounding sermons to a cool format and used his platform to launch a run for president.
Mary, mother of Jesus, returns as an icon for pop stars and social justice warriors
By Whitney Bauck — July 26, 2021
(RNS) — She’s showing up on everything from guitar gear to luxury coats — and people of all backgrounds are flocking to her.
