Holy Relics

‘Time’ Poll: Romney, Obama of Strongest Faith
A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

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Source: www.npr.org

Ellison Returns from Trip to Iraq
Rep. Keith Ellison made a weekend trip to Iraq, where a pair of sheiks urged Congress’ only Muslim lawmaker to help in countering al-Qaeda’s vision of Islam.
Source: pewforum.org

L.A. Church to Settle Abuse Cases in Record Deal
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

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Source: www.npr.org

Fewer See Balance in Court’s Decisions
About half of the public thinks the Supreme Court is generally balanced in its decisions, but a growing number of Americans say the court has become “too conservative” in the two years since President Bush began nominating justices, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Source: pewforum.org

The Younger Generation Finds Religion
Recent articles have reported that young adults are turning to religion to the surprise — and sometimes chagrin — of their less-observant parents. Guests discuss God and the generation gap, and why parents aren’t always thrilled when their children become more observant.

Recent articles have reported that young adults are turning to religion to the surprise — and sometimes chagrin — of their less-observant parents. Guests discuss God and the generation gap, and why parents aren’t always thrilled when their children become more observant.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: religious products, Buddist, holy relics, hebrew

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Fewer See Balance in Court’s Decisions
About half of the public thinks the Supreme Court is generally balanced in its decisions, but a growing number of Americans say the court has become “too conservative” in the two years since President Bush began nominating justices, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Source: pewforum.org

Amnesty, Catholic Church Go to War over Abortion
Amnesty has dropped its neutral stance on abortion because it sees rape as a tool of war that results in unwanted pregnancies. Now a leading cardinal has called on Catholics to withdraw their longstanding support from the rights’ group.
Source: pewforum.org

A Safety Hazard or Special Treatment?
Students at a Michigan university have been washing their feet in bathroom sinks before prayers. Critics see preferential treatment.
Source: pewforum.org

China Detains Three Underground Priests, Group Says
China detained three “underground” Catholic priests unwilling to serve a state-controlled body, a U.S. group has reported, as Beijing and the Vatican press their claims on religious controls.
Source: pewforum.org

Future of Stem Cell Tests May Hang on Defining Embryo Harm
With the active encouragement of the Bush administration, U.S. scientists in the past year have developed several methods for creating embryonic stem cells without having to destroy human embryos. But some who now wish to test their alternatively derived cells have found themselves stymied by an unexpected barrier: President Bush’s stem cell policy.
Source: pewforum.org

Religion Looms Large Over 2008 Race
When George Romney ran for the 1968 Republican presidential nomination, his Mormon heritage was mostly a footnote. It was scarcely mentioned in news accounts of the day. But for son Mitt Romney, the family religion presents a formidable political hurdle.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: hebrew, religious products, Buddist, religious artifacts

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Taliban Hostages Were Visiting With Christian Group
The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

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Source: www.npr.org

Reporter’s Religion Beat Leads to Faith Crisis
Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

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Source: www.npr.org

L.A. Catholic Diocese to Pay $660M in Abuse Cases
In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

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Source: www.npr.org

Report: Religion Still Marginalized in Foreign Policy
U.S. foreign policy officials have shown an increased understanding of religion’s importance to American diplomacy, but the government’s activities in that area display a “lack of strategic thinking” that hampers efforts abroad, according to a new report.
Source: pewforum.org

Secularists Wary of Turkish Party’s Roots in Islam
The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

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Source: www.npr.org

Sex Abuse Divides, Unites Best Friends
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

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Source: www.npr.org

Catholics Concerned Latin Mass Not Progressive
Earlier this month, Pope Benedict approved two major documents that Vatican observers see as signals of a major theological shift in the Catholic Church. The Pope approved wider use of the old Latin mass and reasserted the primacy of the Roman Catholic Church above all other Christian religions.

Earlier this month, Pope Benedict approved two major documents that Vatican observers see as signals of a major theological shift in the Catholic Church. The Pope approved wider use of the old Latin mass and reasserted the primacy of the Roman Catholic Church above all other Christian religions.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: christianity, religious artifacts, metaphysics, Buddist

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Sixty percent of infertility patients are willing to donate extra embryos to research. read more…

America’s so-called “religious right” has been one of the pillars of Republican Party support in recent decades, but signs are emerging that those once secure foundations might be shifting. read more…

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

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The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

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Same-sex couples from New Mexico are now eligible to marry in Massachusetts, state officials ruled this month, after determining that the Southwestern state does not explicitly ban gay marriage. read more…

Tags: christianity, Islam, religious products, hebrew

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Some public schools and universities are granting Muslim requests for prayer times, prayer rooms and ritual foot baths, prompting a debate on whether Islam is being given preferential treatment over other religions. read more…

Despite an outcry from Roman Catholic and conservative leaders worldwide, Amnesty International seems likely to affirm a new policy supporting greater access to abortion when its top decision-making body meets next month. read more…

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

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As lawmakers and candidates appeal to religious voters, their language and policy goals on the issue have a ring of conservatism. read more…

America’s so-called “religious right” has been one of the pillars of Republican Party support in recent decades, but signs are emerging that those once secure foundations might be shifting. read more…

Bolstered by polls showing that a growing number of young evangelicals are turning away from the Republican Party, Democrats are on a campaign to reach them where they’re at — in school. read more…

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

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The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

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Tags: christianity, metaphysics, holy relics, wiccan

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Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

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The vast majority of Hispanics in this country – 68 percent – are Catholics, but that number used to be higher. NBC’s Don Teague reports why a growing number are drawn to a different way of worship. read more…

Muslim Americans are one of this country’s greatest strengths. But they’re vulnerable as never before. read more…

In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

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The Holy See announced earlier this month that it would soon become the world’s first “carbon neutral” sovereign state, planting trees in a Hungarian national park to offset the carbon-dioxide emissions and energy use of Vatican City. read more…

Earlier this month Pope Benedict approved two major documents that Vatican observers see as signals of a major theological shift in the Catholic Church. The Pope approved wider use of the old Latin mass and reasserted the primacy of the Roman Catholic Church above all other Christian religions.

Earlier this month Pope Benedict approved two major documents that Vatican observers see as signals of a major theological shift in the Catholic Church. The Pope approved wider use of the old Latin mass and reasserted the primacy of the Roman Catholic Church above all other Christian religions.

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Why American Muslims don’t care to legalize polygamy. read more…

Tags: Hindu, hebrew, holy relics, metaphysics

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Op-Ed: The European Problem
How American Muslims could become as alienated as European Muslims.
Source: pewforum.org

Economy Trumps Religion in Turkey
The ruling Islamic-rooted party won a landslide victory Sunday, raising more questions about the future of Turkey’s officially secular state.
Source: pewforum.org

Trial Under Way in Muslim Charity Case
A group that was once the nation’s largest Muslim charity went on trial on terrorism-support charges Tuesday, with federal prosecutors saying it hoped to destroy Israel and the defense claiming leaders sought advice on staying true to their humanitarian mission.
Source: pewforum.org

Reporter’s Religion Beat Leads to Faith Crisis
Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

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Source: www.npr.org

Thompson Gains Among Social Conservatives
Some of the nation’s most influential social conservatives say their movement is quickly coalescing around Fred Thompson, the former senator from Tennessee, for the Republican presidential nomination, a decision that would bolster his expected campaign with money and grass-roots support.
Source: pewforum.org

Missouri Retreats from Stem Cell Work
Eight months ago, Missouri seemed well on its way to becoming a national leader in stem cell research.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: Buddist, christianity, religious artifacts, wiccan

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Some scholars estimate that 4,000 Jews lived in Afghanistan a half-century ago. Today, 47-year-old Zabolon Simantov is believed to be the country’s only remaining Jewish resident.

Some scholars estimate that 4,000 Jews lived in Afghanistan a half-century ago. Today, 47-year-old Zabolon Simantov is believed to be the country’s only remaining Jewish resident.

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Some Pakistani girls from poor rural families are directing their passion against the government of the president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf. read more…

President Hugo Chavez called a cardinal from Honduras an “imperialist clown” after the Roman Catholic prelate warned of increasing authoritarianism under the Venezuelan leader. read more…

Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

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The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

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Tags: Buddist, Islam, wiccan, religious artifacts

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As ‘08 election nears, party weighs a more nuanced line on issue that divides U.S. read more…

A new sanctuary movement, which puts undocumented immigrants in protective custody, may revive the religious left. read more…

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

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Having left U.S., stem cell researcher finds British view is music to his ears. read more…

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

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Tired of being seen by religious voters as too secular or even hostile toward religion, the Democrat party and its presidential candidates have launched an all-out effort to win their votes. read more…

Tags: Hindu, holy relics, religious products, christianity

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In their contribution to a new book from the Brookings Institution called “Faith Matters,” Pew fellow John C. Green and three other scholars compare what they call “the core religious left” and secular liberals. read more…

Gov. Charlie Crist signed his first death warrant on Wednesday, seven months after a botched lethal injection prompted his predecessor to suspend capital executions in Florida. read more…

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

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Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

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Records show that former Senator Fred Thompson worked on behalf of a group seeking to ease rules on abortion counseling, though he has said he did not recall doing so. read more…

“In many ways, the Romney campaign and the emerging Thompson campaign are on a collision course when it comes to campaigning for this constituency of conservative Christians,” said John C. Green, senior fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. read more…

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