Holy Relics

Already established as perhaps the most important voice in contemporary American Evangelical Christianity, Rick Warren last week pressed the button that he hopes will take his “brand” to the ends of the earth. read more…

A greater focus on candidates’ faith is generally applauded, but some cite reasons for caution. read more…

Maj. Khalid Shabazz is one of only five Muslim chaplains in the U.S. Army. Shabazz says it hasn’t always been easy to be a Muslim in the military, and his faith has placed him under a microscope wherever he’s been based.

Maj. Khalid Shabazz is one of only five Muslim chaplains in the U.S. Army. Shabazz says it hasn’t always been easy to be a Muslim in the military, and his faith has placed him under a microscope wherever he’s been based.

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Have you ever wondered why Hare Krishnas don’t eat meat, or how the movement differs from other strains of Hinduism? Read a primer on the Hare Krishna movement and its practices and beliefs.

Have you ever wondered why Hare Krishnas don’t eat meat, or how the movement differs from other strains of Hinduism? Read a primer on the Hare Krishna movement and its practices and beliefs.

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For the first time since the presidential election of 1988, the observant white Catholic vote might be up for grabs this November. read more…

Justices appear to be leaning toward forbidding doctors from denying treatment based on their religious views. read more…

Gov. David A. Paterson has directed all state agencies to begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, like Massachusetts, California and Canada. read more…

The Rev. Rod Parsley paces the stage, wiping his forehead and shouting to his congregation in a taped sermon that marriage is under attack by “tortured and angry homosexuals.” read more…

Tags: hebrew, Hindu, Islam, metaphysics

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A Texas appeals court ruled Thursday that the state had no right to take more than 400 children from a polygamist ranch. The court said the state did not prove that all the removals of children from their parents were justified. The ruling could mean the children are returned to their parents within 10 days.

A Texas appeals court ruled Thursday that the state had no right to take more than 400 children from a polygamist ranch. The court said the state did not prove that all the removals of children from their parents were justified. The ruling could mean the children are returned to their parents within 10 days.

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A huge immigration raid last week on the country’s largest kosher slaughterhouse could have a substantial impact on the thousands of Jews who follow Jewish dietary laws, as well as on non-Jews who purchase kosher meat. read more…

The Chinese government is refusing to issue visas to Hindus trying to make the traditional summer pilgrimage to what they hold to be the home of Lord Shiva in Tibet, forcing thousands to delay or cancel the trip. read more…

After enduring criticism for weeks, John McCain broke Thursday with two controversial televangelists whose endorsements he once trumpeted in a bid to win support from religious conservatives. read more…

Lt. Col. Steve Beck is a casualty assistance officer for the Marines. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jim Sheeler wrote Final Salute, which chronicles Beck’s difficult job consoling the families of fallen soldiers.

Lt. Col. Steve Beck is a casualty assistance officer for the Marines. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jim Sheeler wrote Final Salute, which chronicles Beck’s difficult job consoling the families of fallen soldiers.

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Tags: religious products, christianity, Islam, religious artifacts

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Ala. governor says churches, not state, must rehab prisoners
Gov. Bob Riley on Tuesday (May 20) asked Alabama churches to shoulder the burden of caring for newly released inmates, saying the state lacks the flexibility and funds to help them successfully re-enter society.
Source: pewforum.org

A Buddhist Vision of the Myanmar Cyclone
Ashin Thitzana, a Burmese monk in the Los Angeles-area, offers an interpretation of the tragedy.

Ashin Thitzana, a Burmese monk in the Los Angeles-area, offers an interpretation of the tragedy.

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Source: www.npr.org

China Blocks Thousands of Hindus From Tibet Pilgrimage
The Chinese government is refusing to issue visas to Hindus trying to make the traditional summer pilgrimage to what they hold to be the home of Lord Shiva in Tibet, forcing thousands to delay or cancel the trip.
Source: pewforum.org

A New Face of Judaism in a Southern Illinois Town
More than 50 black residents of the town of Cairo recently converted to Judaism. Without a synagogue nearby, the converts traveled six hours each week to study with a rabbi. In the process, some lost their jobs.

More than 50 black residents of the town of Cairo recently converted to Judaism. Without a synagogue nearby, the converts traveled six hours each week to study with a rabbi. In the process, some lost their jobs.

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Source: www.npr.org

Cross could adorn state license plates
The cross could soon grace a state specialty license plate.
Source: pewforum.org

Hare Krishna for Dummies
Have you ever wondered why Hare Krishnas don’t eat meat, or how the movement differs from other strains of Hinduism? Read a primer on the Hare Krishna movement and its practices and beliefs.

Have you ever wondered why Hare Krishnas don’t eat meat, or how the movement differs from other strains of Hinduism? Read a primer on the Hare Krishna movement and its practices and beliefs.

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Source: www.npr.org

Polygamy-Sect Children Stuck in Limbo
Judges this week are beginning to hold status hearings for every child taken from a West Texas compound. Polly Rae O’Toole is one of more than 350 pro bono lawyers representing the children. She says families face an “impossible situation” and has filed a motion to return the child she’s defending to her mother, immediately.

Judges this week are beginning to hold status hearings for every child taken from a West Texas compound. Polly Rae O’Toole is one of more than 350 pro bono lawyers representing the children. She says families face an “impossible situation” and has filed a motion to return the child she’s defending to her mother, immediately.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: metaphysics, hebrew, religious products, holy relics

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Hezbollah Gunmen Take Control of Beirut
Tensions are high in Lebanon’s capital after three days of gun-battles have seen Hezbollah fighters taking control of much of the city. At least 11 are dead, and on Friday Hezbollah fighters attacked a pro-government TV station.

Tensions are high in Lebanon’s capital after three days of gun-battles have seen Hezbollah fighters taking control of much of the city. At least 11 are dead, and on Friday Hezbollah fighters attacked a pro-government TV station.

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Source: www.npr.org

Gay issue dividing Lutheran Church in Canada
A Lutheran church parish in Newmarket plans on ordaining a married gay man despite warnings it is breaking Church teachings and it will face disciplinary action, including expulsion, if it goes ahead.
Source: pewforum.org

Pastor John Hagee on Christian Zionism, Katrina
John Hagee believes the end of days, the Rapture and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ are imminent. He says that the rebirth of Israel and the restoration of Jerusalem are a prelude to the return of the Lord.

John Hagee believes the end of days, the Rapture and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ are imminent. He says that the rebirth of Israel and the restoration of Jerusalem are a prelude to the return of the Lord.

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Source: www.npr.org

Fla. to Consider Key Church-State Question
The potential repeal of a century-old Florida law barring state funding for religiously affiliated organizations is to be put before the voters there this fall, at the end of a lobbying battle that has attracted the attention of President Bush and has engaged a coalition of liberal or secular educational groups.
Source: pewforum.org

Disaster Tests Local Chinese Congregation’s Faith
A week ago, a massive earthquake hit the province of Sichuan in southwestern China, damaging a Christian church in the city of Chengdu. A recent visit reveals that although the quake also rocked parishioners’ faith, it did not destroy it.

A week ago, a massive earthquake hit the province of Sichuan in southwestern China, damaging a Christian church in the city of Chengdu. A recent visit reveals that although the quake also rocked parishioners’ faith, it did not destroy it.

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Source: www.npr.org

Jewish Court Questions Conversions
Hundreds – and, perhaps, thousands – of Jewish converts may soon have their status invalidated. The High Rabbinical Court in Israel has questioned the integrity of an official who oversaw their conversions. Rabbi Shaul Farber, director of the Jewish Life Information Center and Shaney Gilbert, who converted to Judaism 2005, discuss the case and its implications.

Hundreds – and, perhaps, thousands – of Jewish converts may soon have their status invalidated. The High Rabbinical Court in Israel has questioned the integrity of an official who oversaw their conversions. Rabbi Shaul Farber, director of the Jewish Life Information Center and Shaney Gilbert, who converted to Judaism 2005, discuss the case and its implications.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: Buddist, metaphysics, religious artifacts, hebrew

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The increase in world commodity prices has sparked an unusual crime wave in England. Thieves have been stealing the lead used as roofing material on the country’s older churches.

The increase in world commodity prices has sparked an unusual crime wave in England. Thieves have been stealing the lead used as roofing material on the country’s older churches.

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A federal appeals court took up an issue Wednesday with broad implications for how executions will be carried out nationwide: whether Virginia’s method of lethal injection induces an agonizing death. read more…

Tensions are high in Lebanon’s capital after three days of gun-battles have seen Hezbollah fighters taking control of much of the city. At least 11 are dead, and on Friday Hezbollah fighters attacked a pro-government TV station.

Tensions are high in Lebanon’s capital after three days of gun-battles have seen Hezbollah fighters taking control of much of the city. At least 11 are dead, and on Friday Hezbollah fighters attacked a pro-government TV station.

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The potential repeal of a century-old Florida law barring state funding for religiously affiliated organizations is to be put before the voters there this fall, at the end of a lobbying battle that has attracted the attention of President Bush and has engaged a coalition of liberal or secular educational groups. read more…

A group of conservative Christians released the statement to reclaim the word “evangelical.” Alex Cohen talks with one of the document’s signers about the manifesto’s goals.

A group of conservative Christians released the statement to reclaim the word “evangelical.” Alex Cohen talks with one of the document’s signers about the manifesto’s goals.

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The Catholic Church was once central to Spanish life. But Spain is changing?just like its neighbors. read more…

Investing in companies that align with one’s religious and moral beliefs is easier ? and more profitable ? than ever these days. read more…

Tags: Hindu, Buddist, religious products, holy relics

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Religious voters in Indiana and North Carolina held to familiar patterns in Democratic primary balloting Tuesday, with the controversy over Sen. Barack Obama’s relationship with his former pastor deepening the divide. read more…

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright told the National Press Club that attacks on him are really attacks on the black church. Earlier comments about race and the Sept. 11 attacks by Barack Obama’s former pastor have caused controversy for the presidential campaign.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright told the National Press Club that attacks on him are really attacks on the black church. Earlier comments about race and the Sept. 11 attacks by Barack Obama’s former pastor have caused controversy for the presidential campaign.

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Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius should not receive Communion until she publicly repudiates her support for abortion rights and confesses her error, said Roman Catholic Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kan. read more…

The primary cause of unhappiness in Britain is not lack of material wealth but a loss of faith in God and religion, a group of MPs says today. read more…

Lost in the hysteria over Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s remarks is the fact that the current race offers a rare snapshot of the three great strands of American political religion. read more…

The increase in world commodity prices has sparked an unusual crime wave in England. Thieves have been stealing the lead used as roofing material on the country’s older churches.

The increase in world commodity prices has sparked an unusual crime wave in England. Thieves have been stealing the lead used as roofing material on the country’s older churches.

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Tags: religious products, metaphysics, Hindu, Buddist

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The light being cast on China by the coming Summer Games is far brighter than the flickering Olympic flame now wending its way across that vast country. read more…

The cockeyed iron crucifix inside St. Miriam Catholic Church in Roxborough is just one clue that this is no ordinary Catholic parish. read more…

Taking her first communion led San Francisco writer Sara Miles to become a Christian. The idea of breaking bread with others inspired her to start a food pantry at her church. Miles believes we come to know God through service to strangers.

Taking her first communion led San Francisco writer Sara Miles to become a Christian. The idea of breaking bread with others inspired her to start a food pantry at her church. Miles believes we come to know God through service to strangers.

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Once a month, Manuel Maldonado leads a group on a spiritual retreat to the mountains in central Arizona, where out in nature members feel closer to God. read more…

Barack Obama made an impassioned break from his former pastor in a speech Tuesday in North Carolina. The Rev. Jeremiah Wright had made several public appearances over the past few days, none of which pleased the Obama campaign.

Barack Obama made an impassioned break from his former pastor in a speech Tuesday in North Carolina. The Rev. Jeremiah Wright had made several public appearances over the past few days, none of which pleased the Obama campaign.

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Members of a charity group threatened with arrest while trying to feed homeless people at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point have filed a federal lawsuit against state parks officials, claiming interference with their constitutional rights. read more…

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s former pastor, defends the sermon that has become a source of political turmoil. He faced off with reporters during an appearance at the National Press Club.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s former pastor, defends the sermon that has become a source of political turmoil. He faced off with reporters during an appearance at the National Press Club.

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Tags: hebrew, christianity, religious products, wiccan

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Much attention has been paid to China?s human rights violations, including its suppression of religious freedom, ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August. read more…

One Anglican cleric thinks churches can do more to help the Earth, and he’s trying to convince ministries around the world to start preaching a change in the way people live.

One Anglican cleric thinks churches can do more to help the Earth, and he’s trying to convince ministries around the world to start preaching a change in the way people live.

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At the east end of the giant Wal-Mart parking lot in this northern Indiana town of about 32,000, there’s a metal-roofed building accommodating as many as 20 horse-drawn buggies. read more…

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright told the National Press Club that attacks on him are really attacks on the black church. Earlier comments about race and the Sept. 11 attacks by Barack Obama’s former pastor have caused controversy for the presidential campaign.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright told the National Press Club that attacks on him are really attacks on the black church. Earlier comments about race and the Sept. 11 attacks by Barack Obama’s former pastor have caused controversy for the presidential campaign.

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The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s former pastor, defends the sermon that has become a source of political turmoil. He faced off with reporters during an appearance at the National Press Club.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s former pastor, defends the sermon that has become a source of political turmoil. He faced off with reporters during an appearance at the National Press Club.

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More than 400 children remain in the care of the state after reports of child sexual abuse prompted a raid on a Texas polygamist compound. Authorities maintain that they are protecting the kids, but families argue there was no evidence of abuse. Guests and callers weigh in on what’s best for the children.

More than 400 children remain in the care of the state after reports of child sexual abuse prompted a raid on a Texas polygamist compound. Authorities maintain that they are protecting the kids, but families argue there was no evidence of abuse. Guests and callers weigh in on what’s best for the children.

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Taking her first communion led San Francisco writer Sara Miles to become a Christian. The idea of breaking bread with others inspired her to start a food pantry at her church. Miles believes we come to know God through service to strangers.

Taking her first communion led San Francisco writer Sara Miles to become a Christian. The idea of breaking bread with others inspired her to start a food pantry at her church. Miles believes we come to know God through service to strangers.

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The Rev. Jeremiah Wright recently said controversy over his sermons has nothing do with Sen. Barack Obama, his former congregant, but is instead an attack on “the black church.” While some black preachers agree with Wright, others say he is hardly mainstream.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright recently said controversy over his sermons has nothing do with Sen. Barack Obama, his former congregant, but is instead an attack on “the black church.” While some black preachers agree with Wright, others say he is hardly mainstream.

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Tags: christianity, religious artifacts, religious products, Hindu

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Evolution’s Critics Shift Tactics With Schools
They have spent years working school boards, with only minimal success. Now critics of evolution are turning to a higher authority: state legislators.
Source: pewforum.org

Alabama Immigration Law Causing Marriage Discord
In Alabama, there’s a new battle brewing in the immigration debate. Some counties have decided to enforce a decade-old law that requires a Social Security card to get a marriage license. The Catholic Church says this has led to a surge of couples living in sin.

In Alabama, there’s a new battle brewing in the immigration debate. Some counties have decided to enforce a decade-old law that requires a Social Security card to get a marriage license. The Catholic Church says this has led to a surge of couples living in sin.

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Source: www.npr.org

Protesters at Methodist conference in Fort Worth decry take on gays
Delegates struggle to determine role of gays, lesbians in the church.
Source: pewforum.org

Saving ‘God’s creation’ unites scientist, evangelical leader
A Nobel laureate scientist and a leader of the evangelical Christian movement walk into a restaurant.
Source: pewforum.org

Does Jeremiah Wright Speak for All Black Churches?
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright recently said controversy over his sermons has nothing do with Sen. Barack Obama, his former congregant, but is instead an attack on “the black church.” While some black preachers agree with Wright, others say he is hardly mainstream.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright recently said controversy over his sermons has nothing do with Sen. Barack Obama, his former congregant, but is instead an attack on “the black church.” While some black preachers agree with Wright, others say he is hardly mainstream.

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Source: www.npr.org

California teacher fired for refusing to sign loyalty oath
Cal State system ousts another instructor who objects on religious grounds to a pledge adopted by California in 1952 to root out communists.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: Buddist, hebrew, holy relics, metaphysics

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