⚾️ A pitch to follow Jesus
Baseball fans embrace faith testimonies from players
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
For a majority of the 30 teams in the Major Baseball League in the U.S., faith days have become a popular annual event. On a traditional faith day, fans come before the game and hear players share their testimonies with the inclusion of prayer and worship music.
In today’s top story, columnist Bobby Ross Jr. goes inside Home Plate Detroit — the faith day for the Tigers — and speaks to fans and hosts alike about the mission and impact of these faith-friendly events.
“I like to hear their testimonies,” one fan said. “Even when I see them on TV, I remember what they say, and it brings me a smile.”
A Pitch To Follow Jesus: Baseball Fans Embrace Players’ Faith Testimonials
On a recent 78-degree Saturday afternoon, a U.S. flag and the Detroit Tigers’ four World Series championship banners — from 1935, 1945, 1968 and 1984 — flapped in the Comerica Park breeze. For nearly four decades, Home Plate Detroit has brought fans together to pray and hear player testimonials. In the Motor City and elsewhere, these events mix a faith-based message with a major league game. by Bobby Ross Jr.
Feeding The Flock: A Nigerian Priest Uses Farming To Deliver Hope
Zachariah Fufeyin, a priest hailing from the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi in southern Nigeria, had only one mission when he started livestock farming at Our Lady of the Waters Farm in November 2019: To help the poor and provide animal protein to low-income families. by Ekpali Saint
‘Bad Shabbos’ A Funny Movie That Covers Familiar Territory For Jewish Comedies
(REVIEW) While “Bad Shabbos” is very funny, little about it really breaks new ground, as it primarily leans on the classic tropes and themes of a Jewish “meet the parents” comedy. The movie also has some tonal awkwardness between the relatively grounded characters and dialogue mixed with its rather unbelievable farcical premise and series of escalating decisions. by Joseph Holmes
Imam’s Fight For Kids’ Education Following Mosque Demolition
Zakir Hussain, the imam of the ancient Akhunji Mosque in Mehrauli, a section of South Delhi, has a vivid memory of Jan. 31, 2023. He described the terrible events of that morning, when the Delhi Development Authority destroyed not only the centuries-old mosque — but also the nearby Madrasa Bahrul Uloom and the cemetery next to it. by Amit Pandey
On Religion: While Calling For Unity, Pope Leo XIV Encounters Divisions
With the fisherman's ring and the lambswool pallium over his shoulders, these links to John Paul II helped Leo XIV stress the need for unity and core Catholic traditions. Nonetheless, he faces painful challenges even while calling for unity. by Terry Mattingly
What My Screen Time Exposed About Our Spiritual Crisis
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1 in 3 Americans Turn To Astrology Or Tarot Cards For Spiritual Help
Nearly one in three U.S. adults say they consult astrology, tarot cards or fortune tellers at least once a year — though most do so for entertainment rather than a form of religious guidance, according to a new survey. The Pew Research Center study found that 30% engage with at least one form of metaphysical or mystical insight annually. However, Pew researchers noted that few Americans report making major life decisions based on what they learn from these practices. by Clemente Lisi
Dalit Christians Using Social Media To Challenge Caste Oppression
In India, caste oppression is a persistent and insidious reality that continues to affect millions, even in communities that formally reject caste divisions. The Christian community, which upholds the belief in equality before God, is not exempt from this social inequality. Dalit Christians, in particular, face discrimination and exclusion — even within church spaces. However, a growing number of Dalit Christians are challenging this oppression. by Nyshma Noir and Rishabh Jain
⚾️ Reporting On Baseball And Faith: A Religion Writer Combines Two Loves 🔌
Our Weekend Plug-in columnist loves baseball. And he loves reporting on faith. Combining the two? He calls that a home run. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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