Celebrating a Jewish renaissance
A look inside Zimbabwe's Lemba community
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
According to oral tradition, the Lemba people of Zimbabwe are descendants of seven Jewish men who left Judea over two thousand years ago and married African wives.
The community still exists today, practicing many of the regular traditions of Judaism, but some of its members have begun assimilating in urban communities. This assilmilation and the subsequent diminishing of community has encouraged the Lemba to intentionally connect with their Jewish roots. It’s sparked something of a renaissance in the community and a closeness connected to faith and religious practice.
In today’s top story, Zimbabwe contributor Cyril Zenda writes on the Lemba people, their growth as a community, and the challenges they still face.
The Jewish Renaissance Of Zimbabwe’s Lemba Community
Without any physical distinction from their neighbors and without any open religious congregations of their own, many Jews in Zimbabwe couldn’t resist the lure of joining mainstream society in which they lived. This assimilation trend by younger members of the Lemba community prompted soul searching by some, resulting in a decision to retrace the way back to their original Jewish faith. by Cyril Zenda
Paws In The Pews: Some Churches Have Gone Out Of Their Way To Welcome Dogs
It is said that all dogs go to heaven. At least, these two certainly will. In fact, Eric and Florence are no ordinary assistant attendants undertaking duties at England’s Tewkesbury Abbey located northwest of London. These special helpers are two Labrador dogs belonging to the head attendant, Chris Skepper, who come to work on a regular basis within the abbey. by Angela Youngman
‘Souls To The Polls’: Harris Highlights Her Faith In Bid To Connect With Voters
With two weeks left until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris has made visiting churches an integral stop along the campaign trail, urging voters to cast early ballots as part of her “souls to the polls” campaign. The push comes as Harris attempts to motivate Black Christians who have traditionally been a part of the Democratic Party’s voter base. by Clemente Lisi
A New Look At The Status Of Women Across Global Christianity
(ANALYSIS) Before this month’s synod at the Vatican, Pope Francis took the question of allowing women deacons off the agenda, referring this and other hot-button issues to study groups. That distressed many Catholic activists. Leaving aside this matter of ordained ministry, sisters in religious orders and lay women could fill many influential church posts monopolized by male priests. by Richard Ostling
Inside The Growing Rift Between Canada And India Over Sikh Separatists
(EXPLAINER) Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation last year that agents — acting on behalf of the Indian government — were connected to the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader near Vancouver sent relations between the nations spiraling. A year later, the rift has grown worse. by Clemente Lisi
Cosmic Comics: 3 Graphic Novels Highlighting Faith That Are Worth A Read
(ANALYSIS) In the company of endless superhero comics and Japanese pirate manga lives a delightfully sizable population of religious graphic novels. This is fitting, as perhaps the oldest comics are religious. Regardless of intention, what do ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics read like if not a comic strip? Here’s a look at three stories that touch upon faith. by Matthew Peterson
Crossroads Podcast: Is it ‘News’ That Many Religious Voters May Stay Home?
If an editor wanted to craft a headline that would ignite the telephone switchboards for conservative and Christian talk shows, this would probably be it: “Study says 32 million Christians likely not to vote.” by Terry Mattingly
‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ Wrestles With The Correct Religious Questions
(REVIEW) Forgiveness is widely considered one of the most difficult things to do in life — particularly when it comes to the relationship between parents and children. This is probably why so many films deal with the idea of reconciling with one’s parents. “Exhibiting Forgiveness” does a great job of honestly wrestling with the hardest questions around forgiveness. by Joseph Holmes
Trump Roasts Harris At Al Smith Dinner While Courting Catholics
Former President Trump headlined the New York Archdiocese’s annual Al Smith charity dinner on Thursday night, trading a few jabs with Vice President Kamala Harris while also using the event as an opportunity to connect with Catholic voters. Harris did not attend the event in person and instead appeared in a pre-recorded video. by Clemente Lisi
On Religion: An ‘Old News’ Protestant Voting Mashup For The Election
(ANALYSIS) It was the rare Trump quote that caused groans as it rocketed through conservative media. But this soundbite came from an upcoming memoir from former first lady Melania Trump: “Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body? A woman's fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy.” by Terry Mattingly
✈️ Planes, Trains And Automobiles (Even Motorcycles): The Road To Religion News 🔌
Weekend Plug-in columnist Bobby Ross Jr. recounts his adventures as a roving religion reporter. Ross has covered news and features in all 50 states and 18 countries. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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