Does 'The Chosen' have new competition?
Amazon Prime's 'The House of David'
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
Amazon has exclusive streaming rights to the hit series “The Chosen” — and now the service is branching out into faith-based projects on its own.
It now boasts the new “House of David,” which explores the early life of biblical figure David before he became king. “The show impressively manages the difficult task of being a sword-and-sandals adventure fantasy that balances the needs of a faith-based and action-adventure audience,” writes critic Joseph Holmes.
There are inevitable comparisons between these two Bible adaptations, of course, which are explored further in today’s top story.
Why Amazon Prime’s ‘House of David’ Series May Be Even Better Than ‘The Chosen’
(REVIEW) The show impressively manages the difficult task of being a sword-and-sandals adventure fantasy that balances the needs of a faith-based and action-adventure audience. The story of David and Israel’s relationship with God is central, and the story creates a world that feels grounded, while still existing among giants and magic as relayed in the Hebrew Bible. The action is good while keeping itself PG-13, and the story is exciting while keeping it faithful to the Biblical themes. by Joseph Holmes
Why Trump Remains African Churches’ Favorite Political Leader
While the president takes a beating on social media for his USAID cuts, African pastors are silencing those blaming Trump for it. “President Trump is doing what must be done for the good of his country,” said Tinashe Hungwe, a cleric in Zimbabwe. “It is high time to make our governments accountable and provide for their people not to blame the U.S.” by Calvin Manika
The Pantheon: Inside The Monument To Rome’s Legacy And Christian Transformation
Located in the heart of Rome, this architectural wonder has stood the test of time as both a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture and also a site of religious transformation. Over 2,000 years later, the Pantheon stands as a bridge between two worlds: The pagan Romans and the Christianized West. Its architectural brilliance and religious significance make it one of the most fascinating landmarks and a must-visit for Catholics traveling for the Jubilee. by Clemente Lisi
John Symth’s Victims And Their Families In Zimbabwe Hope For Closure
For decades, the Nyachuru family has hoped for closure, which has proved to be elusive. When the scathing Makin Report released this past November — which ultimately resulted in the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby — recommended that the Church of England also probe the atrocities committed by Smyth in Zimbabwe, the family was hopeful. by Cyril Zenda
What ‘Conclave’ Didn’t Show You: Inside The Secret Process Of Electing A Pope
(EXPLAINER) You’ve seen the movie “Conclave” — but what does a real one look like? A papal conclave is one of the most unique and secretive processes in the world, bringing together cardinals who gather under intense pressure to choose a new pope. Unlike the film, the tradition is meant to ensure the election is conducted in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection. by Clemente Lisi
Illinois Landlord Found Guilty Of Murdering 6-year-old Muslim Boy
In a case that underscored deep concerns over anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States, a 73-year-old Illinois landlord was convicted Friday of murder and committing a hate crime following the killing of a 6-year-old boy. by Clemente Lisi
The Timeless Resistance Of Kabir: A Cultural Movement For Unity And Justice
Kabir’s ability to transcend religious and social boundaries is why his poetry continues to resonate today, even 500 years after his death. According to legend, when Kabir died, both Hindus and Muslims fought over his body, each wanting to claim it according to their respective religious customs. When the shroud covering his body was removed, however, only flowers were found beneath, symbolizing the unity that Kabir’s teachings continue to inspire. by Matthew Peterson
How The Sufi Community In Chile Prepares For Ramadan [in Spanish here]
As Ramadan approaches, a Sufi community in Chile is grappling with the challenges of preparing for fasting in a non-Muslim country. Catholic-majority Chile knows little about Ramadan, the holy month in the Islamic lunar calendar in which Muslims fast just before sunrise until the setting of the sun. They also abstain from sexual relations during the fast and avoid cursing, fighting or arguing. by Graciela Ibáñez
After Years Of Decline, Share Of US Christians Stabilizes
As the U.S. continues to evolve religiously, the Pew study underscores the complex and shifting nature of religious belief and practice in America. While Christianity remains the dominant faith, trends suggest that the future may hold further diversification — something fueled by immigration, secularization and the beliefs of Gen Z. by Clemente Lisi
Stephen King’s Adaptation Of ‘The Monkey’ Serves Up An Existentialist Anti-Faith Film
(REVIEW) When the characters discover the monkey can kill people, they start trying to figure out how it works, to discover its rules so they can play the game and win. But the monkey doesn’t have rules. The characters who cause the suffering in this movie are the ones who try to impose order and meaning on these meaningless death. And it’s when characters accept death and its pointless randomness that the carnage stops and reconciliation occurs. by Joseph Holmes
😲 Surprise! What We Learned (And Didn’t) From A Big New Study on Religion In America 🔌
Some of the nation’s top religion writers offer insights on what they found surprising — and not surprising — in the Pew Research Center’s massive Religious Landscape Study. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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