From Lagos to London
How African churches are shaping Western Christianity
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
“This is the age of reverse mission,” said Dr. John Mbiti, the late Kenyan theologian. “Africa is no longer just a receiver of the Gospel — it is now a major sender.”
In today’s top story, see the truth of that statement as African Christians create vibrant communities of faith around the world. Contributor Joseph Maina writes on how these communities are enriching the lives of those who are part of them and shaping global Christianity as a whole.
How African Churches Are Shaping Western Christianity From Lagos To London
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Christianity flowed from Europe and North America to Africa, often carried by missionaries. But in the 21st century, the pattern has reversed. African-led churches are now sending their own missionaries abroad, and many are planting churches in many former colonial capitals. by Joseph Maina
Pope Leo XIV Is American: Does That Matter?
How will Leo’s formative three decades in the United States before life in Peru and Rome shape his church of 1.4 billion souls? Yes, the cardinals must be thinking an American could solve the Holy See’s $98 million annual deficit, severely underfunded pensions, and declining donations. They may also hope his solid administrative experience might tame the curia, the Vatican’s notoriously Italianate “deep state.” by Richard Ostling
More Than Mindfulness: How Buddhism Became Involved In Warfare
“Buddhism: A Journey through History” presents a rich tapestry of thematic stories that span topics such as the law, philosophy, war and governance. These narratives will surprise and engage readers with their depth, detail and rigorous scholarship. The writing is both clear and accessible, making this book suitable for a broad audience and history junkies alike. by Thien Bui
Special Report: Amid Decline, Clergy Reimagine A Future Through Connection
Your view of the health of American Christian congregations and of their clergy may very much depends on the angle taken: Up from the orchestra or looking down from the balcony. One thing seems evident: In a country in which Christian affiliation has declined (though there are signs it has stabilized) many Catholic and Protestant clergy face significant challenges. by Elizabeth Eisenstadt Evans
Streaming Killed Attention Spans And Community: Is Faith Next?
(ANALYSIS) Across America, a growing number of people of all ages are communing with the Holy Spirit via their smartphones and laptops. Once the stuff of pews and pulpits, faith now flows through fiber optics. It’s convenient, sure. No parking, no crowds, no early wake-ups. But is it really church? The answer appears to be no — a resounding no. by John Mac Ghlionn
China’s Boarding Schools And The Forced Separation Of Tibetan Children
China is operating a vast network of “colonial” boarding schools across Tibet that forcibly removes children—including those as young as four—from their families, a new report released Wednesday claims. The report, published by the U.S.-based Tibet Action Institute, says the system is designed not for education access but for political assimilation, cutting children off from their language, culture and religion. by Vishal Arora
Belief, Belonging And Practice: Burge’s New Book Maps Religion In Modern America
(REVIEW) It’s been said, “You may not care about politics, but politics cares about you.” The same is true of religion. If you want to better understand your neighbors — and the cultural and political forces shaping America — “The American Religious Landscape” is the primer you’ve been looking for. Despite all the data, it’s also a book that does not disappoint. by Joseph Holmes
Do Jewish And Muslim Leaders Engage In Metaphysical Battles?
What motivated the smashing on April 23 of the main gate to Damascus’s historic Jewish cemetery and the digging of a pit disturbing the tomb of renowned mystic Rabbi Hayyim ben Joesph Vital? The desecration can be understood as part of the history of Jewish and Muslim leaders battling on the metaphysical astral plain in parallel to the normative Israeli-Arab military conflict. by Gil Zohar
On Religion: The Collapse Of The Anglican Church In Canada
(ANALYSIS) In the year of our Lord 1967, the Anglican Church of Canada had 1,218,666 members and 272,400 worshippers on a typical Sunday. In a recent report, the church found 294,382 members on parish rolls and 58,871 people attending Sunday worship services. It has been decades since Anglicanism was a dominant form of Christianity in Canada. by Terry Mattingly
Is Malaysia Failing To Keep Women Away From Islamist Extremism?
(ANALYSIS) A recent report by U.N. Women revealed that female empowerment has been a top priority in Malaysia, the southeast Asian country of 35 million people. From running tech startups, costume and jewelry businesses to driving public buses, women in Muslim-dominated Malaysia are largely economically, socially and culturally independent. by Sonia Sarkar
How ‘The Last Rodeo’ Perfects Angel Studios’ Faith-Based Formula
(REVIEW) The film does fall into some contrived tropes. It’s never really adequately explained why they don’t initially try to get donations for the surgery (or help from Joe’s super-rich friend). But it doesn’t lean as far into these as most do, and the authenticity of how the characters behave in these situations makes up for it. “The Last Rodeo” is the best Angel Studios movie to date and one of the better faith-based industry films ever made. by Joseph Holmes
A New Book Attempts To Restore The Girl Behind The ‘Many Lives’ Of Anne Frank
(REVIEW) “The Many Lives of Anne Frank” is trenchant, elegant and relevant — beautifully written, almost like a novel. Franklin achieves the seemingly impossible: Allowing the reader to see the flesh-and-blood Anne — complex, rambunctious, talkative, critical, acerbic, funny and vivacious — rather than the homogenized and sentimentalized figure enshrined in pop culture. by Brian Bromberger
⚾️ ‘New Pope, New Me’: Devout Catholic Baseball Star Finds His Hitting Groove 🔌
Texas Rangers slugger Jake Burger’s return to form coincided with the election of a fellow Midwesterner as the first U.S.-born pope. Faith is ingrained in the devout Catholic athlete and his family. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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