Gazing at the heavens
The Vatican Observatory's mission
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
In today’s top story, executive editor Clemente Lisi delves into the Vatican Observatory — a special place outside of Vatican City that serves as the intersection of faith and science.
The Jesuits have a long history of this philosophical and scientific study, and Lisi explores this history, as well as the Observatory’s mission and their view of the stars and beyond.
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Gazing At The Heavens: The Vatican Observatory’s Mission To Study Faith And Science
Science and faith intersect at this special place. While some may find it strange that the Vatican has an observatory, the Catholic Church has been involved with science since the Jesuit order was founded in 1540. Saint Ignatius, for example, would spend hours on his balcony gazing at the night sky. by Clemente Lisi
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Resigns After Mishandling Abuse Scandal
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England, stepped down after an investigation found he had failed to notify civil authorities about serial physical and sexual abuse when he became aware of it. “It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby said. by Clemente Lisi
How John Bradburne Could Become Zimbabwe’s First Catholic Saint
“He loved them to the end.” While this Biblical verse found in John 13:1 is in reference to Jesus, it also sums up the life of John Bradburne, the British-born missionary martyred in Zimbabwe more than four decades ago that many are hopeful will become the country’s first Catholic saint. by Cyril Zenda
Blessed Bikes: How Pedaling Has Helped Churches Raise Money For Repairs
A one-time bike ride sponsored by Anglican churches in 1982 has proven so successful it has turned into annual event and copied across Great Britain. The original rides have grown from just cyclists. Thousands of walkers, runners, canoeists, horse riders and even vintage car enthusiasts seeking to visit as many churches as possible within a day took part in last month’s event. by Angela Youngman
Crossroads Podcast: What Changed With Trump’s Religion Numbers This Time?
As I watched Tuesday’s returns roll in, I kept noticing that much of the “news” in the 2024 election was actually old news for people who have been following the “Crossroads” podcast for the past decade. by Terry Mattingly
‘Agatha All Along’ Gives An Unusually Accurate Picture Of Witchcraft
(REVIEW) Despite its flaws, “Agatha All Along” gives a refreshingly honest look at grief, relationships, the false promises of power and selfishness. In a world that churns out superhero movies with nothing to say, this is a welcome thing. In a world that tries to idealize the witch lifestyle, this show gives a far more accurate take than most forms of media have the guts to. The world of “Agatha” is one without hope in the face of death. by Joseph Holmes
The Death Of A Muslim Cleric Again Raises Questions About Erdogan’s Rule
Fethullah Gulen was an Islamic cleric who had built a powerful global movement — but eventually found himself exiled in the U.S. and caught up in accusations that he had orchestrated a military coup against Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan. by Clemente Lisi
On Religion: Who Did Hell Endorse In This Year’s Election?
(ANALYSIS) Forget the opinions of newspaper czars. The question many voters needed to know in this feverish White House race was simple: Who did Hell endorse? Writing in the style of “The Screwtape Letters” by Christian apologist C.S. Lewis (in which a veteran tempter lectures lesser demons), Dominick Baruffi didn't answer the question. by Terry Mattingly
🇺🇸 Trump’s Comeback: What It Means For Immigrants, People Of Faith And The Press 🔌
This week’s Weekend Plug-in explores three key storylines after the election — again — of Donald Trump as president. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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Thanks again for reading!
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