Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
Data analyst Ryan Burge compares the religiosity of countries in Europe to individual states in today’s top story. He does so by looking at church attendance and the number of people who say they consider religion very important to their lives.
Burge suggests it’s just the start to the larger conversation. “I hope this little data exercise can provide a spark of inspiration for a researcher who is interested in comparative religion. There is certainly a lot to learn by comparing the oddness of American religion to that religious composition of other countries,” he writes.
Don’t miss it!
How Secular Is Europe Compared To The United States?
(ANALYSIS) The countries in Europe that are more likely to attend religious services than the American average are Poland, Slovakia, Cyprus, Ireland and Italy. The rest have attendance rates that are much lower than the overall American attendance mark. by Ryan Burge
LeBron James Biopic A Slam-Dunk Success, But Ignores Important Faith Angles
(REVIEW) LeBron James’ coming-of-age story, directed by Chris Robinson and now streaming on Peacock, is both inspiring and entertaining. Whether you enjoy basketball or not, this biopic does a very good job keeping audiences vested in the success of James and his three best friends/teammates — even though you already know he’s going to go on to become an NBA star. Those looking for faith angles, however, will be left disappointed. by Clemente Lisi
Some Notes On The Great Southern California Mass Baptism Of 2023
(ANALYSIS) On the Sunday before Memorial Day, which was also the day of Pentecost, Christians inspired by “Jesus Revolution” decided that they ought to do a mass baptism at Pirates Cove, the same place a lot of the baptisms had taken place in the Jesus movement 50 years before. by Howard Ahmanson Jr.
Explainer: Why Incorruptibility Is Important To Catholics
(EXPLAINER) Thousands of people have spent the past few weeks waiting in line for hours in a small Missouri town to see a nun whose body has barely decomposed since she died in 2019 at age 95. Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster’s body was exhumed in April, according to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, in Gower, Missouri. What it all means is rooted in Catholic belief that something supernatural has taken place. by Clemente Lisi
IRFBA’s Bold Statement Addresses Rising Christian Persecution Worldwide
(ANALYSIS) The International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) earlier this month released a significant statement on the current worldwide persecution of Christians. It’s essence: Religious freedom is still comparatively neglected as a human right, and the ongoing persecution of Christians is relatively unknown. by Paul Marshall
The Disturbing Truth: Illinois Bishops Still Hiding Child-Molesting Clergy
(OPINION) Haven’t bishops — in Illinois and across the U.S. — learned that despite the best efforts of their high-priced lawyers and public relations professionals, victims are becoming increasingly empowered, civil attorneys are becoming more aggressive and creative, law enforcement is becoming more determined, and those who commit and conceal assaults on children are becoming “outed” more and more? by David Clohessy
Traversing The Uganda Martyrs Trail
Millions of pilgrims honor the 45 Catholic and Anglican men who were sentenced to death by Kabaka Mwanga II of the Buganda Kingdom. Ugandan reporter Deborah Laker walks in the footsteps of the 22 Catholic martyrs and unearths the tale of religious devotion, complex relationships and colonial oppression. by Deborah Laker
Pastor Rick Warren Tackles Southern Baptist Church’s Mass Decline In New Video Series
Warren’s video series, named “SBC at the Crossroads,” aims to state the problems plaguing the Baptist denomination and examine a biblical path to revive and revitalize the hearts of Baptist Church congregants, and thereby the entire denomination. by Rafa Oliveira
Judge Rules Observant Sikhs Can Wear Beards, Turbans And Serve In The US Marines
The issue is one that not only impacts Sikhs but Jews, Muslims and some members of neo-Nordic faiths that prescribe facial hair for men. The U.S. Army in 2017 and the Air Force in 2020 enacted new uniform policies respectively to allow beards, hijabs, turbans and other articles of faith to be worn while in military uniform. The U.S. Navy and Marines still only provide limited religious accommodations for sailors or marines who would like to practice their faith. by Joseph Hammond
'Flamin’ Hot' Gives Refreshing Hispanic Representation In Sadly Underwhelming Biopic
(REVIEW) “Flamin’ Hot” portrays faith as a central part of Richard Montanez’s life and depicts his faith as real and important. Whether it’s his abusive father clinging to faith to cover up his previous alcoholism, or the strength that his wife gains from her faith, or Richard eventually acknowledging God’s hand in the good that has happened to them and praying together with his wife, Richard’s faith matters. by Joseph Holmes
LeBron James Biopic A Slam-Dunk Success, But Ignores Important Faith Angles
(REVIEW) LeBron James’ coming-of-age story, directed by Chris Robinson and now streaming on Peacock, is both inspiring and entertaining. Whether you enjoy basketball or not, this biopic does a very good job keeping audiences vested in the success of James and his three best friends/teammates — even though you already know he’s going to go on to become an NBA star. Those looking for faith angles, however, will be left disappointed. by Clemente Lisi
Hulu Series Shows The Gravity Of Hillsong’s High And Low Notes
(REVIEW) “The Secrets of Hillsong” uncovers Hillsong culture, abuse and Carl Lentz. The four-part documentary dropped on May 19th. Since Carl Lentz’s fall from grace due to his affair with Ranin Karim, many celebrity gossip and media voices have chimed in to tell Lentz’s story. For the first time since the scandals, both Carl and Laura Lentz tell their own stories in the documentary. by Princess Jones
Drug Addiction Surges In Contested Regions Of Jammu And Kashmir
According to the latest figures given in the Parliament, the region with a population of 14 million has almost 1 million drug addicts. The consequence of such a massive upswing in drug addiction has taken a heavy toll on a society pounded by conflict and political uncertainty. by Zaffar Iqbal
✡️ Tree Of Life Synagogue Massacre: Fear And Heroism Recounted At Death Penalty Trial 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights testimony in the death penalty trial in the Tree of Life synagogue massacre. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith. Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
Thanks again for reading!
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