ð¡ Illuminated cathedrals
These immersive art installations are bringing people into churches
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
Luxmuralis, a collaborative group of artists including a fine artist, composer and sound artist, is helping illuminate cathedrals in the UK. Immersive art installations projected on the walls of these cathedrals are meant to guide visitors through the building and evoke a âspiritual response.â The lights are responsible for bringing people into these places of worship â many who are visiting for the very first time.
In todayâs top story, Angela Youngman writes on these installations and the impact theyâre having on visitors and churches.
UK Cathedrals Using Illuminations To Draw New Visitors
Cathedrals across Britain are discovering that light installations are attracting visitors of all faiths â and many who have none and in some cases have never entered a Christian house of worship before. These immersive light spectacles have become increasingly common across the country during the dark winter months. by Angela Youngman
US Has Low Levels Of âReligious Nationalism,â But Its Impact Stands Out
The United States has a ârelatively low level of religious nationalismâ compared to other countries, but its impact on politics and society is particularly notable among high-income nations. The Pew Research Study released on Tuesday examined the role of religion worldwide by surveying people across 36 countries. by Clemente Lisi
Amid LA Wildfires, Houses Of Worship Serve Communities Devastated By Destruction
(ANALYSIS) Syriaâs sudden shift in leadership has introduced the Islamist worldâs rising star: Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, the leader of HTS. Despite Jawlaniâs soft-spoken promises of peace and prosperity, his history is both alarming and ominous. by Matthew Peterson
SMU Breaks From United Methodist Church, But Can It Retain Its âMethodistâ Identity?
(ANALYSIS) A Texas Supreme Court hearing marked the climax of a significant six-year legal battle. SMU has declared its independence from the United Methodist Church, ending a 114-year connection while planning to retain its âMethodistâ name. Regardless of the decision, one question remains: In what respects is SMU a âMethodistâ or a âChristianâ university beyond acknowledging its heritage? by Richard Ostling
âThe Familiar Strangerâ Reintroduces A Familiar Debate About The Holy Spirit
(REVIEW) Pastor Tyler Statonâs new book makes a compelling case for placing the Holy Spirit at the center of Christian life. Unfortunately, much of what it says also validates the fears of those skeptical about Spirit-filled theology. In times of perceived decline, people search for answers on how to reverse it. Many in the church and the Western world view Christianity and Western civilization as being in cultural retreat. One of the proposed solutions is "re-enchantment.â by Joseph Holmes
âWe Believe In The Man Upstairsâ: Why Many NFL Quarterbacks Are Practicing Christians
The high number of practicing Christian quarterbacks in the NFL is a multifaceted phenomenon rooted in cultural, social and personal factors. Christianity offers these men a foundation for moral guidance, mental fortitude and a sense of community â all of which are essential to the demanding life of an NFL quarterback and win a Super Bowl. by Clemente Lisi
Why African Governments Are Seeking To Repeal Tax Exemptions For Churches
In November, Zimbabweâs Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced that starting this month, churches in the country would be expected to pay taxes. The announcement caused apprehension among religious leaders, prompting the countryâs tax agency, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, to clarify that the new tax would apply only to churchesâ trading income, not tithes and offerings. by Cyril Zenda
On Religion: How The Babylon Bee Toppled Digital Dominoes With Elon Muskâs Help
(ANALYSIS) While many critics accuse the Babylon Bee of spreading political misinformation â the website's motto is âFake News You Can Trustâ â controversies about its work usually center on clashes between religious doctrines and powerful trends in modern life, such as the sexual revolution. by Terry Mattingly
Exclusive: The Kingâs College Launches âGo-Forward Planâ In An Effort To Reopen
The Kingâs College â the four-year evangelical school in New York City forced to shut its doors to students in 2023 under a mountain of debt â is seeking to resume operations in an effort to âcreate a significant center for Christian higher learning.â The school temporarily closed in 2023 following a budget shortfall. The search for a partner has been a fruitless one for Kingâs in the past. by Clemente Lisi
Kashmirâs Quiet Resilience And Spirituality Amid Conflict
As Ramadan approaches, the prayers of Kashmirâs people resonate more deeply than ever. They pray for peace, not just for themselves, but for a future where their children can live without fear. These prayers are imbued with the hope that one day, the beauty of their homeland will no longer be overshadowed by its pain. Until that day comes, their faith remains a beacon of hope in a land of unyielding beauty and resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of a people determined to find peace amid the chaos. by Zaffar Iqbal
ðºðž God And Trump: 5 Revealing Quotes From Inaugural Week ð
President Donald Trumpâs latest inaugural speech was notable not for its inclusion of God but for the specific personal nature of what he said. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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