Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
The first Christian college established in India opened in 1818. Many of these organizations are still open today, but they face significant challenges: according to the United Christian Forum for Human Rights, there have been 161 reported incidents of anti-Christian discrimination and persecution in the country during the first 75 days of 2024.
In today’s top story, Delhi-based contributor Rishabh Jain reports on the history of Christian schools in India and how they’ve contributed to higher learning — as well as the ways they’re forced to fight for the ability to practice Christian beliefs.
From Mission To Movement: The Legacy Of Christian Schools On Indian Education
The enduring presence and contribution of Christian schools across India, a majority Hindu nation, highlights their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s educational landscape. Despite facing challenges and opposition, these institutions continue to provide quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. Here's a look at the history of these schools and their enduring legacy to Indian society. by Rishabh Jain
New Report Sheds Light On The Role Of Faith In A Polarized US
A new report issued on Tuesday found that religious beliefs aren’t motivated by politics and that a series of “misconceptions” has left Americans polarized. More in Common, a nonpartisan research organization, released the report where more than 6,000 Americans were polled just two months before the presidential election. by Clemente Lisi
New Book Makes This Case: Can You Be A Feminist And A Practicing Catholic?
Julia Hanlon Rubio begins her book, “Can You Be a Catholic and a Feminist?” with the conundrum that women are senators, Supreme Court justices, presidential candidates, world-class athletes, CEOs, professors and artists — yet how is it possible that the Catholic Church underutilizes women’s gifts? by Brian Bromberger
‘Without Faith, Life Is A Predictable Tragedy’: Q&A With Italian Singer Andrea Bocelli
Bocelli is often referred to as the most world-famous Italian national alive, which is not surprising if you think that he has managed to sell more than 90 million albums worldwide in a career that spans over 25 years. Motivated by his Christian faith, Bocelli's ability to connect with audiences worldwide has made him an international star. by Silvia Pingitore
‘Maxxxine’ Concludes Horror Trilogy With A Useless In-Your-Face Religious Message
(ANALYSIS) Audience members may walk away from the first two movies in the “X” trilogy believing they’re meant to have picked up on a meaning. Maybe something about purity culture, womanhood or aging; maybe a warning about the perils of chasing stardom. But even the intended message is unclear. by Jillian Cheney
Pope Francis Instructs US Voters On Election Choice: Pick ‘The Lesser Evil’
Pope Francis — following his historic 12-day trip to Southeast Asia — chimed in on the upcoming U.S. presidential election, instructing U.S. Catholics to use their “conscience” when voting and to choose the “lesser evil.” The pope’s remarks came days after the very first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. by Clemente Lisi
Crossroads Podcast: Taylor Swift Remains A Force In American Life
This brings us to megastar Taylor Swift and her decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 White House race, which was the hook for this week’s “Crossroads” podcast. Legions of “Swifties” from in America (and around the world) received this news via Instagram (Swift has 280+ million followers), where her much-anticipated post triggered celebratory mainstream media coverage. by Terry Mattingly
Nigeria’s Summer Of Protests Unites Christians And Muslims
A coalition of civil society groups, activists, social media influencers and ordinary citizens launched a multi-faith protest movement earlier this summer against what they described as the #EndBadGovernance to address Nigeria’s rising inflation, unemployment and insecurity. The result has also resulted in an unprecedented cooperation between Christians and Muslims. by Ekpali Saint
Newly Crowned Miss South Africa Puts Deafness And Faith In The Spotlight
Accepting her role as the reigning Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux said, “It is my turn to be your community, to be a voice for those who, like me, have experienced the challenges of being different and feeling excluded.” by Vicky Abraham
On Religion: Pope Francis On Cats, Babies And Indonesia's Interfaith Life
(ANALYSIS) It was the kind of quote that, when said by the right person under the right conditions, would inspire bold headlines. “Your country ... has families with three, four or five children,” Pope Francis told President Joko Widodo of Indonesia. “Keep it up, you’re an example for everyone, for all the countries that maybe ... these families prefer to have a cat or a little dog instead of a child.” by Terry Mattingly
Meet The Swiss Guard: 500 Years Of Protecting The Papacy
(PHOTO ESSAY) The U.S. president has the Secret Service as protection. The pope has the Swiss Guard. Who are these men donning multi-colored uniforms designed during the Middle Ages who march around St. Peter’s Square? Religion Unplugged takes you behind the Vatican walls for a closer look at the military unit. by Clemente Lisi
What A Horror: ‘The Front Room’ Is ‘God’s Not Dead’ For Feminist Pagans
(REVIEW) “The Front Room” tries to say something important about faith, but its social commentary is too silly to take seriously and the thrills aren’t good enough to be silly fun. In a post-Christian society, it’s inevitable that movies will increasingly find creative ways to reflect and wrestle with this religious change. Hopefully, more of them will do so in a more intelligent (or at least entertaining) way than “The Front Room.” by Joseph Holmes
📰 Is A Pulitzer Winner’s Move From The WSJ To A Catholic Paper Surprising? Not Overly 🔌
A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist is leaving the Wall Street Journal for the National Catholic Reporter. Why this is a surprise — and why it's not. by Bobby Ross Jr.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
Thanks again for reading!
At Religion Unplugged, we cover the role of religion in public life and in peoples' lives. If you appreciate our journalism, become a sustaining monthly donor by clicking the button below.