Most Americans say religion's influence is waning
Findings of a new survey explained
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
A new Pew Research report revealed a finding that may be surprising: 80% of U.S. adults agree with the statement that the role of faith in everyday American life is shrinking.
Executive editor Clemente Lisi reports in today’s top story on the study, which reveals both positive and negative feelings Americans have about religion.
Check out the full story for more findings, including those that shed light on the 2024 election.
New Survey Shows Most Americans Say Religion’s Influence Waning
The vast majority of U.S. adults say religion’s role in public life has declined — and a very large number of them are not happy about it. A new Pew Research Center report revealed the stark finding that 80% of U.S. adults agree with the statement that the role of faith in everyday American life is shrinking. by Clemente Lisi
Wisconsin Supreme Court Decision Truncates Religion
This decision, Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission, might at first glance seem to be yet another boring administrative matter. That’s far from being the case. In fact, the outcome raises the bar for all religions to show that their charity arms deserve such exemptions in the state. by Paul Marshall
Why Saint Joseph’s Feast Day Remains Important To Italians Around The World
Saint Joseph's Day — celebrated each year on March 19 — continues to hold immense significance for Italians. Intertwining religious devotion, cultural heritage and values such as family, the feast day serves as a reminder of Saint Joseph’s crucial role as the embodiment of fatherhood. And Italians commemorate the day with plenty of food. by Clemente Lisi
Why A California Artist Has Made It Her Mission To ‘Paint God’s World’
Maureen Gaffney Wolfson opened The Maureen Gaffney Wolfson Fine Art Gallery in December 2023. Though it may have originated from heartbreak, her paintings are full of color, light, and, perhaps most critically, the divine. “I started painting out of heartbreak,” said Wolfson. “It was therapy for me. Then it became a hobby. Then it became a career.” by Matthew Peterson
March Madness: Ranking The Tournament’s religiously affiliated Schools
Another March Madness is once again upon us. The NCAA’s men’s Division I basketball tournament will enthrall millions with its bracket-busting upsets. It is, for many sports fans, the best time of the year. This year’s 68-team field features seven Catholic schools. In addition, five are Protestant and one Mormon. Here’s a look at how they stack up. by Clemente Lisi
The Story Behind One Of Africa’s Smallest Catholic Churches
Sitting snugly at the start of the escarpment taking visitors up from the floor of the Great Rift Valley, not far from Kenya’s capitol Nairobi, is Mai Mahiu Catholic Church, otherwise known as the “Travelers’ Chapel.” Older generations call the place as “Msikiti,” which means mosque. One of Africa’s smallest churches, in fact, dates back to World War II when it was built by Italian prisoners of war. by Tom Osanjo
‘Sacred Alaska’ Masterfully Explores Native Culture And The Orthodox Faith
(REVIEW) This film is not just a historical overview of the growth of Orthodox Christianity in America’s northernmost state among Native Alaskans; it also captures the fusion of Native Alaskan culture and Orthodox spirituality. The film shows what we can learn from Alaskan Orthodoxy. Becoming fully human, caring for the land and the animals are main themes discussed in this documentary. These lessons are not just important for Orthodox Christians, but for all human beings. by Jovan Tripkovic
‘Arthur the King’ A Sweet, But Shallow, Drama
(REVIEW) Based on the book “Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home,” the movie version follows the true-life story of the comeback of professional adventure racer Michael Light, played by Mark Wahlberg, who is trying to win his first race after a humiliating previous attempt. What results is a movie that’s wholesome and sweet, yet ultimately shallow and formulaic. by Joseph Holmes
Jerusalem’s Tower of David Museum Gets Spectacular New Entrance
Comparable to I.M. Pei’s iconic pyramid that transformed the entrance to the Louvre, the glass-and-steel structure is a minimalist, less-is-more architectural triumph that redefines the orientation of the museum's galleries and just about everything else in this historic cultural hub. Located in a sprawling structure that once served as a palace and fort. by Gil Zohar
New Report Details What Evangelicals Think About Social And Political Issues
While a majority of American evangelicals may be united by fundamental spiritual beliefs, they are by no means in agreement on a variety of hot-button subjects, according to a new study. Eight months before the 2024 presidential election that will feature a rematch between President Biden and Donald Trump, the report brings into sharper focus what evangelicals think about a host of issues that could impact the election. by Clemente Lisi
The Decline Of Valparaiso University A Tragedy For American Lutherans
(OPINION) In an increasingly competitive and challenging market, students and their families are looking for institutions that align with their values. For many Christian families, that search is becoming more and more difficult. by Trey Dimsdale
A Popeless Cause: Why Hasn’t There Ever Been An Irish Pontiff?
(ANALYSIS) Remember that time Ireland had a pope? You probably don't. Because it never happened. Despite Ireland's rich monastic and missionary traditions — along with its hard-fought struggle to maintain the Catholic religion — there has never been an Irish pope. Italy, of course, has had hundreds of popes. France has had 15 and the Germans half a dozen. by Ray Cavanaugh
Guide To The US Presidential Candidates And Their Faith
President Biden and Donald Trump clinched their parties’ presidential nominations on Tuesday night, setting up a 2016 general election rematch. The outcome in Georgia, Mississippi and Washington state was never in doubt as both Biden and Trump cruised to victory. by Clemente Lisi
Book Excerpt: Marvin Olasky’s ‘Pivot Points’
(EXCERPT) Whenever we pivot in life, freedom from fear requires either a colossal ego or a colossal God. Ego leads us to grab what is not ours. The path to contentment starts with faith in God. In this sequel to “Lament for a Father,” Marvin Olasky first describes his journey from Judaism to atheism to Marxism to Christ and then his adventures in evangelical, conservative, compassionate, and journalistic circles. by Marvin Olasky
Some Theologians Call for ‘Liturgical Audit’ To Combat Antisemitism
Acutely aware of the painful history of Christian participation and complicity in antisemitism, and a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents nationally and globally, Christian scholars and clergy are calling for a new level of reflection and accountability for churches, starting from the pulpit. by Holly Leibowitz Rossi
🏆 Hello, Adelle: Longtime RNS Journalist To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights Adelle M. Banks’ selection as the Religion News Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. 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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