Remembering Putin critic Alexei Navalny
The Russian politician found Christianity before his death
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader and political prisoner who was known for his criticism of Vladimir Putin, died earlier this month.
In today’s top story, contributor Maddy Fry says Navalny was “almost certainly martyred” — many speculate he was killed on orders from Putin. Since his death, an outpouring of tributes have expressed their loyalty and respect.
Missing from many of these tributes, however, is a mention of Navalny’s deep belief in Christianity. He found Orthodoxy relatively late in life and wasn’t outspoken about it, but it influenced his life nevertheless.
Fry discusses the personal and political nuances of his faith — you don’t want to miss it.
Putin Critic Alexei Navalny Found Purpose In Christianity
In 2021, Navalny expressed hope that the Orthodox church in Russia could act as a mediator between the people and the state. He recognized this was unlikely; but if his demise tells us anything, it’s that moral courage in Russia’s mother church isn’t totally dead. On the contrary, we might see a resurrection yet. by Maddy Fry
Calvin University President Forced To Resign Following ‘Inappropriate Messages’
The president of Calvin University, a Christian school based in Michigan, was forced to resign following “inappropriate messages,” the school said on Monday. by Clemente Lisi
How The Alabama Supreme Court’s Ruling On Life Affects IVF
(EXPLAINER) The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) healthcare system announced that it was pausing all in vitro fertilization (IVF) fertility treatments. This pause is due to the perceived fear of prosecution and lawsuits in light of the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, Feb. 16, stating that human beings in the embryonic stage have the same legal rights and protections as children who are born. by Jason Thacker
Is There A New Strongman Leading The World’s Largest Muslim-Majority Nation?
(ANALYSIS) The Feb. 14 election of Indonesia's current Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto as the country’s president should raise concern in the U.S., both because of who he is and also the chicanery surrounding his campaign. Official results will still take some weeks to appear and there are allegations of election fraud. by Paul Marshall
Indigenous Embassy Opens In Jerusalem With A Nod To The 12 Tribes Of Israel
An emotional gathering of about 200 tribal leaders from North and South America, Canada, various Pacific island states and Africa took place in Israel as diplomats and dignitaries assembled for the launch of the “Indigenous Embassy.” Standing together with members of several North American tribes, members proudly displayed a collection of their artwork. by Gil Zohar
‘Ordinary Angels’ Reveals How Faith-Based Films Have (And Have Not) Grown in 20 Years
(REVIEW) “Ordinary Angels” is a welcome sign of how the baseline modern faith-based films have come a long way since their beginnings 20 years ago. Those who enjoy the formula will be happy at how the quality has increased and will get everything they’re looking for. Those who wish the industry would grow beyond that need to keep wishing – but will find the ride more enjoyable than 20 years ago. by Joseph Holmes
Victims Of 2020 Delhi Riots Still Trying To Piece Their Lives Together
The memory of Feb. 25, 2020, remains vivid in Mohammed Tahir Saifi’s mind, as if it occurred only yesterday. He often looks back on that day as the one that turned his life upside down because he had to spend two years in jail for a crime he he did not commit. It was a day when a riot erupted in India’s capital, resulting in the death of over 50 people. by Amit Pandey
New York’s Cardinal Dolan Defends St. Patrick’s Priests Following Funeral Scandal
Cardinal Timothy Dolan defended the priests working at St. Patrick’s Cathedral this week, saying the funeral held there for a transgender activist came as a surprise and that the prelates “knew nothing about this that was coming up.” by Clemente Lisi
What A New Book Says About Mozambique’s Fight Against Jihadi Terrorism
“Towards Jihad? Muslims and Politics in Postcolonial Mozambique” says that although Muslims in Mozambique have become more active in politics in the post-independence period, they have not moved towards jihad, but that only a small group has done so. by Cyril Zenda
UK’s Asylum Policy: How To Handle Refugees Who Claim To Be Christian Converts
(ANALYSIS) No doubt there are those who falsely claim conversion from Islam to claim asylum, and some churches may be too credulous. But such conversions are occurring and such genuine converts face violence, imprisonment and even death if returned back to many countries. by Paul Marshall
Bob Marley Biopic Puts The Spotlight On Reggae And Rastafarians
“Bob Marley: One Love,” a new movie that chronicles on the life of legendary reggae singer and songwriter — from his rise to fame in the mid-1970s up until his death in 1981 — has put a spotlight on what it means to be Rastafarian. Widely considered an iconic figure in the history of music, he is revered as the pioneer of reggae and a symbol of peace. by Clemente Lisi
🐘 Left Wants 'To Tear Down Crosses': Trump Talks To National Religious Broadcasters 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights Donald Trump’s remarks to the National Religious Broadcasters’ convention in Nashville, Tenn. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
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Thanks again for reading!
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