💍 'Ring by spring'

Dating culture at Christian colleges and a new reality show

Hi Religion Unplugged readers,

Hulu’s upcoming series “Ring by Spring Break” may seem like the latest in a growing group of reality dating shows, in which young singles are grouped together in a tropical paradise with the hopes each will find the love of their life — but it goes deeper than that.

Those who attended a Christian college — like Managing Editor Cassidy Grom — will likely be familiar with the rush for a “ring by spring,” or, in other words, an engagement or marriage before senior students’ spring semester ends.

In today’s top story, Grom explores her personal experience with the “ring by spring” phenomenon. She unpacks why it’s so prevalent across Christian colleges, the pressure and anxiety that accompanies it and how culture is changing in the present day.

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Real People. Real Reporting.

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‘Ring By Spring’: A View Into Christian College Dating Culture

(ESSAY) At Christian colleges across the nation, a “ring by spring” is a polarizing cultural phenomenon that comes with quirky rituals. There’s the “freshman frenzy,” the “senior scramble” — and on my campus, one infamous ice breaker known as “Awk Walk.” Underneath these traditions is an inescapable anxiety: Will you meet your spouse or graduate single? by Cassidy Grom

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Russians Opening Churches In Africa: Is It ‘Spiritual Colonialism’?

The Russian Orthodox Church has expanded with striking speed. It is more than just a turf battle over the hearts and minds of local Orthodox priests and laypeople. To some observers, it’s part of a growing, concerning trend of Russia deepening geopolitical ties throughout Africa, and leveraging soft power to remake the continent in its own image. by Joseph Maina

‘A Gift From Heaven’: Pope Leo Prepares For Warm Peru Welcome

Pope Leo, who spent two decades serving the Catholic church in Latin America, is expected to visit the diocese he led before his election in Chiclayo, a city in northwest Peru. Other stops on the 11-day trip include several cities in Uruguay and Argentina, with a full itinerary to be announced closer to the trip. by Cassidy Grom

En Español

WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham’s Faith Bigger Than The Culture War

(ANALYSIS) For Christians working in sports, the challenge becomes even greater. Faith calls believers to engage culture without allowing society to define them. Identity comes not from applause, criticism or trending hashtags, but from Christ. by Clemente Lisi

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Religion Unplugged Podcast

The ‘Visual Commentary On Scripture’ Is Changing How We Read The Bible

The Visual Commentary on Scripture is an online resource from King’s College London, which combines theology, art history and Biblical scholarship to pair artwork from all across the stylistic and historical map with Judeo-Christian texts.

Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Episode Catalog →

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📚 In Rural Idaho, BFFs Transform A Greenhouse Into A Thriving Christian School 🔌

For Charli Turner and Julie Montgomery, the idea of starting a school that could serve as a Christian mission started years ago. “We had this funny vision that we were going to take in all the lost, hurting kids,” Turner said. Finally, they’re realizing their dream in rural North Idaho. by Bobby Ross Jr.

Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!

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