Texas Christians, Muslims, Jews Pray For Congregation Beth Israel
Texas Christians, Muslims, Jews Pray For Congregation Beth Israel
The community is healing after hostage event
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
The small Ft. Worth suburb of Colleyville and surrounding towns are healing after an 11-hour hostage situation over the weekend in the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue. On Monday of this week, Christians, Muslims, Jews and others gathered in Southlake, Texas to pray for the community’s healing.
Contributor Cheryl Mann Bacon reports on the event, where people sang worship music in English and Hebrew, read prayers and bonded. Don’t miss these powerful remarks from Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and others.
In our culture section, don’t miss our review of the most controversial new movie on Netflix. “Don’t Look Up” is a clear allegory hoping to enlighten the masses on the urgency of climate change, though it fails in most respects. But with a character of quiet faith and references to a biblical apocalypse, the movie offers commentary on what the end of the world might look like if humans stay as greedy as they are now. Check out our culture reporter Jillian Cheney’s review here.
See you next week! And if you like what you read, share this with your family and friends.
Texas Christians, Muslims, Jews Pray For Congregation Beth Israel As Community Recovers From Hostage Event
In ‘Don’t Look Up,’ God Leaves Armageddon To Humans by Jillian Cheney
(REVIEW) “Don’t Look Up” is a new Netflix movie that has generated some controversy for its straightforward message encouraging the world to care about climate change. While mostly ineffective, it raises questions about God’s involvement in the end of the world.
Christian Business Owner Opens Relief Center In Kentucky Town Devastated By Tornado by Bobby Ross Jr.
As a Kentucky town recovers from a devastating storm, the owner of a bookkeeping business next to a low-income neighborhood runs a disaster relief center out of her parking lot, offering hot meals, temporary housing and prayer to suffering neighbors.
Houston Megachurch Pastor Resigns Over Affair In Latest ARC-Planted Church Scandal by Julie Roys
Pastor Jeremy Foster’s resignation from Hope City Church in Houston, Texas, due to an adulterous affair is the latest in a series of scandals linked to the Association of Related Churches, one of the largest church planting organizations in North America.
Court Rules In Favor Of Illinois Catholic Church That Fired Gay Music Director by Anne Stych
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago has ruled in favor of a Roman Catholic church that was sued by a former employee fired for his same-sex marriage, saying churches and religious groups have the right to hire and supervise staff according to their beliefs — without government intrusion.
‘Dark Money’: Faith-Based, Other Nonprofits Funnel Tax-Free Money To Political Groups by Steve Rabey
While Uncle Sam grants Americans tax deductions for charitable giving, the government prohibits deductions for donations to political groups. But a growing number of donors on the left and the right have used “dark money” to exploit a simple work-around.
Video: COVID-19 Is Highlighting Spiritual Needs In Health Care by Kim Lawton
As health care professionals assess the lessons of the COVID-19 global pandemic, one unexpected message may be the importance of including spirituality in overall patient care. A pioneer in that movement is Dr. Christina Puchalski, founder and executive director of George Washington University’s Institute for Spirituality and Health.
'Autobiography Of A Yogi' Hits 75th Year Of Introducing Yoga And Eastern Religion by Steve Rabey
“Autobiography of a Yogi,” published in 1946, popularized Eastern religious concepts like “cosmic consciousness” and practices like yoga and meditation in the West. Brother Jayananada, who became a monk after reading the book over 40 years ago, spoke with ReligionUnplugged.com about its 75th anniversary and its lasting impact.
Opinion
Ahead Of MLK Day, A Fascinating Look Back At Baptist Pastor's Last Full Year Of Life
In Friday’s Weekend Plug-In column, in advance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Bobby Ross Jr. looks at a fascinating piece on the last full year of the Baptist pastor’s life. Plus, catch up, as always, on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column early on Fridays for only $5 a month. Click the button below to subscribe!
What Partnership Looks Like In Mormon Marriages Is Shifting – Slowly by Caroline Kline
Tigray Hospital In Urgent Need Of Assistance With Food And Medical Supplies by Ewelina U. Ochab
A Religion Reporter's Guide To Interviewing by Richard Ostling
Don’t miss our latest podcast
The Harm of Blasphemy Laws from the Middle East to Europe
Published from The Media Project's virtual conference, Board Member and Islam expert Dr. Paul Marshall examines the use of blasphemy laws. In his lecture, Dr. Marshall discusses how blasphemy law is used to prevent religious reformation and theological discourse, and stop popular human rights-focused policymaking from progressive Muslim politicians in Muslim majority nations through cycles of violence and intimidation. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or listen directly on our website.
In case you missed it
Editorial picks from our archives
Netflix Horror Series ‘Midnight Mass’ Warns Christians To Be Careful Who They Worship by Jillian Cheney
(REVIEW) “Midnight Mass,” a Netflix horror miniseries from creator Mike Flanagan, brings viewers to a small island town visited by a mysterious and charismatic priest and his accompanying “angel.” The show explores the enchanting power of miracles and asks Christians to be careful where they direct their worship.
Financial Uncertainty At Bill Gothard’s Institute In Basic Life Principles by Shannon Cuthrell
In the 1970s and 80s, Bill Gothard’s Institute in Basic Life Principles’ week-long seminars filled arenas. But in recent years, the nondenominational ministry has seen a decline from its once-influential and well-connected source of resources and community for like-minded Christians after allegations of sexual harassment dating back decades.
Thanks again for reading!
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