'The Chosen' season 4 is here!
Premiere proves a 'gutsy winner'
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
The next season of “The Chosen” — the show about the life of Jesus that’s only increased in popularity since its 2017 debut — is here, this time with a string of theatrical releases across the month of February.
Our movie critic Joseph Holmes will be reviewing each of the releases throughout the month; he writes about the first three episodes in today’s top story. This season contains promise, and is the strongest since the first season. It also takes on a dark tone, one that may make some viewers angry.
“Season 4 of ‘The Chosen,’ is its riskiest to date,” he writes. “I’m curious to see if Christians are ready for it.”
‘The Chosen’s’ Shocking Season 4 Premiere Proves A Gutsy Winner
(REVIEW) Overall, this new season of “The Chosen” is its strongest one since the first. If it can build on this with the rest of the season, then it’s possible — as hard as it might be to believe — that Season 4 might be its best to date. Season 4 of “The Chosen” is exclusively in theaters from Feb. 1-14 and later via streaming. by Joseph Holmes
The Pour Over: Putting A Christian Perspective On The News
The Pour Over — a faith-based newsletter that reaches as many 550,000 unique subscribers — has surpassed all those prevoius efforts. It began in 2018 with a handful of readers and continues to grow, although founder Jason Woodruff doesn’t consider a greater audience the mark of success. Instead, it’s helping readers gain balance in a world that batters them with strident political reporting that can leave audiences off balance. by Michael Ray Smith
Christian Artists Jon Batiste, Jelly Roll And The 2024 Grammy Awards
The Grammys, held this year on Feb. 4, are the largest annual awards ceremony held for music. This year, there are no real surprises in the five categories dedicated to Christian and gospel music. Instead, two notable Christian artists with great music have been nominated for some of the top awards of the night. by Jillian Cheney
A Modern-Day Mystic: The Priest Behind Homeboy Industries
The founder of the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and prison reentry program in the world is a mystic, a Jesuit priest who does not believe that God has a plan for your life. Having buried 260 young men and women, Father Greg Boyle rejects the idea that it is God’s plan that anyone should die of a gang member’s bullet. by Donald Miller
What You Need To Read During Black History Month
(REVIEW) Many Religion Unplugged readers are familiar with the civil rights contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr., and may also know that the organization he led was the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Some may be less knowledgeable about what made King a profile in courage. by Marvin Olasky
‘Underground’ Ballet Promotes Equality and Justice With A Dose Of Faith
“Underground,” the Kansas City ballet that tells the story of slaves escaping to freedom through the Underground Railroad, is “not a story of Black versus white, but good versus evil.” The show, which first premiered in 2008 at the Störling Dance Theater, is a beautiful ballet with a strong mission — something this shared sentiment can attest to. by Jillian Cheney
Super Bowl LVIII: Inside Sin City’s Christian Quarterback Battle
This year’s Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers may be contested at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas — known as Sin City — but it will feature two very pious quarterbacks when Patrick Mahomes faces off against Brock Purdy. Both are practicing Christians unafraid to talk about their faith. by Clemente Lisi
Panthers Coach Prevailed Over His ‘Secret Life’ Thanks To Christianity
Dave Canales is ready to start his journey as head coach of the Carolina Panthers nearly two years after co-authoring a book with his wife Lizzy about working through problems with infidelity, addiction to pornography and binge drinking. Canales credits his wife’s support and Christianity for helping him improve his life. by Clemente Lisi
Meet The Hindu Politician Breaking Barriers in Muslim-Majority Pakistan
Amid the chilly winter winds sweeping through Pakistan's unsettled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the election campaign for the Peoples Party of Pakistan's candidate Dr. Saveera Parkash is in full swing. The wind is not the only thing sweeping across the region, change is as well. In fact, Parkash’s candidacy is historic for several reasons. by Amit Pandey
🌎 Religious Freedom Summit Covers Mental Health, Antisemitism, Persecution 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. opens with the top headlines from the International Religious Freedom Summit. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and big news 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!
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.