Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
Violence is part of daily life in Kashmir, India, writes contributor Zaffar Iqbal. Shutdowns and curfews are routine, and crime against women in the state is at an all-time high.
In the midst of this violence, martial arts is emerging as a popular trend — particularly among young girls. Kashmiri teen Sadia Tariq made headlines in 2022 for winning a gold medal at the Moscow Wushu Stars Championship.
Girls who participate in this training are becoming stronger physically, often able to fend of bullies or other attackers, but the training is a holistic one that’s improving all parts of their lives.
“Our martial arts trainer has instilled in us the understanding that we cannot prevent unfortunate events from occurring in society, but we must stand up against them,” said Adla Shabir, a college student.
Don’t miss today’s powerful top story.
Amid Conflict In Kashmir, Martial Arts Emerges as a Popular Trend Among Girls
As these young athletes continue to make strides, they not only bring honor to themselves but also shine a light on the indomitable spirit of Kashmir. In a region grappling with adversity, their rise signifies a hopeful chapter, illustrating how sports can be a catalyst for change. by Zaffar Iqbal
Hanukkah in 2023: Will Jews Be Festive in Fearful Times?
With Israel at war and antisemitism, particularly on college campuses, showing a sharp upswing across America, is this any time to put a menorah in the window — to "publicize the miracle" of Hanukkah by celebrating boldly, according to Jewish tradition? by Cathy Lynn Grossman
Anglican Church Moves To Oust Archbishop Over Rigged Election
The October elections in Mozambique — now confirmed to have been rigged in favor of President Filipe Nyusi’s ruling FRELIMO party — have left the head of the Anglican church in the southern African nation fighting for survival, while a Muslim cleric has already been sacked for endorsing the dubious poll results. by Cyril Zenda
‘The Prince of Egypt: The Musical’ Is A Triumph Of Faith And Art
The stage version of “The Prince of Egypt” is a rousing triumph of both faith and stagecraft. It is one of the most satisfying viewing experiences of the year and a stunning reminder of what can be accomplished when faith and art are put together well. by Joseph Holmes
How Red Buckets Became A Symbol Of Giving At Christmas
In what has become an annual holiday tradition, Salvation Army volunteers have flooded the streets across the United States and in countries around the world seeking donations for the organization’s annual Red Kettle campaign. by Clemente Lisi
Season’s Readings: Bringing In The Sheaves
(REVIEW) As Christmas approaches, some U.S. Christians despair that millions who used to go to church no longer do so. “The Great Dechurching” by Jim Davis and Michael Graham shows the decline, which — given cultural pressures plus scandals within churches — is not surprising. by Marvin Olasky
Division Among India’s Political Parties Threatens To Dilute Opposition To Modi
India’s opposition has made significant strides to garner support as they recently banded together against the Hindu nationalist Modi government, but could possible in-fighting may dull their efforts ahead of next year’s elections? by Manmeet Sahni
The Search For God In A Faithless Nation: Inside One Man’s Journey
For many years, Sotiris Skoufis operated his own business of wholesale fabrics in his native Athens. In 2015, he grew physically ill from back pain. At the same time, he went financially broke by the economic crisis in his homeland. Mentally exhausted, he traveled to Prague in the Czech Republic and his life would be forever changed. by Antonis Triantafyllou
In Search of Christmas Classics: Where Have All Those Family Movies Gone?
(ANALYSIS) There are lots of theories as to why the Christmas classic died. Perhaps it simply takes time to become a Christmas classic with culture-wide acceptance. And yet, that wasn’t true of the Christmas movies that came out in the 1990s and early 2000s. Perhaps streaming is to blame, where movies would become classics had they come out in theaters. by Joseph Holmes
Pope Francis Takes On German Bishops Following Synod
(ANALYSIS) Catholics are living in a post-Synod on Synodality church where the debates from the month-long meeting that took place at the Vatican last month continue to reverberate, even with the efforts by Pope Francis to put a lid on news coverage of the discussions and speeches that took place during that event. Europe, in particular, has been the epicenter of the action since that meeting of bishops wrapped up on Oct. 29. by Clemente Lisi
♗ Why Pope Francis Removed A Conservative East Texas Bishop 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights Pope Francis’ removal of a conservative bishop in East Texas. 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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