The land of uncanonized saints and scholars
An Irish Catholic legacy
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
July 1 marks the feast day of Catholic saint Oliver Plunkett, a martyr who was canonized in 1975. Plunkett is unique in that he’s the only Irish saint canonized in, at this point, 800 years.
Ireland is often referred to as the “land of saints and scholars” — so why are so few of them canonized?
In today’s top story, contributor Ray Cavanaugh explores this discrepancy and presents a few hypotheses.
Why Ireland Remains The ‘Land Of Uncanonized Saints And Scholars’
(ANALYSIS) Ireland is sometimes dubbed the “land of saints and scholars.” A Google search reveals a fair number of Irish scholars, but there really haven't been that many Irish saints, at least not since the advent of papal canonization. In fact, when St. Oliver Plunkett — the final known Catholic martyr to die under English persecution — was canonized in 1975, he became the first new Irish saint since 1225. That's a gap of three-fourths of a millennium. by Ray Cavanaugh
Complexities Abound In Unending Ten Commandments Disputes
(ANALYSIS) A Louisiana bill signed into law on June 19 requires displays of the Bible’s revered Ten Commandments in all public classrooms, even at the university level. Religious and nonreligious citizens immediately joined national lobbies in a federal court complaint that the law must be overturned for violating the U.S. Constitution’s ban on “establishment of religion” by the government. by Richard Ostling
Olasky’s Books For July: Christian Nationalism And Critical Race Theory
(ANALYSIS) Thoughtful Christians do need to speak up. During the late 20th century Marxist-Christian syncretism was a major problem, but Christian nationalism has much more influence within the evangelical world now and is, right now, the greater danger. In “Untangling Critical Race Theory,” Ed Uszynski writes, “Too often Christian commentary denounces CRT while making light of the real problems it seeks to address.” by Marvin Olasky
Religious Freedom: New Report Paints A Grim Global Picture
Millions continue to suffer religious persecution globally, with wars and civil conflicts exacerbating already existing ills in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the U.S. State Department documented in its 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom. The report attempts to present an overview of persecution by governments, extremists and members of society, relying on information from government officials, religious groups, nongovernmental organizations, journalists, human rights monitors, academia and the media. by Diana Chandler
St. Vitus Day: 5 Serbian Orthodox Monasteries To Explore When Visiting Kosovo
Kosovo is a region in the heart of Europe that offers visitors an amazing journey through nature, history and religion. Despite its rich history and beautiful views, tourists had avoided Kosovo for years because of the ethnic conflict between Albanians and Serbs. by Jovan Tripkovic
Crossroads Podcast: What Religion Questions Do Biden And Trump Want To Avoid?
The timing was awkward, to say the least, for the recording of this week’s “Crossroads” podcast. Lutheran Public Radio listeners who heard this chat live heard us discussing an alleged “debate” between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump that had not yet taken place. Ditto for anyone who immediately downloaded the Issues, Etc., audio file. by Terry Mattingly
‘The Exorcism’ Review: Why It Fails To Deliver On Its Brilliant Meta Premise
(REVIEW) “The Exorcism” is a beautifully shot and smartly conceived meta-take on the exorcism genre. Unfortunately, instead of developing or paying off its ideas, it abandons them in favor of an unreflective string of the very cliches it spent the rest of the movie deconstructing. Russell Crowe stars as Anthony Miller, a washed-up actor out of rehab trying to reconnect with his troubled daughter. by Joseph Holmes
St. Vitus Day: Why The Feast Is So Important To Orthodox Serbs
(EXPLAINER) The Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates on Friday the Feast of St. Vitus (in Serbian Vidovdan), commemorating the Battle of Kosovo against the Ottoman Turks, which took place in 1389. St. Vitus Day is a Serbian national and religious holiday. Here’s everything you need to know about the feast day. by Jovan Tripkovic
On Religion: Southern Baptists Wade (Once Again) Into Religious Liberty Waters
(ANALYSIS) In the midst of heated debates about female pastors and the morality of in vitro fertilization, the national Southern Baptist Convention recently passed a religious liberty resolution that — in terms of Baptist history — was rather ordinary. But these are not ordinary times in American life. by Terry Mattingly
Ugandan Church Marks 40 Years Of Transforming Lives Of Most Vulnerable Children
One of the country’s biggest church communities will celebrate its 40th anniversary this month with a series of events, including a book launch by its founders, a new music album and an agribusiness institute. In fact, the celebrations by Watoto Church Ministries highlight their extensive contributions to community development and spiritual growth. by John Semakula
❤️ 60th Anniversary Tribute: 2 People Fell In Love And Share A Legacy Of Faith 🔌
In Weekend Plug-in, columnist Bobby Ross Jr. reflects on his parents’ 60th anniversary — and what their legacy of faith and love has meant to him. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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