The life of convicted fraudster pardoned by Trump
A charismatic grifter who used religion to aid his schemes
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In today’s top story, Paul Glader and Mary Cuddehe report on the life of Paul Erickson, a conservative Republican who was convicted on counts of wire fraud and money laundering — and later pardoned by Trump in 2021.
The national spotlight turned on Erickson in recent years when Maria Butina, the red-haired, Russian national he was dating, was accused of being a Russian spy. Erickson is an eclectic and charismatic figure who defrauded dozens of people out of millions of dollars over the past two decades. Don’t miss his story.
Religion's Role In The Life Of Convicted Fraudster Pardoned By Trump
(EXCLUSIVE) The national spotlight turned on Paul Erickson in recent years when the red-haired, Russian national he was dating, Maria Butina, was accused of being a Russian spy during intense scrutiny on Russian connections to the United States during the Trump presidency. Butina was arrested in 2018 and deported in 2019 after she pleaded guilty for failing to register as a foreign agent. by Paul Glader and Mary Cuddehe
Q&A With Russian ‘Spy’ Maria Butina: Orthodoxy, Politics and Twerking
Religion Unplugged’s former executive editor Paul Glader reported a three-episode narrative podcast for the Sony Entertainment Media show “Infamous” about GOP operative Paul Erickson who led a colorful life that included advising a presidential candidate, making a Hollywood movie and dating an alleged Russian spy named Maria Butina. Upon hearing the podcast, Butina reached out and agreed to an interview to share her perspective on her now ex-boyfriend. by Paul Glader
Big And Small Purposes: Why Do We Exist?
(REVIEW) Both rightly-named football matches and their American cousins have halftimes. The kind of “football” dominant in the United States is poorly-named because in it only one person on the field, a kicker, uses his feet, and that only at specialized times. In both varieties, though, players at halftime get a short rest and coaches offer rallying words. Books that try to answer why we exist should not have halftimes. Authors should offer a consistent vision. by Marvin Olasky
2024 Presidential Election: Everything You Need To Know About The Candidates
The race will intensify in the coming weeks and months as we enter the primary season. The election season begins in earnest with the Iowa Caucuses on Jan. 15 and the New Hampshire primary eight days later. Here’s a look at the candidates running for president. by Clemente Lisi
5 Catholic Storylines To Watch For In 2024
This was a very busy year on the Catholic beat. A decade after Pope Francis replaced the then-retiring Benedict XVI, the consistently progressive pontiff has very much been the focal point of plenty of news coverage in 2023. Expect more of the same in 2024. by Clemente Lisi
‘Popcorn With The Pope’ Serves Up Faith and High Cinema
(REVIEW) “Popcorn With The Pope: A Guide to the Vatican Film List” is a solid primer for those interested in movies and faith beyond summer blockbusters or standard faith-based fare and don’t know where to start. Even Christian cinephiles will likely find it largely redundant. by Joseph Holmes
12 Biggest Stories Involving Orthodox Christianity That Took Place In 2023
The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a major calendar change and the deepening rift between Constantinople and Moscow defined 2023 for the Orthodox church around the world. Here’s a look back at the biggest stories of the year. by Jovan Tripkovic
Gen Zers And The Decline Of Christianity In Europe
It is ironic the Czech Republic, a place where religious monuments are enmeshed with public life, that people seem to have little place for faith in their daily routine. In fact, according to the most recent data, almost 50% of the Czech population does not identify with any religious tradition. by Esteban Hernandez Ramos and Jayat Joshi
Why Some Muslims Follow Traditions Tied To Zoroastrian
Zoroastrianism — an ancient monotheistic religion that predates Christianity and Islam — found a home in Uzbekistan in the 6th century when Persians established a base in the region. The religion has roots in Persia, and followers are spread out in modern-day Iran, India and Central Asia. by Heerea Kaur Rikhraj
🎉 Year In Review: Religion Unplugged's Top 10 Most Popular Articles Of 2023 🔌
In a special year-end edition of Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. counts down the Top 10 most popular ReligionUnplugged.com stories of 2023.
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