The Museum of the Bible's 'special' 7th anniversary
Plus a round-up of awards for Religion Unplugged
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
We’ll start off today with some really exciting news. Religion Unplugged was just awarded with fourteen awards from Editor & Publisher Magazine. Those awards are as follows:
third place in Best Online-Only News Website
first place in Best Cultural/Entertainment Section
second and third place in Best News or Event Feature
third place in Best Business Reporting
second place in Best Use of Social Media/Crowdsourcing
second place in Best Innovation Project
second and third place in Best Community Service Project
first place in Best podcast
second place in Best photojournalism on a website
second place in Best overall website design
second place in Best homepage design
first place in Best website navigation design
It’s such an honor to have our site, our work and our staff awarded for their hard work. Congratulations to all and thank you for your continued support!
Now for today’s top story: contributor Michael Ray Smith writes on an ancient mosaic from the Holy Land on display at the Museum of the Bible, which celebrates seven years this month.
Don’t forget! Until Dec. 31, all donations made to Religion Unplugged will be doubled thanks to NewsMatch. That goes for one-time gifts and recurring donations, all up to $1,000. It’s our goal to produce more thoughtful, necessary and award-winning journalism — and we can’t do it without you!
Ancient Holy Land Mosaic Helps Mark Museum Of The Bible’s ‘Special’ 7th Anniversary
What does a Roman centurion and an artist have in common with an ancient mosaic from the Holy Land more than 1,800 years ago? All are featured in the Megiddo Mosaic on display at the Museum of the Bible in an exhibit considered to be the oldest display of Christian faith in the world. The museum opened seven years ago this month. by Michael Ray Smith
In Time For #RedWednesday, New Report Details Christian Persecution In Europe
(ANALYSIS) In 2023, 2,444 anti-Christian hate crimes were documented in 35 European countries. This included 232 personal attacks, such as harassment, threats and physical violence. At least 2,000 Christian places of worship were damaged. Attacks took place throughout the continent, including Germany, the United Kingdom and especially France. by Paul Marshall
Can AI Robots Offer Advice That Heals Souls?
(ANALYSIS) I have been keeping an Artificial Intelligence folder for several weeks now, with a focus — naturally — on topics that should interest religious leaders. by Terry Mattingly
Trump And The Faith Vote: What People Have Been Contending Since Election Day
(ANALYSIS) Turnout! Due to the stay-at-home factor, Democratic votes for president fell by some nine million from 2020, causing political scientist James Galbraith to say the party had committed “suicide.” Kamala Harris and the Democrats had a problem with men. Donald Trump’s Republicans had a big problem with women (though Harris did a bit worse with them than the male Joe Biden had). by Richard Ostling
From Greed To Lust: Here Are The ‘Most Sinful’ Cities In The United States
It turns out what happens in Vegas doesn’t necessarily stay there. In fact, sin is everywhere — from beer-loving Milwaukee to decadent New Orleans — meaning that the U.S. is filled with people behaving badly, a new study finds. The report compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 37 key indicators and seven sinful behaviors, including greed, lust, vanity and laziness. by Clemente Lisi
New Horror Flick ‘Heretic’ Is More Religion-Friendly Than You’d Imagine
(REVIEW) It appears at first glance that “Heretic” is using religion merely as a springboard for horror, as movies often do. But “Heretic” has much more on offer, making for a surprisingly thoughtful and in-depth study about the nature of religion and faith. by Jillian Cheney
Crossroads Podcast: A Must-Read Look At Pro-Life Work During Trump 2.0
Soon after becoming president, Democrat Jimmy Carter signed the Hyde Amendment into law — barring the use of federal funds for abortions, except in cases of rape or incest, or when the life of the mother is at stake. When the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration attempted to kill the Hyde Amendment, a small — but symbolic — group of Democrats appealed to the elderly Carter for help. by Terry Mattingly
How Islam And Redemption Transformed Boxer Mike Tyson’s Life
Despite his success, boxer Mike Tyson was plagued by demons. Emotional pain and a violent temper led to a series of personal and professional breakdowns. In 1992, he was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison. It was during those years that Tyson encountered the Islamic faith. It would take years before he would eventually find redemption. by Clemente Lisi
‘Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints’: Famed Director Creates A Reverent Look At Christian Heroes
(REVIEW) “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints” is an eight-episode docudrama series following the lives and sacrifices of saints: Joan of Arc, Francis of Assisi, John the Baptist, Thomas Becket, Mary Magdalene, Moses the Black, Sebastian and Maximillian Kolbe. Each episode features a dramatization of their lives, narration by Scorsese and a panel. by Joseph Holmes
The ‘Pentecostal Putin’: New Book Looks At Ethiopia’s ‘Messianic’ Prime Minister
(REVIEW) In 2018, Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appeared on the East African nation’s political scene almost from nowhere. Claiming to be responding to an assignment by God, the young Pentecostal Christian promised democratic salvation and national unity to a hopelessly divided nation. by Cyril Zenda
On Religion: What Would Happen If Churches Had Phone-Free Services?
(ANALYSIS) Maybe churches should consider a strategic change in their worship plans, said the Rev. Russell Moore in a podcast conversation with Jonathan Haidt, author of the bestseller “The Anxious Generation” and the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University. Check out Part 1 of 2 of Terry Mattingly’s latest “On Religion” column. by Terry Mattingly
On A Mission To Help Christians In India’s War-Torn Manipur
(ESSAY) When we finally arrived, I was greeted with an obvious sort of curiosity. I later learned that I was the first white person to visit the city since the violence broke out over a year ago. I was stunned by this revelation. In a city that is under siege and giving refuge to 40,000 people, not a single emissary, journalist or missionary from a Western nation had bothered to visit? by Sean Tornquist
🐶 All Dogs Go To Heaven? Well, Maybe Not All, But These Owners Say Theirs Will 🔌
Our columnist didn’t think he was a dog person. Then basset hound named Frannie came to live with him and his wife. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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Thanks again for reading!
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