These Russian Christians are boldly issuing anti-war appeals
Plus an Oscars recap, a Brazilian church reopening and more headlines
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
In Russia, it’s incredibly dangerous to oppose the war effort. Even calling it a war instead of a “special military operation” — is against the law. In today’s top story, April L. French and Mark R. Elliot, two experts on Soviet and Russian religious history, explain who the Russian Christians are who oppose the war and how their actions signal a shift from the past.
Read about the petition from Russian Orthodox priests, the open letter from Ukrainian evangelicals and more religious resistance efforts.
If you missed the Oscars on Sunday, or any of the drama that unfolded from it, check out our recap. After Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, he talked about his calling from God in his first apology. Read about his speech and other faith moments here.
See you next week! If you like what you read, share this with your family and friends.
The Russian Christians Boldly Issuing Anti-War Appeals
Did God Tell Will Smith To Slap Chris Rock? A 2022 Oscars Roundup by Jillian Cheney
The last thing anyone expected from last night’s Oscars ceremony was Will Smith slapping Chris Rock onstage. After he did, he proceeded to talk about God’s calling for his life. Here, we recap that and other faith moments from last night’s awards.
This Brazilian Church Shows How Unity Amid Polarization Is Possible by Camila Da Silva
Faced with the reopening of face-to-face services, opinions on COVID-19 safety and security protocols have split congregations. Here is how a Brazilian church in New York handled the challenge.
Christian University, Faulkner, Awarded $4.25 Million In Grants To Support Black Students by Calvin Cockrell
Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, has been awarded two grants meant to bolster opportunities for low-income and African American students, the university has announced. The grants will provide Black students better access to mentors, academic coaches and student tutors, among other offerings.
Pope Francis Consecrates Russia And Ukraine, Calls It A 'Spiritual Act' Amid War by Clemente Lisi
Pope Francis offered up a special prayer for Ukraine and Russia in connection with a Marian apparition that’s over 100 years old. The pope called on all bishops, priests and believers to join him in the consecration of Ukraine and Russia, an act triggered by a 1917 apocalyptic vision of Mary to three children in the Portuguese city of Fatima.
Hillsong Global Senior Pastor Brian Houston Resigns After Misconduct Investigation by Julie Roys
Brian Houston has resigned as Hillsong global senior pastor after an internal investigation found he acted inappropriately toward two women.
Longtime Professor Claims He Was Fired From Christian University For Hosting Gay Speaker by Cheryl Mann Bacon
Michael O’Keefe and his attorney claim he was fired for including an openly gay guest speaker in his senior-level “Business of Branding” course. But the university asserts that O’Keefe’s termination stemmed from the content of the speaker’s presentation — and the professor’s alleged subsequent effort to squelch student complaints.
5 Films That Show How Buddhism Has Influenced Japanese Animation by Brianna Jacobs
Throughout Japan, there is a mixture of Buddhism, Shintoism and Taoism, which are easily recognized within the culture. Respect for nature, as well as reverence for “bodhisattvas” can even be seen in Japanese animations, teaching children and even adults. Here are five animations that have Buddhist themes and references.
Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson Says Her Faith Sustains Her But Won't Impede Judgments by Hamil R. Harris
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been questioned in hearings this week to become the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. “I must also pause to reaffirm my thanks to God, for it is faith that sustains me at this moment,” Jackson said.
New Website OnlySky Aims To Unite The Nonreligious by Kimberly Winston
OnlySky is believed to be the first web platform devoted exclusively to secular ideas and voices. But nonreligious Americans are a group notoriously hard to define and pin down.
Is A Great Resignation Brewing For Pastors? by Scott Thumma
(ANALYSIS) Are nearly 40% of clergy really about to leave the ministry? It’s a question that has come up regularly in conversations among sociologists of religion since the Barna Group, a research firm that focuses on religion, found last year that 2 in 5 Christian pastors had considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year.
Opinion
#RNA2022: Nation's Religion Writers Convene — In Person — For Annual Conference
In Friday’s Weekend Plug-In column, Bobby Ross Jr. writes from Bethesda, Maryland, site of the Religion News Association’s 2022 annual meeting. As always, Plug-in highlights the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column early on Fridays for only $5 a month. Click the button below to subscribe!
Pope Francis Tells Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, ‘Wars Are Always Unjust’ by Richard Ostling
The Samaritan Woman And Her Encounter With Jesus by Michael Metzger
Why The Future Of The World’s Largest Religion Is Female — And African by Gina Zurlo
As Black And Latino Churches Grow, Southern Baptists Look To Heal Racial Divides by Terry Mattingly
St. Peter’s March Madness Miracle Run Ends, But They Will Forever Be Remembered by Clemente Lisi
What The 2022 Oscars Hit (And Miss) About Religion by Joseph Holmes
While Ukrainian Violence Dominates The News, The Silent Slaughter Of Nigerian Christians Continues by Lela Gilbert
Don’t miss our latest podcast
Unpacking Myths About Russian History and Orthodoxy
Dr. Scott Kenworthy, a professor in the Department of Comparative Religion at Miami University, spoke with ReligionUnplugged’s Managing Editor Meagan Clark about the religious aspects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the complex history of Russian Orthodoxy. Kenworthy's research interests focus on the history and thought of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, particularly in modern Russia. His recent book co-authored with Alexander Agadjanian, “Understanding World Christianity: Russia” aims to correct Western myths and misunderstandings about Russian Christianity and history. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or listen directly on our website.
In case you missed it
Editorial picks from our archives
Here Are The Top Anti-War Rock Songs That Represent Faith In The Ukrainian Resistance by Camila Da Silva
Folk and rock anthems in response to the Russian invasion have created an air of nationalism and unity among Ukrainians. Besides the explicit protest in their lyrics, they recall other historical periods of conflict in the country.
These Evangelicals Are Equipping Church Leaders To Address COVID-19 Misinformation by Chelsea Langston Bombino
A new project by evangelicals, for evangelicals aims to persuade those on the fence about vaccination to go ahead and get the shots and equip church leaders to lead fact-based discussions while appealing to biblical values.
Thanks again for reading!
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