Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
In the past year, “nearly 950 hate-related incidents” took place in India, according to a new study. Muslims and Christians — both religious minorities in the state — were the main targets of these attacks.
In today’s top story, Vishal Arora analyzes the findings of the study conducted by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights and the Quill Foundation. This is particularly concerning because it comes in the first year of Narendra Modi’s third term, and violence was shown to increase during election periods.
This, Arora writes, “shows a weakening of basic democratic principles.”
Violence Against Religious Minorities Undermines India’s Democracy
(ANALYSIS) A new study has found nearly 950 hate-related incidents in India during the first year of the main ruling party’s third term. Religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, were the main targets of violence and hate speech. This rise in unchecked and largely unpunished hostility should concern all citizens. by Vishal Arora
More Parable Than Sermon: The Biblical Imagery Behind Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ Season 3
(REVIEW) “Squid Game” is a series that’s no stranger when it comes to weaving religious imagery into its narrative. Season 3 culminates that thread with both subtle and striking references, particularly when it comes to Christian symbolism. The season, it turns out, is more parable than sermon. The six episodes that form the final season are bloodier than ever. by Clemente Lisi
Religion And The 2024 Vote: Data Shows A Crisis Point For Democrats
(ANALYSIS) Who voted how in 2024? The two most important surveys on U.S. election patterns are now available and among the findings is this bulletin: Along with its various current woes, in the long term the Democratic Party faces weakening support from many religious groups that is nearing a political emergency. No effective game plan for a turnaround is in sight. by Richard Ostling
Memory, Melody And Meaning: The Rock Star Who Refused To Hide His Faith
(ANALYSIS) Bono has never been backwards in coming forward, especially when it comes to God. He doesn’t mumble about “spiritual energy” or dodge the name of Jesus. He says it straight: “The Son of God.” He talks about Christ carrying his shame, not because it sounds poetic, but because he believes it. His faith isn’t necessarily neat or polished, but it's real. by John Mac Ghlionn
Why Wes Anderson Changed His Mind About God In ‘The Phoenician Scheme’
The director’s most recent film, “The Phoenician Scheme.” very explicitly affirms faith. This is all the more surprising because his previous film was one of the most moving anti-faith films of the past 20 years. What explains this? Why did Anderson change his portrayal of faith so radically between his last film and his latest one? by Joseph Holmes
Houston’s Oldest Greek Orthodox Church Expands, Embraces Ancient Tradition
Houston’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, one of the largest Greek Orthodox communities in the nation, expects to cover each of its walls with colorful Byzantine iconography by the year 2027, hoping to continue expanding as membership grows. Formed in 1917, the Annunciation community was the city’s first organized Greek Orthodox Church. by Myrian Orea
Puppets And Peace: One Woman’s Mission To Make Jewish Culture Joyful For All
If Jim Henson and Fred Rogers could connect with kids through puppets, why couldn’t Shlomit Tripp? “It’s really important that these kids understand that being Jewish is also fun,” Tripp said. “It’s not only the Shoah or this dry religion sitting in a synagogue and being bored.” Regardless of background, all appeared enthralled before Tripp’s colorful creations and exaggerated voices. by Casey Loving
Does Religious Tolerance Remain A Distant Dream In Taiwan?
(ANALYSIS) Taiwan’s international rating on freedom of religion is undisputedly very high. The 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, published by the U.S. Department of State, also noted Taiwan’s constitutional protection of the freedom of religion as well as the diversity of religious beliefs, but questions are asked about how freely can one practice their religion. by Sonia Sarkar
On Religion: Hip-Hop Has Become A Common Language For Believers
(ANALYSIS) Billboard commentator Xander Zellner recently noted: “Say your prayers: Christian music is making a serious comeback. On the Billboard Hot 100, dated May 10, two Christian songs are making waves: Brandon Lake's 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' ranks at No. 44 in its 11th week on the chart (after reaching No. 40) and Forrest Frank's 'Your Way's Better' jumps from No. 72 to No. 62 in its second week.” by Terry Mattingly
Ugandan Women Are Changing The Face Of Church Leadership
Many Ugandans are still waiting for that transformative change to materialize across key sectors. Some had hoped it would come through economic empowerment or expanded human rights. While the broader national transformation remains elusive, one sector — Uganda’s Anglican Church — has seen notable progress, particularly in advancing women’s leadership. by John Semakula
💙 Faith, Hope And Love: Why The Thunder’s First NBA Title Means So Much To OKC 🔌
Why did the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the NBA title mean so much to our Weekend Plug-in columnist — just a casual fan? It’s simple: This is about much more than basketball, y’all. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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Thanks again for reading!
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