If You Can Keep It: Church and State, Continued In this 23-minute episode, the discussion turns to the evolving interplay between religious institutions and government power. Recent developments have sparked debate, most notably when President Trump questioned the traditional separation of church and state while setting up a commission focused on religious liberty. His remarks … Read more
MAGA and the Christian Identity Debate A recent viral video has sparked a heated discussion about the intertwining of political and religious identities. One viewer captured the sentiment succinctly by stating, “As a Christian, I don’t think you can be both MAGA and Christian.” This comment reflects a broader debate among those who view the … Read more
Concerns Over the Protection of Syria’s Christian Community Many Christians in Syria are increasingly worried that the newly formed Islamist-led government may not be providing enough safeguards for their community. This apprehension comes amid broader concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in the country. Historical Context Fueling Current Fears For years, Syria’s Christian population … Read more
A Landmark Gathering in Early Christianity Nearly 1700 years ago, early Christian leaders assembled in a charged atmosphere of debate and deliberation. This dynamic meeting played a decisive role in shaping the foundational beliefs of Christianity, marking one of the most significant turning points in the faith’s history. Setting the Stage for Transformation During this … Read more
Overview A recent study has revealed that one of the world’s major faiths struggles with retaining its followers compared to other religious traditions. Researchers examining global trends have found that conversion and retention rates are notably lower than those seen in several other religious communities. Study Insights The analysis indicates that adherents of this tradition … Read more
Religion as a Technology Notre Dame sociologist Christian Smith proposes an intriguing viewpoint: by treating religion as if it were a technology, we gain a clearer understanding of its waning influence. Just as technological innovations eventually supersede older systems, Smith suggests that traditional religious structures can become outmoded when they no longer meet the evolving … Read more
Shepherd the Flock: Advice to New Elders The New Testament clearly emphasizes the indispensable role of elders in leading the church. Often called pastors or overseers, these leaders are charged with guiding, teaching, and caring for God’s people under the supreme authority of Christ. More than mere organizational figures, elders are individuals of proven character … Read more
Reflections on a Journey Toward Godliness In my early years as a newlywed, I imagined that with time I would naturally become a wiser and more devoted person simply by the passage of years. I never anticipated that life’s challenges would take such diverse forms or that growth would emerge slowly through trials. Over the … Read more
A World of Shared Spirituality I was born in post-revolution Iran, where after 1979 religion became the backbone of public life. My family’s experience as a member of a religious minority taught me that faith can be misused to exclude and oppress. Yet, from this hardship emerged the realization that avoiding discussions about religion is … Read more
Protesters Invade Nazareth Greek Orthodox Church and Remove Outer Gate The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth reported that a group calling itself the “Soldiers of God” broke into the church on Sunday evening while it was closed. According to a statement posted on the church’s social media, the intruders removed the church’s … Read more