popular culture

Young people are being trained by militant anti-abortion groups to be informed, media-savvy, publicity-oriented foot soldiers in the battle to outlaw abortion.

A recent US News & World Report piece claims that “the churches most open to homosexuality are shrinking fastest.” A closer look at the numbers reveals a different picture.

In a recent Op-Ed, Elders member Jimmy Carter noted that religion is used to excuse slavery, forced prostitution, genital mutilation, and more.

Does morality come from religion or is it merely “the language games of one’s time”? Are the most basic moral boundaries we evolved that make life easier and less chaotic a reflection of the character of God? If there is no God, or if He doesn’t care about us, then our common morality is still the result of practical, reality-based needs, which also “teach” that a good life depends on the “Do unto others…” ethic.

Already distrustful of outside experts, be they members of the education system or leaders of traditional denominations, Quiverfull followers are increasingly eschewing the medical establishment, opting to leave childbirth to God. The recent death of a newborn, however, exposes a growing rift between the most zealous opponents of intervention and those open to some assistance.

While many expected LGBT issues to be at the forefront of controversy at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention, presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori stunned some participants by taking aim at narrow notions of salvation.

Beltway pundits like to think of themselves as impartial umpires representing all points of view in the spirit of “Niebuhrian humility” without realizing that their uncritical acceptance of all points of view is, at best, not very Niebuhrian.

These days, rituals of mourning, praise, and eulogies for celebrities are often enacted in and through the media sphere.

Iran’s Green Revolt is about freedom and democracy, sure. But it usually has to take form in a particular issue or, as in the case of a growing portion of Iran’s youth, in song. Meet the resistance in the form of the underground music scene.

With her resignation as Alaska’s governor, rumors are flying about Palin’s plans to run for president in 2012. But what do the numbers reveal about her effect on the McCain ticket in 2008? In fact, among key religious demographics, they don’t bode well for the “hockey mom” from Alaska.