Molly Worthen, author most recently of Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism (Oxford University Press, 2013), spoke with Ray Haberski about the ideas that moved a variety of evangelicals in America over the last seventy years.  Worthen argues that attentive observers of American evangelical history must contend with the imagination as much as the mind when considering how evangelicals have “navigated the upheavals in modern American culture and global Christianity.”  Expertly weaving the intellectual and religious histories of... Read more

Emory University has announced the selection of the Rev. Bridgette Young Ross to be its next dean of the chapel and spiritual life, beginning July 1. She will succeed the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, who in February assumed the executive directorship of the United Methodist Church (UMC) General Board of Church and Society, in Washington, D.C. “Bridgette Young Ross brings great gifts of faith, intellect, bridge-building and mentorship to the work of the Office of Spiritual Life,” says Emory President James... Read more

World War I–The Great War, as it was called at the time–is remarkable in military history for its massive scope and loss of life, with more than nine million combatants killed. But its role in religious history is less appreciated, and an array of books coinciding with the July centennial could change that. “World War I studies have not highlighted the role religion played,” says Roger Freet executive editor at HarperOne, publisher of The Great and Holy War: How World War... Read more

As much as Chicago’s Roman Catholics believe the selection of the city’s next archbishop will be guided by the Holy Spirit, experts and history point to other forces, such as demographics and local politics, that help shape such decisions. “Politics, diversity and money play a role in this world. We know that,” said Miguel Diaz, a former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican who served in Rome under the Obama administration. “The pope is clearly not just the head of the world’s... Read more

Last week the Supreme Court stretched the boundaries of religious expression in the public sphere when it ruled—in a 5-4 decision split largely along ideological lines—that municipalities are constitutionally permitted to commence their official meetings with overtly Christian benedictions.   Writing for the majority in the case of Greece v. Galloway, Justice Anthony Kennedy called legislative prayer a benign and enduring part of the American tradition. So long as it does not “denigrate, proselytize, or betray an impermissible government purpose,” he... Read more

Our Twitter Pope, Pope Francis, tweeted a message a week or so ago that seems to summarize so much about his papacy: “Inequality,” he taught his tens of thousands of followers, “is the root of social evil.” And this was merely the opening act. He followed this message up with an urgent call for the “legitimate redistribution” of wealth to benefit the world’s destitute. These teachings are in accord with the lesson Pope Francis has been delivering since that day in March, 2013, when... Read more

The prosperity gospel goes by many names: Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It. This “different gospel” teaches that God provides rewards, including personal happiness, financial wealth and physical health, for believers who have sufficient faith. Prosperity theology developed in America in the last century and has been called a “baptized form of capitalism.” The preachers associated with the movement — including Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, and Creflo Dollar — have some of the largest congregations... Read more

A homeless transvestite prostitute makes her way slowly up Jefferson from the intersection of Claybrook and Jefferson. She doesn’t look familiar, but later I notice she’s entered the front yard at Manna House. Mike and Robert arrive loudly. Mike is agitated, and both he and Robert cannot seem to speak to each other, or anyone else, without shouting. I can hear them complaining about some real or perceived injustice they suffered at the emergency room at Methodist Hospital. Jacob, meanwhile, is quietly... Read more

R3 Contributor Earle Fisher talks about Boko Haram and the role of religion during an interview on Fox 13 Memphis affiliate WHBQ. Mid-South News, Weather, Traffic and Sports | FOX13 Read more

by Paula McGee, Claremont University Abstract This dissertation is an ideological critique of the New Black Church model of ministry, with T.D. Jakes and Woman Thou Art Loosed (WTAL) as a case study. T.D. Jakes is an African American televangelist who pastors The Potter’s House, a supermegachurch in Dallas, Texas. He is the quintessential example of a New Black Church pastor—a religious entrepreneur with several successful faith brands. WTAL is by far his most successful brand. Unashamed of his capitalist... Read more