Jesus Hates Cable News
In light of the growing controversy about Fox News, we are offering A Public Witness readers a piece originally published as the cover story of Word&Way magazine in October 2021 but which has never been published online.
In North Idaho, Religious and Secular Activists Work to Fight Christian Nationalism
Devotees of far-right politics have flocked to this part of Idaho and the surrounding states for decades, and for as long they have met resistance — including from faith leaders.
Old-School Christian Nationalism’s Avatar of Racism, Antisemitism, and Conspiracies
The early version of Christian nationalism turned the fear of communism into an excuse to embrace prejudice and forfeit American democracy. While Rev. Gerald L.K. Smith’s name is mostly forgotten, his ideas — and the strategies he used to promote them — still haunt America
When Prayer Isn’t the Answer
This issue of A Public Witness looks at the reinvigorated crusade by politicians across the country to push official, government prayer in schools. And then this class session ends with an explanation of why a common remark about gun violence in schools is dead wrong.
Faith Leaders Urge Biden To Sign Executive Order for Reparations Study by Juneteenth
More than 200 interfaith leaders have requested that President Joe Biden establish a commission to study reparations for African Americans by signing an executive order by the newly recognized federal holiday Juneteenth.
West Virginia GOP Majority House OKs Religious Freedom Bill
West Virginia’s GOP supermajority House of Delegates passed a bill Monday that would create a test for courts to apply when people challenge government regulations they believe interfere with their constitutional right to religious freedom.
30 Years Later, Waco Siege Still Resonates – Especially Among Anti-Government Extremists
Part of the siege’s legacy in popular culture is tied to sensational coverage that has presented the Branch Davidians as a cult. But the tragedy is also a powerful moment in political extremist groups’ ideologies.
‘Woke Wars’ Infiltrate Christian Colleges, Prof Under Fire for Racial Justice Unit
An English professor at a private Christian university in Florida has been accused of “indoctrinating students.” Samuel Joeckel, who has taught at the university for over 20 years, reports that his contract renewal is being delayed while his lessons on racial justice are reviewed.
Debate Over Allowing Missouri Campus Groups to Limit Membership Focuses on Discrimination
A Missouri bill that would allow religious and other "belief-based" organizations to refuse membership to certain students raised concerns Wednesday evening that it could open the door to discrimination on college campuses, especially against LGBTQ students.
How Far Must Employers Go To Accommodate Workers’ Time Off for Worship? The Supreme Court Will Weigh In
Professor Charles J. Russo explores the context surrounding a U.S. Supreme Court case that will soon address the extent to which employers must make “reasonable accommodations” for the religious beliefs and practices of employees. What exactly that means has been unclear for decades.