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Exploring Advent in a time of violence in Lebanon, Daoud Kuttab reflects on how war and suffering are never part of God’s will for his children.

In his latest book “Religion for Realists: Why We All Need the Scientific Study of Religion,” Samuel Perry challenges some of our most cherished assumptions.

Trump's cabinet selection includes everything from pastors to Catholic converts to one nominee who credits their spiritual rebirth to a book by a Swiss psychiatrist.

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Dangerous Dogma

Church

New Hope Presbyterian Church started a string orchestra in April, welcoming students — including those who may have trouble getting into and paying for music programs.

The trip, taken just days after President-elect Donald Trump won a second term in the U.S., brought 25 Latino Protestant leaders and pastors to Panama to help them understand the experiences of migrants who may later arrive in their communities.

'One missed sign or one missed concept can prevent others from working out their service salvation on that day', said Bronte Stewart, who founded an ASL interpretation program at her church in 2014.

Nation

This issue of A Public Witness reconsiders King Herod to move beyond a flat, culture wars depiction of the religious-nationalism-pushing ruler.

Activists and faith leaders hope to save the lives of 40 federal death row inmates, fearing Donald Trump would authorize an ‘execution spree’ after taking office.

Monday’s federal lawsuit seeks to overturn the state’s decision not to allow Joseph Corcoran’s minister to be present in the execution chamber — a constitutional right granted by a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

World

The pope’s appeal was made for the World Day of Peace, coinciding with the launch of the 2025 Jubilee year.

The pro-Palestinian creche is intended to point out the disconnect between the idealized Bethlehem of most representations and the reality in present-day Gaza and the West Bank.

Notre Dame’s journey from ruin to resurrection was defined by extraordinary craftsmanship, nearly $1 billion in global donations, and a collective, unyielding determination to rebuild.

Editorials

The thinning of the UMC’s conservative ranks makes this week’s conference a perfect time to address the issue.

Missing in all the jokes and news reports about the Trump Bible is that this isn’t the first time a presidential stamp of approval was sought for the Good Book.

Brian Kaylor reacts to claims that God is sending a message through a 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook the northeastern part of the U.S. on Friday or a solar eclipse going across much of the U.S. on Monday.

Word&Way Voices

This action would ensure that no federal prisoner faces execution despite being intellectually disabled, mentally incompetent, or convicted in proceedings riddled with racial bias.

Exploring Advent in a time of dangerous pregnancies, Kristel Clayville reflects on spiritual needs related to the act of creating new life.

Reflecting on the dangerous pregnancies of Mary and Elizabeth, Traci Blackmon writes that God’s miracles required not just their wombs but their entire beings.

E-Newsletter

This issue of A Public Witness looks at the unexpected revolution of the printed word and how journalism has changed since Word&Way started over 128 years ago.

This issue of A Public Witness uncovers the history of using and opposing landmines to consider how Biden’s new policy move destroys the moral high ground he often tried to claim during his presidency.

This issue of A Public Witness considers the act of removing a saint and what it might teach us about other religious symbols that have also been co-opted.

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Podcasts

In episode 98 of Dangerous Dogma, Cody Sanders and Mikeal Parsons about their book Corpse Care: Ethics for Tending the Dead. They also discuss issues related to green burials, funeral practices, and COVID.

In episode 97 of Dangerous Dogma, Bradley Onishi talks about his book Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism — and What Comes Next. He also discusses Jan. 6, evangelical racism, Ron DeSantis, and more.

In episode 96 of Dangerous Dogma, Kevin Nye talks about his book Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness. He also discusses the importance of language and extravagance.

In episode 95 of Dangerous Dogma, Peter Jarrett-Schell, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., talks about his book Reparations: A Plan for Churches. He also discusses his work as chair of the Reparations Task Force of the Episcopal

Books

In “A Visible Unity: Cecil Robeck and the Work of Ecumenism,” Josiah Baker explores the efforts of Pentecostals towards reconciliation as something significant for how we understand the church.

In “American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian,” Michael W. Austin offers us a better form of civic engagement.

The upcoming election is certainly important, but the journey of addressing Christian Nationalism in our churches and nation will continue in the weeks, months, and years to follow.

In “Hope Is Here!: Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community,” Luther E. Smith Jr. prepares us to engage racism, mass incarceration, environmental crises, divisive politics, and indifference.