Wendell Berry, Writer and Farmer, Was Extolled by Many as a Modern-Day Prophet
His writings touched on conservation, community, and belonging, and he acquired legions of fans beyond environmental studies — including many scholars of religion.
‘I Am a Person of Faith’: How Christianity Shaped Dolly Parton’s Music and Spirit
Country music icon Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday, credited her faith for her career, which crossed religions, races, and politics — and the philanthropy that followed.
Pope Leo Hat Giveaway Turns White Sox Game Into the Church of Baseball
After three terrible years, the White Sox are in the midst of a revival — with good young players and perhaps a little divine intervention. The team's best-known fan is Pope Leo XIV.
Not Your Mother’s ‘Little House’
A new Netflix series captures the edginess of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books while also reconsidering the narrative in the face of frontier America’s actual history.
J.D. Vance Quotes Violent ‘Pulp Fiction’ Scene to Explain His Faith Conversion
The first moment of the Quentin Tarantino film highlighted by the vice president during a recent interview occurs just seconds after the Samuel L. Jackson monologue used by Pete Hegseth as a prayer during a worship service at the Pentagon in April.
‘Cast Aside the Clouds’ Removes the Veil on Baha’i Persecution in Iran
Set in modern-day Tehran, the new film premiering in Chicago this weekend is both a forbidden love story and a depiction of the steadfast faith of the Baha’i community amidst ongoing oppression.
Hegseth Conscripts Call of Prophet Isaiah to Serve U.S. Military Interests
This issue of A Public Witness considers the theological problems with the defense secretary regularly quoting Isaiah 6:8 and how his use of Scripture aligns with Bible quotes in violent movies.
Summer Reads 2026
For this issue of A Public Witness, we offer our fifth annual list of books recommended by Word&Way writers that will be perfect for wherever you find your happy place this summer.
‘The Sheep Detectives’ Reveals Holy Mysteries
Besides being an enjoyable and charming moviegoing experience, the new film — based on a German book called ‘Three Bags Full’ by Leonie Swann — is full of unexpected Christian imagery.
Hegseth Prays for ‘Armor of God’ on Military at Pentagon Worship Service
The government service also featured a sermon about hope from Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, who is a former NFL football player and Southern Baptist pastor.