Culture | Faith & Religion
- The ExplainerTrump decries ‘anti-Christian bias.’ Which religions are targeted in US?With President Trump creating a task force to stamp out anti-Christian bias, what does religious discrimination in the United States look like today?
- ‘People will be afraid to go to church.’ Congregations sue for sanctuary.On Monday, a group of Societies of Friends sued the Trump administration over an immigration directive that no longer considers churches “protected areas.” The churches argue it infringes on their religious liberty.
- Podcast: Why We Wrote This Religion and politics: A writer talks about her new hot-button beat
The proclamations. The apparent contradictions. A prevalence that seems not to align with surveys. Religion now pops up in politics, and in daily life, in some surprising ways – especially where Christianity is concerned. At the Monitor, we’re bolstering our coverage. A writer at the center of that tells how.
- LA fires claimed places of worship, but congregations still are helping othersThe LA fires burned synagogues, churches, and mosques. But their congregations are still there, and are working to help others.
- America’s changing pews: Who shows up at church on Sunday?Young men are more likely to show up at church on Sundays than young women – to the point where they have erased a long-standing gender gap.
- Elon Musk now calls himself a ‘cultural Christian.’ What does that mean?Some famous atheists have now adopted the term “cultural Christian” to describe themselves. What does it mean, and how is that playing out in an increasingly secular America?
- Cover StoryReading, writing, and the Ten Commandments? Why some public schools teach the Bible.As states mandate Bible lessons and posting the Ten Commandments in public schools, religious conservatives challenge separation of church and state.
- Focus‘Salaam. Shalom. Peace.’ How US interfaith groups work for peace in a time of war.At a time when many people default to demonizing those who believe differently than they do, U.S. interfaith groups are working to acknowledge shared humanity and ask, What can we learn from one another?
- ‘Yes in God’s backyard’? More Boston churches turn into affordable housing.What is happening to churches after they close their doors? Across the U.S., edifices are getting a second chance at helping the community – as affordable senior housing.
- How to save a church? Add housing, groceries, and gas.Shrinking church congregations are repurposing their buildings and land for community services like affordable housing and grocery stores.
- Pope Francis urges Catholics to 'accept the marginalized'At a mass for the newest members of the College of Cardinals on Sunday, Pope Francis laid out a 'mission statement' for Catholics worldwide.
- Did the pope just say that animals have souls?In comforting a child grieving his dog, Pope Francis implied that the child would reunite with his pet in heaven. Does this signal a doctrinal shift?
- Why a former atheist professor now believes faith is for smart peopleHolly Ordway, a college professor in Houston, no longer believes atheists are smarter than Christians. Her latest book: “Not God's Type: An Atheist Academic Lays Down Her Arms.”
- Germany’s ‘firewall’ against populism has held so far. Sunday will be its biggest test.
- More than a rift: Trump aides cast doubt on shared values with Europe
- The Supreme Court has helped presidential power expand. Trump may test its limits.
- Washington adopts a Zimbabwe innovation: Grannies offering park-bench therapy
- Trump, Musk want to curb FEMA. Its North Carolina response says volumes.