News & Ideas

Friday's News & Ideas - 5/9/2025

  • Why an American pope?
  • Young Catholic influencers
  • Protest under Trump
  • Francis’ favorite painting
  • Trump’s impact on accreditation
  • The Unabomber’s brother

A surreal moment as America celebrates its first pope — and wonders what his election means
CNN: The United States was often deemed too powerful — militarily, diplomatically, and even culturally — for one of its own to control one of the world’s most influential seats of moral authority
The New York Times: How will Pope Leo approach the rising right wing of the U.S. church?*
Vox: The first American pope is notable for reasons you might not expect

Young Catholic influencers are bringing MAGA to the masses
19th News: A vocal and visible group of Catholic women are marrying faith with politics as they talk about their own brand of feminism — and Donald Trump.

He got arrested for praying at the Capitol. He has thoughts on protest under Trump.
Politico: Rev. William Barber on the future of protest politics during Trump 2.0.

Will Trump’s plan for college accreditation help or hurt? 
Baptist News Global: On April 23, President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to reshape the independent agencies that accredit U.S. colleges and universities.

Why ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ by Caravaggio was Pope Francis’ favorite painting — an art historian explains
The Conversation: Francis spoke of his admiration for the Baroque painter Caravaggio.

The Spark

The Unabomber’s brother turned him in. Then spent 27 years trying to win him back.
David Kaczynski* called the F.B.I. in an effort to halt Ted’s campaign of violence, The New York Times says.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers



Sign up to receive religion news every weekday in the free News & Ideas newsletter

Signup options

Most recent News & Ideas

Wednesday’s News & Ideas - 6/18/2025

  • LDS polygamy revelation
  • Gay priest revitalizing TEC
  • Church hires deaf pastor
  • Australian church in decline?
  • 160 years of Juneteenth
  • A.I. is changing reading

Tuesday’s News & Ideas - 6/17/2025

  • After Mother Emanuel shooting
  • Brueggemann’s big God
  • Survey of Jewish students
  • Where are African saints?
  • ‘Supernatural church’
  • Dismantling food pantry

Monday’s News & Ideas - 6/16/2025

  • Attending more than one church
  • MN murder suspect is a minister
  • Why is the SBC powerful?
  • Making a group house a home
  • Mass at Sox field
  • Being an older father
Calvin Institute of Christian Worship logo

Nicene Creed conversations

The newest season of the “Public Worship and the Christian Life” podcast features three powerful conversations about the Nicene Creed to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the ecumenical Creed that emerged in 325.  

Learn More