Friday's News & Ideas - 8/16/2024
- Catholic bishops & megachurch music
- Schools’ response to Bible mandate
- The rise of Falun Gong
- New Zealand uncovers church-run abuse
- Religious diversity on ‘The Bachelorette’
- Secret warehouse of Titanic artifacts
Why Catholic bishops rocked out to megachurch worship hits
Religion News Service: The rise in popularity of music from churches like Elevation, Hillsong and Bethel has helped launch a new kind of ecumenical movement.
How schools in Oklahoma are responding to a new Bible mandate
PBS: As the school year begins, several of the state’s largest school districts say they determine what is taught in Oklahoma’s classrooms and would not change their curriculums.
How a persecuted religious group grew into a global movement*
The New York Times: Founded in China in the early 1990s, Falun Gong unsettled Chinese government officials and quickly became subject to brutal repression. It has prospered nonetheless.
New Zealand uncovers historic abuse in church-run institutions*
Christianity Today: Survivors, advocates and pastors call for “true repentance” among religious groups that ran schools and homes between 1950 and 1999.
‘The Bachelorette’ fans are excited to finally see religious diversity
NBC News: “We go to temple every Lunar New Year and other holidays, and that’s something I want to instill in my children,” Jenn Tran said on the show.
The Spark
Rarely seen Titanic artifacts kept in secret warehouse
A handbag made from alligator skin and tiny vials of perfume that still release a potent scent are just some of the precious artifacts recovered from the world’s most famous shipwreck, says the BBC.
*access is limited for nonsubscribers
