Monday's News & Ideas - 5/8/2023

Conservative Christians want more religion in public life. Texas lawmakers are listening.
The Texas Tribune: Opponents of church-state separation have been emboldened by recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and the growing acceptance of Christian nationalism on the right.

Scott Sauls, author and Nashville pastor, placed on indefinite leave of absence
Religion News Service: Sauls is one of a growing number of high-profile pastors whose leadership style has come under scrutiny in recent years.

The real priest behind ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ was a fan of Hollywood horror films
The Conversation: On April 14, 2023, Sony Pictures released “The Pope’s Exorcist,” a horror film inspired by the life of the Rev. Gabriele Amorth. Amorth served as the exorcist for the Diocese of Rome from 1986 until his death in 2016 at the age of 91.

Flamenco and fervor: Inside Spain’s El Rocío pilgrimage*
The New York Times: The annual spectacle, featuring fanciful caravans and riders on horseback, is arguably the most potent visual representation of Andalusian culture.

Iran hangs two men for blasphemy as executions rise amid unrest
The Guardian: Deaths take number of prisoners executed to at least 203 since start of this year, says human rights group.

The Spark

Where are the treatments for long COVID?
We don’t know why the virus can lead to persistent symptoms,* Slate says. We urgently need more research on therapies anyway.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers