Monday's News & Ideas - 7/18/2022

Houses of worship increase security across U.S. after deadly shootings
Associated Press: A recent string of high-profile mass shootings in the U.S. has prompted some faith leaders to ramp up security, spending thousands extra every month for armed guards.

Southern Baptist seminary announces mandatory abuse response course*
Tennessean: Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary announced it will require all students to enroll in a sexual abuse prevention and response course starting this fall.

What are Christian mortgage companies?
Deseret News: Faith-based companies can help you get a loan for a home. But what’s their agenda?

Muslims’ high unemployment rate ‘not due to cultural and religious practices’
The Guardian: Study challenges idea poor outcomes are due to Muslims’ so-called ‘sociocultural attitudes’

Monsters are everywhere in the Bible – and some are human
The Conversation: Monsterlike characters — even human ones — can convey ideas about what’s considered normal and good or “deviant,” disturbing and evil.

The Spark

Can pickleball save America?
The sport,* beloved for its democratic spirit, could unite the country — if it doesn’t divide itself first, The New Yorker says.

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