Thursday’s News & Ideas - 6/4/2026
- Christian energy drinks
- ‘Autism Pastor’ Hardwick dies
- Generations of sex abuse
- No charges for anti-ICE protestors
- Ultra-Orthodox protest draft
- Point of view
What would Jesus drink? Welcome to the age of Christian energy beverages
The Guardian: Drink brands such as Yahweh and Praise Energy say they’re raising awareness for Christianity — but are they just treating Jesus like an uncopyrighted Mickey Mouse?
‘The Autism Pastor’ Lamar Hardwick dies at age 47
Religion News Service: Hardwick was known for his disability advocacy and dynamic preaching.
In this church, child sexual abuse has gone unchecked for so long that it spans generations
ProPublica: Sexual abuse survivors say rituals of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church have created a culture where allegations of abuse are resolved outside of the criminal justice system and the victims must bear their pain alone or risk going to hell.
No state charges for anti-ICE protesters at Cities Church, St. Paul city attorney says
CBS News: The St. Paul city attorney on Tuesday announced that the demonstrators who disrupted a service at Cities Church in January — where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement leader also serves as a pastor — will not face state charges.
Ultra-Orthodox protesters block roads and trains across Israel over military draft
The Associated Press: Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox demonstrated across Israel on Monday, blocking roads and trains and setting cars on fire to protest mandatory enlistment in Israel’s military.
The Spark
Is the first-person narrator a uniquely American idea?
Ed Simon considers the role of point of view in American literature at Literary Hub.
*access is limited for nonsubscribers
