Tuesday’s News & Ideas - 11/18/2025

More Americans than ever attend nondenominational churches. Experts say it’s a major shift in U.S. Christianity.
CBS News: “Nondenominational is actually the strongest force in American Christianity right now,” said Ryan Burge.

Bible sales keep growing, even as many Americans lose their religion
Religion News Service: About 18 million Bibles have been sold this year, part of a five-year boom in Bible sales.

In pulpits and pews, Catholic churches urge compassion for immigrants*
The New York Times: Immigration was on the minds of priests and parishioners following a letter from the nation’s Catholic bishops decrying how immigrants are being treated.

Pickleball on Sunday: Why some top college players are calling foul*
The Washington Post: More than 1,600 players and fans have signed a petition urging groups that run college pickleball to adjust scheduling for religious observance.

Climate crisis or a warning from God? Iranians desperate for answers as water dries up
The Guardian: As rainy season fails to bring relief, authorities try cloud seeding — while others across the country pray for a miracle.

The Spark

Profits and false promises
In the war on cancer, stories of cynical, inhumane decisions made by pharmaceutical companies at the expense of sick patients are commonplace these days, Virginia Quarterly Review says.

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