Tuesday's News & Ideas - 5/14/2019

‘So help me God’ no more: Democrats give House traditions a makeover
The New York Times: The witness rose from her seat, raised her right hand and swore to tell the truth before Congress. But four words were missing: “So help me God.”

Ireland bars Christian fundamentalist pastor from entering country
The (London) Guardian: Immigration law was used for first time to deny entry to anti-gay preacher.

Pope Francis’ almsgiver restores power (illegally) to homeless shelter in Italy
America: Cardinal Konrad Krajewski climbed down a manhole last Saturday evening to restore electric power to a building in Rome occupied by some 450 homeless people, including more than 100 children.

John Coltrane, the power of ‘A Love Supreme’ and the call to radical discipleship
Baptist News Global: John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” is considered by many to be one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. Its greatness lies not simply in its standing as a musical masterpiece, but because it is a spiritual tour de force.

Welcome to church. Want to take a selfie?
Christianity Today: With photo booths for special occasions, Instagram-friendly congregations navigate the tension between sharing faith and showing off.

The Spark

The truth about Pinocchio’s nose
According to The New York Times, Pinocchio would seem a ready-made icon for an age of fake news and bots, of alternative facts and internet trolls, of doubts about the reliability of conventional media.

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