Wednesday's News & Ideas - 5/14/2025

Pope’s family history offers a glimpse into the American Creole journey*
The New York Times: The revelation that Leo XIV has roots among New Orleans Creoles has stirred curiosity and joy about the first pope from the United States.

Real Christianity amid war*
Christianity Today: A Romanian church opens up to refugees from Ukraine with dumplings, dental care and donations.

Is slavery integral to Augustine’s theology?*
The Christian Century: Toni Alimi and Matthew Elia each make the case that it is. Their books demand a reckoning.

Danny McBride sends a love letter to the South with ‘The Righteous Gemstones’
NPR: Though they talk about salvation on TV, the Gemstone family is mired in dysfunction, greed, scandal and crime. Most of the series was filmed in and around Charleston, South Carolina.

Priest dismissed for Nazi-like salute is restored to service by ACNA jurisdiction
Religion News Service: “I do not personally believe The Rev. Robinson is a good representative of the Anglican Church in North America,” said ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood.

The Spark

Americans have tuned out Gaza at the worst possible moment
Israel has a horrifying new plan for “the concluding moves” of the Gaza war. Yet it’s flying under the American radar, Vox says.

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