In the past few months Catholic publications have been featuring reports on a possible new doctrine involving Mary as co-redeemer that may soon be publicly proclaimed as an official doctrine of the church. Newsweek magazine (Aug. 25) reports that there is an influential movement throughout the world that is petitioning Pope John Paul II to take such […]
Spirituality seeping into worlds of sales and advertising
As the boom of spirituality continues its course through church life and personal devotion, such a resurgence is also finding a growing presence in advertising and sales — two areas of the business world long considered hostile or indifferent to such expression. According to writer Andy Cohen in Sales and Marketing Management magazine (August, 1997) an increasing […]
Mainline denominations face ecumenical, gender issues in summer assemblies
Over the past summer, several mainline Protestant denominations committed their constituencies to important ecumenical and gender-related policies, matters currently in the forefront of conflict in American religious institutions in general. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (2.7 million members) attempted to take a major step in reconciling the long-standing conflicts within its ranks over whether […]
Indigenous and eclectic religious faiths find following in Russia
Over the course of the past year, liberal Russians and international observers alike have watched with growing concern as the government of the Russian Federation has taken an increasingly hard line with New Religious Movements (NRMs) of both domestic and foreign origin. A new law restricting such religious organizations that was recently passed by the […]
Indigenous fold religion finds public and government support
A syncretistic folk religion is finding revival and new public recognition in Vietnam, according to an Associated Press report (June 28). The once banned Caodai religious sect is a hybrid of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Vietnamese spiritism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. The movement, started in the 1920s, has more than 3 million followers despite the Vietnamese government’s religious regulation. […]
On/File: July/August 1997
01: The American Hindu Defamation League AHDL) is already making itself known as a protector of Hindus in America after only recently getting off the ground. The organization was recently started by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America organization. Last spring the AHDL led a protest campaign against the rock group Aerosmith for making a sacrilegious portrayal […]
Findings & Footnotes: July/August 1997
01: Smoke of Satan: Conservative and Traditionalist Dissent in Contemporary American Catholicism (Oxford, $27.50) by Michael W. Cuneo, provides an intereresting look at the subcultures of the Catholic right. Cuneo, a Fordham University sociologist, examines such movements as conservative Catholicism; prolife activism; traditionalism (which emphasizes a return to pre-Vatican II Catholicism); and radical Marian-apocalyptic movements, such as the one gathered around […]
Hong Kong Christians cautious on China rule
As Hong Kong comes under Chinese control, Christian leaders are preparing for a changed environment for religious freedom, despite the assurances by China that they will continue to enjoy independence of state control, according to several reports. Chinese officials have recently told Catholic church leaders that they will not set up offices of the Religious Affairs […]
Current Research: July/August 1997
01: Recent sociological and attitudinal research shows that in at least three areas of religious life, American fundamentalists are continuing their commitment to traditional teachings despite major society changes creating pressures for adaption ad compromise. In their attitude towards pornography, sexually explicit materials, in their beliefs about premarital sexual intercourse, and in their suspicion of secular […]
Growing momentum in healing Pentecostal rift
The younger generations in Pentecostalism are making progress in mending an 80-year split between “oneness” Pentecostals and the majority of trinitarian believers, although they are receiving little encouragement from denominational officials, reports Charisma magazine (June). Oneness or “Jesus only” Pentecostals, representing approximately 17 million believers in the world, broke off from other Pentecostals in their refusal to […]