Conservative churches and renewal associations in mainline bodies, particularly Anglicanism, are increasingly pressing not just for evangelical doctrine, but also the right to plant their own congregations unfettered by denominational control. This trend can be seen in The First Promise movement, where evangelical activists seek alternative means of leadership from that of their liberal bishops […]

The faith movement, known for promoting prosperity teachings, is growing rapidly around the world, and although the movement may have started in the U.S., it is finding its own expressions, particularly in the Third World. In the Journal of Contemporary Religion (October) Stephen Hunt writes that while the faith movement was once a strand of the Pentecostal […]

Religion and how it is applied to social problems is attracting widespread attention as well as foundation funds. As reported in the Los Angeles Times (Oct. 8), applied religion is “a hot field of inquiry,” though it was considered dying if not dead by academic specialists until recently. The interest is found in three general areas. Major […]

The portrayal of witchcraft and magic in the popular media is more realistic today, and suggests a greater acceptance of these alternative religions. That is the main conclusion of the fall issue of PanGaia, a Neopagan magazine.  From the best-selling Harry Potter books to popular TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, Xena, and Sabrina the […]

The homeschooling movement is experiencing sharp divisions over the influence of conservative Christians in its ranks. While homeschooling is growing among believers and non-believers as well as gaining academic credibility, a battle is being fought over the role of the Christian rightist Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) in the loosely-based movement, according to the Charisma […]

An influx of immigration to rural and small-town America is finding congregations ill-prepared to minister to such newcomers, according to the current issue of  Visions, a newsletter on religion and demography. The Census 2000 released in late August found that counties with rapidly growing Spanish-speaking populations were primarily in rural, small-town and outer suburban regions. Most […]

The growing body of scientific work that demonstrates the benefits of religious belief and behavior to adult health and well-being is now being channeled into practical programs that can be applied to congregational life. Past research has shown that prayer, close social ties, altruistic behavior, and a sense of purpose are among the religious factors […]