Intelligent design is usually considered a theory about how the world was created with divine purpose, but increasingly this concept is taking on the form of a religious and social movement. In a special issue devoted to intelligent design , the conservative ecumenical magazine Touchstone (July-August) claims that the theory represents a “new paradigm” in science that […]
Secular humanism optimistic and defensive
The secular humanist movement has issued a number of manifestos outlining its goals for the future, but its most recent document shows more concern about religion’s predominance in the world, the growth of “irrational” philosophies, and balancing responsibility as well as freedom. The “Humanist Manifesto 2000” is similar to the previous manifestos in proclaiming secularism and […]
On/File: July/August 1999
01: Lighthouses of Prayer is a new “low pressure” strategy of evangelism prayer among evangelical Christians. The movement, led by a coalition of Christian organizations called Mission America, attempts to bring prayer into neighborhoods by asking Christians to pray for their neighbors. Christians participate in the program by strolling the sidewalks and making petitions for particular neighbors without their […]
Findings & Footnotes: July/August 1999
01: The magazine Skeptical Inquirer usually deals with what is called “pseudo-science” — matters like UFO’s and other cases of the paranormal. But the July-August issue broaches new territory, devoting itself to science and religion (It seems the readers of the magazine have pressed the editors to address religion as well as paranormal activities). The issue features a […]
Pop star priests reviving Brazil’s church?
The phenomenon of “pop star” priests in Brazil is bringing back Catholics to the fold and posing unexpected roadblocks to the Protestant upsurge in the Latin American nation. Peter B. Clarke writes in the Journal of Contemporary Religion (May) that the “explosion of Pentecostalism has provoked a Catholic response in Brazil which is led by young, charismatic, […]
Current Research: July/August 1999
01: A new study of Episcopal parishes finds they are increasing in vitality while experiencing weaker ties to the church leadership and other parts of the national church, reports the newsletter Visions (May/June). The study, called the Zacchaeus Project, is based on 2,000 group interviews in selected parishes of nine Episcopal dioceses, as well as a short […]
Anti-Darwinian critiques find interfaith favor
Criticism of Darwinian evolution and modern science is finding a hearing among non-Christian groups far beyond American fundamentalist and evangelical creationists. Postmodern philosophers and scholars involved in the new field of the sociology of science question notions of objectivity that hold that scientific fact is independent of subjective interpretation and the influence of culture, ethnicity,and […]
Messianic movement continues to divide Lubavitch Jews
Five years after the death of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, the messianic movement that had formed while he was the head of the Lubavitcher Hasidim is expanding. The Washington Post (June 20) reports that when Schneerson died in 1995, many predicted that the movement would crumble without him, and that the messianic beliefs would fade with time. Neither […]
Megachurch regrouping after growth lull
With the realization that after two decades of outreach their ministry is markedly slowing down, several of the flagship megachurches in America are making major changes in their programs. The Los Angeles Times (June 7) reports that.pastors of these churches with over 2,000 members are finding growing numbers of dissatisfied members, unhappy neighbors, and an inability to […]
On/File: June 1999
01: The Nehemiah Team project is raising urban-suburban partnerships to a new level. The project, run by World Impact, a Los Angeles-based ministry that plants churches in poor neighborhoods, enlists suburban Christians to establish congregations in the inner-city. Four or more members of a suburban congregation volunteers to lead Bible studies, build friendships and walk through housing projects inviting […]
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