The Mormon church is undergoing a controversy involving child sex abuse cases, with critics claiming that the church seriously mishandled reports of pedophiles in its ranks, reports the National Law Journal (Nov. 16). Although the number of cases might seem small compared with the many cases filed against the Catholic Church, there are at least five suits […]

Is a new form of Mormon social activism emerging? It’s obvious that  Mormonism is powerful missionary force around much of the world, adding members daily through an extensive proselytizing movement. In an address to the conference of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, Warner Woodworth of Brigham Young University sees new forms of social […]

The phenomenon of tattooing and body piercing may be more than a fad and may actually be closer to religious ritual, though one that appeals to a wide range of believers and seekers. Common Boundary (September/October), a magazine of spirituality and psychology, reports that “growing numbers of individuals are seeking spiritual experiences through embellishing their bodies.” […]

Using new, broad powers of investigation and a much larger budget, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in recent months is targeting Muslim activists for alleged support of  terrorist attacks against American lives and property. Using a 1996 act of Congress with vastly expanded jurisdiction, sharp increases in its budget and anti-terrorism agents, the FBI is cracking […]

The November elections were widely viewed  to have favored the Democrats over the Republicans, but the fortunes of the religious right seems more open to interpretation. The New Republic magazine (Nov. 23) holds that the election signaled the public’s disenchantment with the social agenda of the religious right. Those Republicans who were elected or reelected, such as Texas […]

“Postdenominationalism” has become a popular term for describing the religious situation today. Polls and other studies have shown that Americans, especially the younger generations, no longer have deep loyalty to denominations, as shown in the many who have switched churches or find their spirituality outside of institutions and “brand name” religions. Yet recent research suggests […]

Growing pressure from Islamic hard-liners to create an Islamic state in Pakistan appears to be working. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif  is pressing for a sweeping bill that would impose Islamic law, although hard-liners say his actions are just a ploy to consolidate power, reports the Associated Press (Oct. 23). The change could be seen in the way Islamic […]

The underground “house church” movement in China is becoming more outspoken about their situation both with Chinese leaders and the West, reports the evangelical newsweekly, World (Oct. 3). The once largely silent evangelical house church movement is said to be the fastest growing segment of Christianity in China, as well as among the most restricted and persecuted […]