The expansion of the Alpha course, a popular seminar introducing British unchurched to Christianity, is having a strong impact on moribund parishes of the Church of England. The Economist magazine (Nov. 7) reports that the Alpha, a ten-week crash course in basic Christianity, was started in the 1970s, but it is only in the past few years […]

After a period of prosperity and rapid expansion, churches in South Korea are undergoing a period of rethinking about their mission in an economically depressed nation. South Korea and other East Asian countries are is deep in the throes of economic depression, as shown by growing ranks of unemployment and currency devaluation. During the nation’s […]

Churches and synagogues are increasingly turning to professional fund-raisers to draw in funds, according to the New York Times (Nov. 18).  About 7.4 percent of the members of the National Society of Fund-raising executives work for religious organizations — which is double the number from seven years ago. “I wouldn’t be surprised if next year’s survey shows that […]

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 […]