Ministries shaped for the sensibilities of Generation X are growing and becoming more distinct from their origins in the megachurch movement. Mother Jones magazine (July/August) reports that at least 150 religious congregations across the nation are mixing “fundamentalist ethics,” experimental liturgy and personal renewal to target Generation Xers. These congregations, located mostly near urban universities, emphasize […]

The Y2K computer bug has become an obsession of conspiracy-buffs, but the possible economic crisis resulting from a computer breakdown in 2000 has even mainstream evangelicals gearing up for the end-times, reports the evangelical newsweekly World (Aug. 22). Since many evangelicals believe that Christ’s second coming will be preceded by world crises and disasters (a position known […]

The recent linking of the terrorist bombings of the U.S. embassies in Africa with radical Islamic groups has reignited fears about the growth of religious terrorism. In the past several years, specialists have noted that there is a significant change in the nature and purposes of terrorism. The Economist magazine (Aug. 15) notes that the older terrorism […]

The growing appeal of Celtic spirituality among Christians is finding institutional expression in new congregations and even a quasi-denomination. Both liberal and conservative Christians, as well as those in alternative religions (such as Neopaganism), have adopted various elements of Celtic traditions and spirituality–from an earth-based spirituality to a renewed concern with divine transcendence. The Australian […]

An effort to extend the influence of the Unification Church through bestowing blessings on individuals and families is finding fertile ground in Africa, according to observers and Unification officials. Unification leader Sun Myung Moon’s campaign of holding worldwide blessing services has been interpreted either as an effort to broaden the  boundaries of the church to include […]

The anti-cult movement today is targeting non-religious groups, as well as dealing with a  greater diversity of  former “cult” members than was the case in its early years. Those of some of the conclusions of veteran anti-cult activist Marcia Rudin in recounting the history and challenges of the movement in the Cult Observer, (March/April), a publication of the […]

There have been many attempts to hold religious services over the Internet, but even most proponents claim the communal elements of such rituals can’t be easily replicated on-line. But the Internet and Hinduism may be a better match. Hinduism Today magazine (July) reports on “cyberbhaktis”–devotees soliciting temple Deities’ blessings on the Worldwide Web. Hindus can also view […]

India, once the destination for spiritual seekers in the late 1960s and `70s, is again attracting a record number of pilgrims, reports the New York Times (June 7). After a period of disillusionment with gurus (due to sexual and financial scandals among several  Indian spiritual leaders), it appears that the Western interest in seeking spiritual enlightenment has returned, […]

The United Religions Initiative (URI) gained controversy and publicity in recent years for its attempt to create a sort of United Nations of religions, but the organization is already showing signs of division. The evangelical anti-cultist SCP Journal (Vol. 21:4-22:1) takes a critical look at the organization, noting that it has undergone a number of changes since […]

In recent years, the evangelical community has led in the number of  books aimed at churchgoing parents anxious to know how to apply their faith to parenting. Publishers Weekly (June 15) reports that more titles appealing to parents across the religious spectrum. Pointing out that “five times as many parenting books debuted last year as in 1975,” […]