In February, Israel’s Knesset adopted new legislation meant “to distinguish between Muslim and Christian Arab citizens and to heighten involvement of Christians in Israeli society,” according to its sponsor, MP Yariv Levin. Providing separate attention and separate representation to Palestinian Christians holding Israeli citizenship is supposed to connect them more strongly to the Jewish State, […]
Featured Story: The success of the burkini and its meaning for Muslims—and non-Muslims
The success of female Islamic beachwear, called the “burkini,” should be seen as part of a growing market for so-called “halal products” in a variety of niches. This beachwear also allows some Muslims to use it as one more mark of religious and cultural identity, said Diletta Guidi (University of Fribourg) at a recent conference. […]
Featured Story: Schism or gridlock for United Methodists?
The increasing division in the United Methodist Church (UMC) over gay rights and marriage may be the harbinger of a major schism in the church body, writes Amy Frykholm in the Christian Century magazine (April 16). Observers, including RW, have viewed the United Methodists as an exception to the trend of mainline Protestant denominations liberalizing […]
Featured Story: African-Americans’ new interest in roots causes new divisions among Yoruba faithful
In a quest for roots as well as authenticity, African-American followers of Santeria (aka Lukumi) and related religious groups with roots in the Yoruba tradition are traveling in increasing numbers to Africa. But their attempt to adjust practices to what they have seen in Nigeria has created friction among such practitioners in the U.S., reports […]
Featured Story: Technoscience driving generational divide in American Buddhism
There is a generational shift taking place in much of American Buddhism, with members of Generation X and Y differing from their baby boomer Buddhists, particularly on the importance of technology and their eclectic approach to the religion. In the online Journal of Global Buddhism (Vol. 15, 2014), Ann Gleig writes that the formation and […]
Featured Story: Revision more common than stasis in many new religious movements
Many critics of new religious movements (NRMs) have usually viewed these upstart faiths (or “cults”) as having an authoritarian nature under charismatic leaders, who brook few challenges to a fixed body of teachings and practices. But the case studies in the new book Revisionism and Diversification in New Religious Movements (Ashgate, $35.96), edited by Eileen […]
Featured Story: 2013 religion marked by new and lowered expectations of change
We are happy to re-introduce our annual review of religion — a feature RW suspended after we went bi-monthly in 2008. As is our custom, we look at the events and developments of 2013 that are likely to have long-range impact in the years ahead. We cite the issue of RW after each item in […]