One of the group’s three remaining worshippers, Sister Frances Carr, 89, died Monday.
Source: There Are Now Only Two Living Members of the Shaker Faith | Mental Floss
Tiny Martin Luther toy triggers claims of anti-Semitism
A theologically more correct model will be available in March.
CHR Comment: “Ende” would simply mean the reader is at the last page for that part of the book. It is not intended as a theological statement about the Hebrew Scriptures.
Source: Tiny Martin Luther toy triggers claims of anti-Semitism
Video of kidnapped priest raises hopes, concerns
An appeal by a Catholic priest kidnapped in Yemen by Islamic extremists last March surfaced over the holidays.
Hanukkah hikers find rare 2nd Temple-era etchings of menorah and cross
While out exploring during the festival, spelunkers uncover ancient limestone carving of seven-branched menorah, a cross and other etchings dating to late Roman, Byzantine periods
Source: Hanukkah hikers find rare 2nd Temple-era etchings of menorah and cross | The Times of Israel
Religious Makeup of the New Congress
(RNS) Nearly 91 percent of members of the 115th Congress convening Tuesday (Jan. 3) describe themselves as Christian, according to a new analysis by Pew Research Center.
Source: Religious makeup of the new Congress overwhelmingly Christian | Religion News Service
A second article provides some analysis.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth misses church again
CHR Comment: The royal watchers give us a little history of Queen Elizabeth’s piety. Funny.
Source: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth misses church again due to heavy cold | Reuters
Why Newton Believed a Comet Caused Noah’s Flood
In the 17th century, scientists used physics to explain the miracles described in the Bible.
CHR Comment: Biblical studies and scientific studies were not always regarded as conflicting. One might imagine at least three different relationships between the two disciplines: (1) Bible centered, (2) science centered, and (3) a sort of binary orbit where the disciplines orbit their common ground.
Top 5 ‘heresies’ of 2016
(RNS) As Christians prepared to mark 500 years since Martin Luther — one of history’s great heretics, or heroes, depending on your point of view — 2016 found them debating theological questions most thought had been settled a millennium ago.
CHR Comment: A helpful summary of theological issues that made headlines, showing that Christians are still quite able and willing to argue about doctrine. Although some might regard this as tragic, one might also note that people argue about things they care about most (which is why religion and politics are often off the menu for family holidays). Ironically, the opening illustration about Luther being either a heretic or hero is going by the wayside as both Roman Catholic and Lutheran leaders discuss the great reformer’s legacy.
Source: Top 5 ‘heresies’ of 2016: ‘One God,’ biblical authority and more
Race and Religion in American History
With all the memes wishing a good riddance to 2016, and John Oliver’s epic send-off to this annus horribilis, it may seem small comfort that this was a year that might be remembered as one of the most important in a long time in my corner of the scholarly universe: for works that illuminate race and
CHR Comment: In view of this collection, scholars for this history are focused on liberation theology (Black theology) and on non-Christian religions that emerged among African Americans. These are valid fields of study yet I wonder what new histories are available on traditional, Trinitarian Christianity among African Americans, since they make up the great majority of African American churches.
Source: Year-End Best Books in Race and Religion in American History | Religion Dispatches
Tupac’s ‘Hail Mary’
“I ain’t a killer but don’t push me, revenge is like the sweetest joy,” certainly isn’t a Sunday school staple.
CHR Comment: For a prayer booklet in Sri Lanka, the compiler picked up a rapper’s revision of a traditional Catholic devotional poem. This illustrates the dangers of cut and paste!
Source: Church Accidentally Prints the Lyrics to Tupac’s ‘Hail Mary’ Instead of the Prayer | Mental Floss
