Pope Francis to Honor Martin Luther

Martin Luther created one of Christianity’s greatest rifts when he denounced the Catholic Church in 1517. But Pope Francis is taking part in the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

CHR Comment: This article’s title is written in a shockingly prejudicial way, blaming Luther for the break up of Western Christendom since he criticized practices of medieval Catholicism. A more balance description might acknowledge that Roman Catholicism also acknowledged problems and sought to address them at the Council of Trent and in other actions.

The article itself shows more historical balance.

Source: 500th Anniversary Of The Reformation: Pope Francis To Honor The Man Who Splintered Christianity : Parallels : NPR

Mom Who Cited Religious Freedom Pleads Guilty

A mother who cited religious freedom as a defense for beating her son with a coat hanger was sentenced to a year on probation.

CHR Comment: In her defense, Burmese refugee Khin Par Thaing cited Proverbs 23:13 as the basis of her actions.

Source: Mom who cited religious freedom pleads guilty

Ancient Papyrus Offers First Non-Biblical Mention of Jerusalem

 Israeli archaeologists unveiled the papyrus dating back to the seventh century B.C.

CHR Comment: The inscription provides evidence for an organized Judean kingdom in the century before the Babylonian exile. This papyrus is much, much older than the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, offering some hope that other early Hebrew texts may yet be discovered.

Source: Ancient papyrus offers first non-biblical mention of Jerusalem