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Part four of a four-part series: evangelicals on their common commitment to spreading their faith. Tens of thousands do so through traditional career missionary efforts overseas, but the vast majority of evangelicals say they do it in their everyday lives. More
U.S. mainline denominations are all deeply divided on gay issues. In 2003, the U.S. Episcopal Church consecrated an openly gay bishop. But the United Methodists have stood firm in their opposition to homosexuality. In a series of votes, United Methodist delegates reaffirmed their church’s traditional policy, which says the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” More
Read more of Jeff Sheler’s interview about America’s evangelicals with Professor Alan Wolfe of Boston College. More
Part three of a four-part series: American evangelicals’ relationship with popular culture. In our national survey, conducted with U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT, nearly three quarters of white evangelicals said the media are hostile to their values. Yet they have also created their own widely popular alternative music and books. More
Read Lucky Severson’s interview with former New York governor Mario Cuomo (D) about the controversy over John Kerry and punishing Catholic politicians who support abortion rights. More
The United Methodist Church — the second largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. — opened its 11-day-long General Conference in Pittsburgh this week. The highest legislative body of the church meets only every four years. This time, gay issues are expected to dominate. More
Buddhist meditation techniques are widely popular, and one such method is called Shambhala meditation, a simplified version of Tibetan practice. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, author and meditation leader, told a group of beginners to relax, note their breathing, set aside their thoughts, and just be — quietly — who they are. More
Read the comments of sociologist W. Bradford Wilcox on R&E’s national survey of America’s evangelicals. More
Read more from Jeff Sheler’s interview with William Romanowski, professor of communication arts and sciences at Calvin College. More
Immigrants have been pouring into the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesota is now home to many Muslims, East African Somalis, Indian Hindus and Laotian Hmong — all of whom are trying to find a balance between their cultural traditions and U.S. customs. More