Lead story
Editor's note:
Christian nationalism may be taking a front and center role in the political conversation right now, but the phrase itself remains frustratingly slippery. What does it mean exactly? Do you know it when you see it or hear it? What’s the difference between patriotism and nationalism? Between a Christian who loves country and a Christian nationalist?
If Christian nationalism lives on a spectrum, Branson, Missouri, is home to what RNS national correspondent Bob Smietana dubs a God and country “comfort food.” The popular tourist destination in the heart of the Ozark’s offers a nostalgic vision of America, “where the holy trinity of faith, flag and family reign supreme.”
Hardcore, MAGA-style Christian nationalism messaging is present, but less welcome, Smietana writes. Instead, through a series of successful attractions, Branson mixes an inspirational Christian message with a red, white and blue patriotism.
Religion News
Religious polarization in India seeping into US diaspora
Clashes in India between Hindu nationalists and minority religious groups, particularly Muslims, have sparked tensions online and in person in the Indian American diaspora. Many say communal disharmony back home has strained relationships between Hindu and Muslim expatriates. By Deepa Bharath and Mariam Fam/The Associated Press
Faith groups curb Haiti work due to chaos, 2021 kidnapping
A year after 17 North American missionaries were kidnapped in Haiti, beginning a two-month ordeal before they ultimately went free, the agency that sent them hasn’t made a permanent return, and several other international groups have also scaled back their work there. By Peter Smith and David Crary/The Associated Press
Faith-based refugee resettlement agencies welcome the new program, while advocating for refugees who have gotten less media coverage of late. By Emily McFarlan Miller and Paul O'Donnell/Religion News Service
St. Sabina stands by Chicago priest Rev. Michael Pfleger amid second set of abuse allegations
Church leaders dismissed the new allegations against him as a spiritual attack. By Bob Smietana/Religion News Service
Queen lauds Minnesota church's century of Norwegian worship
Queen Sonja of Norway praised a Minneapolis congregation for maintaining worship services in Norwegian for all 100 years that the Lutheran church has existed. She spoke while attending services at the church along with nearly 500 other worshippers. By Giovanna Dell’Orto/The Associated Press
Commentary and Analysis
Shri is the earliest name given to the goddess Lakshmi in Hindu texts. The word originally meant splendor and refers to all that is auspicious. By Jeffery D. Long for The Conversation
Animism describes religions in which humans are connected to the landscape around them but do not dominate it. By Justine Buck Quijada for The Conversation
College can be a time to interact with people with different worldviews, but meaningful exchanges often require intent. By Matthew J. Mayhew, Christa Winkler and Musbah Shaheen for The Conversation
We can't 'move on' from the Capitol attack at the expense of key members of our polity. By Danya Ruttenberg/Religion News Service
A Ukrainian serviceman places flowers on the grave of a recently killed fellow soldier in a cemetery, during Ukraine Defenders Day in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
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- This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
- The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith.
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