RNS Morning Report - Kate Bowler on unexpected joy in the midst of pain

Kate Bowler on unexpected joy in the midst of pain (VIDEO)   Author and Duke Divinity School professor Kate Bowler has pondered mortality and grief in her previous books. She also spent the past decade bashing the American cult of positivity and the pursuit of optimal happiness.   Her experience battling Stage 4 colon cancer in her 30s taught her the fallacy of such thinking. In the midst of a devastating diagnosis, Bowler found experiences of joy. Now she’s written a book about it.   RNS Senior Editor Yonat Shimron sat down with Bowler to talk about her latest book, “Joyful Anyway.”   “Everything that mattered was slipping away from me so quickly, and I was very angry, and I was heartbroken, and I just had this one strange little stretch where I felt bubble wrapped in love,” Bowler said.          Top Stories Kate Bowler on unexpected joy, even in the midst of pain (RNS) — In the midst of a devastating cancer diagnosis, Kate Bowler also found experiences of joy. Now she's written a book about it. Mamdani skipped NYC’s Israel Day Parade. Supporters say he missed the point. NEW YORK (RNS) — Supporters argued the parade was foremost about supporting the New York Jewish community — which has faced escalating antisemitic incidents — rather than the actions of the Israeli government. Chicago mayor sees Pope Leo XIV as key ally on social justice, migration after Vatican meeting ROME (AP) — The mayor said it was comforting to know that someone who comes from the city of Chicago "can speak to justice” and defend “the most vulnerable among us.” Opinion I’ve dedicated my career to soccer. I’m boycotting this World Cup. (RNS) — A scholar specializing in soccer explains why he believes this World Cup is debasing the world's secular religion. The Vatican is tackling a big problem plaguing global healthcare (RNS) — More than 100 experts and advocates gathered for the largest-ever summit in Rome on the challenges to provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene at hospitals and clinics around the world lacking these basic needs. Can Reform Judaism reform itself? (RNS) — A New York City conference considers the future of Reform Judaism. ICYMI From pregame invocations to cheering nuns, how NBA playoff teams embrace faith (RNS) — The Oklahoma City Thunder is the only NBA team to hold a public, ecumenical invocation before the singing of the national anthem — a longstanding tradition that continues to confound basketball fans who live outside the city. Bad Bunny wants to meet Pope Leo XIV. In Madrid, a crossover event is in the works. MADRID (RNS) — The pontiff and the pop star will be in Madrid next week. 'It’s not impossible to think that here will be where Pope Leo and Bad Bunny will cross paths,' said one city official. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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