Around the Web

Our daily rundown of the articles from around the web that we feel our readers would enjoy and appreciate. We hope to highlight the best of what’s around. Public Square Bulletin recommends: How can Vladimir Putin be described as a defender of Christian values? Michael Cook – Mercator Net There is much Christian rhetoric that has come from the Kremlin regarding the war in Ukraine. And the religious elements of the conflict run deep. But some American commentators have started to frame Putin as an ideal Christian. Michael Cook argues that this goes much too far. Along the religion beat: Should ‘mainstream media’ pundits take sides on church disputes? Richard Ostling – Get Religion Richard Ostling responds to a recent article in Real Clear Religion that asks New York Times journalists David Brooks and Ross Douthat to stop writing op-eds on religious issues. Ostling believes there is already too little coverage of religion issues. The Power of Laughter Aleah Ingram – LDS Daily Tomorrow’s “Daily Dose” at LDS Daily appropriately looks at humor for April Fool’s day and looks at the gospel need for joy in our lives. Transitioning from Science to Philosophy Joachim Ostermann – Church Life Journal Biochemist turned Franciscan Friar, Joachim Ostermann, looks at his work in the sciences and examines the philosophical underpinnings that were all too often missing from his understanding. We Need to Talk About Bruno Ryan McDonald – The Gospel Coalition A look at one of the most popular films of the year and it’s gospel themes. McDonald sees in Bruno a type of Jesus Christ. His thoughts should add to the already deep themes of forgiveness and family present in the film.    

Our daily rundown of the articles from around the web that we feel our readers would enjoy and appreciate. We hope to highlight the best of what’s around. Public Square Bulletin recommends: The Road to Decriminalization of Psychoactive Drugs Runs Through Religion Brad Stoddard – Religion Dispatches Brad Stoddard outlines the movement to decriminalize psychoactive drugs, and the role religious rhetoric and experience play in it. Whether you agree, or want to be aware of how religious freedom rhetoric is being used, it’s worth the read. We must not let health care become a religion-free zone Charles C. Camosy – America Magazine This Jesuit publication focuses on what it calls the “absolutely bizarre” insistence that religion should not play any role in the world of medicine. Camosy outlines the long-term problems of this approach. Threats to religious freedom and to women go hand in hand Jeff Brumley – Baptist News Global A panel at the United States Commission of International Religious Freedom found that everywhere religious freedom is threatened, the rights of girls and women are threatened as well. To Those Who Say Religion is for People with Weak Minds Daniel C. Peterson – Meridian Magazine Since Freud, many have concluded that religion is only adopted as psychological comfort. Daniel Peterson looks at various refutations of that argument, including a look at the possible psychological motivations of atheism. Getting ‘More Christians Into Politics’ Is the Wrong Christian Goal David French – The Dispatch Having people of faith in powerful positions used to be seen as a default good goal for many Christians looking to expand their influence in politics. French suggests that may no longer be a wise approach.    

Our daily rundown of the articles from around the web that we feel our readers would enjoy and appreciate. We hope to highlight the best of what’s around. Public Square Bulletin recommends: Do We Still Need Religion Robin Dunbar – The Guardian In our increasingly secular age, does religion still have a place? Robin Dunbar argues that a vibrant religious life is essential for society, and plays a foundational role in the arts and sciences. The Constitutional Roots of Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Public Faith Justin Collings & Hal Boyd – Religion & Politics Supreme Court nominee, Ketanji Brown Jackson’s faith played a prominent role in her recent confirmation hearings. Her answers, which echo the feelings of most Americans, place personal faith and religious freedom as among the highest of our civic virtues. The Rise of the ‘Umms’ Mike Moore – Christianity Today COVID-19 reshaped our national religious landscape. Mike Moore turns his focus on a group—individuals of strong faith who don’t currently have a church—and asks what happens to them next. Looking for God in Our Everyday Lives Wallace Goddard – Meridian Magazine One of the great promises of the Restoration is the accessibility of Heaven. Are we doing enough to look for God’s influence in our lives? Religious Liberty Tested in Finland Anders Lundberg – Law & Liberty Two Finish Christians have been brought up on charges for advocating for a traditional Christian view of marriage. Swedish lawyers, Anders Lundberg looks at how religious liberty is developing in the Nordic nations.