Excommunicating a church member, like ‘canceling’ someone on social media, serves to cleanse the body politic of behavior deemed damaging, suggests a scholar of political theology.
Jerry Falwell Jr., right, during commencement ceremonies at Liberty University in May 2017.
AP Photo/Steve Helber
Richard Flory, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The appeal of Jerry Falwell Jr., who resigned as president of Liberty University following a sex scandal, came from his family legacy. His late father, Jerry Falwell Sr., wielded enormous influence.
A funeral director calls relatives of a COVID-19 victim for a virtual viewing before cremation on May 22, 2020 in New York City.
Misha Friedman/Getty Images
Religious scholars and faith leaders reflect on the death rites cultures have developed to honor the deceased, comfort the living and share the burden of mourning.
An April 30, 1966 file photo of King Jr. addressing a rally in Birmingham, Alabama,
AP Photo/JT, File
Martin Luther King Jr. used a prophetic voice in his preaching – a hopeful voice that addressed human tragedy. But it was the black clerics who came before him, who helped King develop that voice.