The 19th-century social gospel, which emphasized how Jesus’ ethical teachings could address poverty and inequality, continues to live on in the activism of the religious left.
Churches in the global South, especially Africa are growing.
Reuters/Akintunde Akinleye
Before Christmas became child-centred, Father Christmas was the personification of a mid-winter feast of merrymaking for adults – and he brought no presents.
The Christian left has played a strong role in America’s history. In this election too, it is not silent.
Detail Da Vinci’s The Last Supper by Giacomo Raffaelli. Judas seated second right.
Alberto Fernandez Fernandez [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
It’s regarded as a Biblical myth, but what the magi are supposed to have seen is rooted in astronomy.
In the Netherlands, the tradition goes that Sinterklaas lives in Madrid, wears a red clerical robe and a bishop’s mitre, and has servants called ‘Zwarte Pieten’ (Black Peters).
from www.shutterstock.com
The celebration of Christmas has distinct variations around the world, with many of these local traditions arising from particular historical circumstances.
The virgin birth at the heart of Christianity has many corresponding versions in other ancient traditions.
Detail from a panel by Conrad von Soest, 1403. Wikimedia Commons
Biblical scholars and theologians have long discussed, debated and disputed the virgin birth of Jesus, with some arguing that there is no imperative to link it to the doctrine of the Incarnation.
The method used, until recently, by a large proportion of scholars of the New Testament and Christian origins, is flawed.
Roberto Urrea
Traditions about Jesus cannot be separated out into the categories of early and late, primary and secondary, authentic or inauthentic, fact and interpretation. One might as well try and unscramble an omelette.
Square away your personal philosophy now; proof of life beyond earth is coming.
Stargazing image via www.shutterstock.com
Astronomers have found thousands of exoplanets and the hunt is on for life beyond Earth. Once biological neighbors are identified, our planet’s philosophies and religions will need to adapt.
Director of the Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy & Associate Professor, New Testament, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity
Managing Director of the McCourtney Institute of Democracy, Associate Research Professor, Political Science, Co-host of Democracy Works Podcast, Penn State