ArcaMax

The percentage of people who call themselves Christians has been in free fall for over a decade but appears to have leveled off — at least for now, according to a major new study of religious beliefs in America.

The results don’t necessarily suggest a resurgence of Christianity but signal that a significant shift toward a more secular ...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’m so glad that our nation has elected a president who is committed to stopping illegal immigration that has aided rampant illegal drugs coming into our country. But there has also been a rise in abuse of prescription drugs. Isn’t there great harm in this as well, bringing about a rise in ...Read more

In just a matter of weeks, Pope Francis has faced several new challenges in his long-running battle with chronic lung disease. The spiritual leader’s condition has been critical, with news of his well-being waxing and waning since Feb. 14 given his age and fragility.

Here’s a breakdown of what 88-year-old Francis is facing:

What conditions...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: There is a lot said these days about getting Americans back to work, particularly following the devastation of COVID-19 that put small businesses out of commission. What does the Bible say about work in general? – W.P.

A: Jesus had a great deal to say about labor (work). He was interested in ...Read more

PHILADELPHIA — A federal judge has paused changes to U.S. Department of Homeland Security policy that would allow immigration enforcement agents to enter houses of worship. The order affects the Quaker, Sikh, and Baptist congregations throughout the country, including Quakers in Philadelphia, affiliated with the lawsuit.

Over a dozen migrants...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Is it wrong to listen to rap music? Some people say yes, others no. Some say it’s wrong to watch movies or certain television shows. Who is to say what’s right or wrong in these areas? – M.E.

A: We must remember that our minds are molded in many different ways – often in ways we are not ...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: In an age of instant gratification, few people understand the term “longing for God.” Is this a reason why so few people don’t go to church anymore; there’s no longing for God because we can fulfill all of our desires instantly? – L.G.

A: Longing means that a person is unsatisfied or ...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Is it true that God uses people more when they’ve been through the fire of difficulties and despair? – T.F.

A: Consider the transformation in Simon Peter. He denied Christ. He was cowed by the crowd, shamed by a little maid, and took his place with the enemies of Christ. This was Peter who ...Read more

The mission statement of the God Squad is that we know enough about how we are different and not enough yet about how we are all the same. I realize that I have been spending too much time writing about how we are different and not enough about how we are the same so let us begin our exaltation of sameness with the Golden Rule.

Q: You have ...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: What does it mean to surrender ourselves to the Lord? I am a Christian but I’m still a person with ambition and goals to attain. I doubt that the Lord expects us to give up our dreams. – S.A.

A: The hymnist J.W. Van DeVenter, who wrote “I Surrender All,” was not always a minister. His first...Read more

COLUMBIA, S.C. — “It’s an eggs-ellent day,” Pastor John Ptak said as an orderly line formed and a light drizzle fell outside the White Knoll, South Carolina, campus of Radius Church on Thursday morning.

People lined up early for free eggs, handed out by the dozen at the weekly food pantry operated by the church.

When they heard of the ...Read more

Thomas Wenski, the archbishop of Miami, has been working with immigrants in Miami for going on 50 years.

His flock is worried. Although thousands of recent immigrants in his Catholic archdiocese are here legally, many know people who are not. Florida is home to some 1.2 million people who are in the country illegally.

Some of Wenski’s ...Read more

In an interfaith column like The God Squad, it is easy to scoop up sectarian holidays and learn from their wisdom. Passover, Chanukah, Easter, Christmas, Diwali, Ramadan, Vesak all have much to teach us about the way sacred time intersects with secular time. However, the sacred calendar does not have ...Read more

Twenty-seven organizations representing Jewish and Christian-based denominations filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against President Donald Trump’s administration, asking a judge to prevent immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship.

As part of the administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, the Department of Homeland ...Read more

Athletes have historically displayed their faith in different ways during competitions, and a majority of Americans who watch sports are supportive of it, a new poll found.

Fifty-six percent of sports fans in the U.S. said they are very or somewhat supportive of athletes speaking about religious faith or other spiritual issues, according to a ...Read more

As we move away from God winks for a bit and devote our time and love to understanding the big questions, we encounter a very big question, “Can prayer heal?”

Q: I read your column faithfully. My question for you is my prayer list. It just keeps growing, and I have had a difficult time reading my list and praying for each person and ...Read more

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — International House of Prayer-Kansas City founder Mike Bickle committed sexual abuse or misconduct against 17 women — including minors — over decades, amid a thriving culture of systematic abuse and coverups, a third-party investigation has found.

“Throughout the investigation, we have identified and interviewed ...Read more

ATLANTA — The physical health benefits of love have been affirmed by science — reduced depression, lower blood pressure, less anxiety, and even improved sleep. In this moment of political division in the United States, theologians say Americans must now look to the spiritual benefits of love, and seek to reconnect with those who hold ...Read more