Religion Watch Archives

Monitoring Trends in Religion - From February 1990 to January 2016

Religious far right, militias wane in influence

by

The religious far right, represented by white supremacist and, to a lesser extent, patriot groups, are on the decline, although they are forming new and unexpected alliances. The Public Eye (Spring), a leftist newsletter monitoring right wing groups, notes that the fall of  the white supremacist group Aryan Nations (due to government seizure of its Idaho compound), as […]

Faith-based social service — where’s the research?

by

Faith-based social service is a centerpiece of President George W. Bush’s social policy, a subject of national debate, and a growing concern of congregations, and yet there has been little research on its effectiveness. A late March conference at the University of Pennsylvania attended by RW confirmed that while there have been case studies of congregations involved […]

On/File: March 2002

by

01: Although there have been several religions existing operating solely through the Internet, the Universal Church of the Interactive Network, at http://www.bloggerheads.com/religion/information.htm, is unique for viewing the Internet as sacred in itself. Although there have been computer hoax religions, the UCIN appears to be genuine and relatively straightforward in its approach. The church upholds the “empowering potential […]

Findings & Footnotes: March 2002

by

01: Since the New Age movement emerged almost three decades ago, observers and participants have been proclaiming the death of the “New Age” label, yet it persisted. But when the flagship magazine of the movement, New Age Journal changes its name to Body & Soul in its March/April issue, it could well mean that “New Age” is really passé. […]

Israel policy change seen as step toward Jewish pluralism

by

On Feb. 20, after several years of controversy, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled to allow the registration of local non-Orthodox converts as Jews on their identity cards. Until now, only new immigrants converted by Reform or Orthodox rabbis abroad enjoyed that right. Secular and non-orthodox Jews praised the decision as an important step, but it should […]

Muslim gains made in Africa

by

Following the events of Sept. 11, observers are paying closer attention to the rapid growth of Islam in Africa. Somalia has been considered a possible target of the “war against terrorism”, although more recent evaluations seem to take a softer line and to recommend surveillance only. Various reports indicate the vitality of Islam in various […]

Woman suicide bomber setting precedent for militant Muslims?

by

When Wafa Idris became the first Palestinian woman suicide bomber in late January, she set a precedent for women engaging in such acts of martyrdom in Islam, according much of the Islamic press. The Middle Eastern Media Research Institute (http://www.memri.org) issues an in-depth review of the Arab and Muslim press, revealing overwhelming support for the 27-year-old Idris’ suicide. […]

Anti-semitism on upswing in France due to Mideast conflict

by

Conflict in the Mideast has sparked the growth of anti-Semitic activity in France, according to officials in that nation. The Dallas Morning News (Feb. 11) reports that the “vicious conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East has apparently had a startling spillover effect in France, where officials report a sharp rise in the number […]

Current Research: March 2002

by

01: While the membership figures in Eastern Orthodox churches in the U.S. have long been considered inflated, a new study suggests the overestimates are greater than expected. The study, authored by Alexi Krindatch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the Religious Congregations project at Hartford Seminary, finds that the actual membership figure for Orthodox […]

Hand-held computers increase religious access

by

Pocket-sized computers are increasingly used for reading sacred texts, reciting prayers and other religious activities, reports the New York Times (Feb. 7). From saying a “virtual rosary” to receiving meditation guidance, hundreds of religious software applications are now available for hand-held computer devices. The Bible and other religious texts and calendars (such as saints’ days or Ramadan […]