The year 2000 was not what it was prophesized to be. The Y2K crisis turned out to be a dud. Millennial and apocalyptic visions were few and far between. The most tangible millennial religious celebration was the Vatican’s Jubilee Year. While its many events may have repercussions in the years ahead — especially the massive […]

While the movement linking spirituality and health has drawn generous media coverage, philanthropic funding, and impressive research results, the health care system has yet to recognize the “faith factor” in its everyday workings. “We have to get this stuff paid for,” said Dr. Herbert Benson, pioneer of the spirituality in medicine field, referring to the […]

The conflict between Hindus and Christians over evangelism is present not only in India but also among the large Indian diaspora in the Caribbean, reports Hinduism Today (November/December, January/February, 2001 issues). Much of the interreligious violence and clamp down on religious freedom in India has stemmed from the Hindu claim that Christians are destroying local culture by […]

Southeast Asia — spanning from the Philippines to Indonesia and even Malaysia — is experiencing a Muslim revival that is challenging religious pluralism and long-standing secular laws and governments. The Washington Post (Nov. 5) reports that “In a trend that is causing increasing worry about regional stability, Islamic fundamentalists are mounting aggressive campaigns for separate states and […]

TV programs with religious, often Bible-based,  themes are scoring high ratings, reports Charisma News Service (Nov. 13). NBC began broadcasting “In the Beginning,” advertised as “From Creation to the Commandments” in November to garner big ratings for the November sweeps. The other major networks are using the same strategy. Next year, CBS will be airing “Adam & Eve” […]

Urban Christian ministries are stressing intercessory prayer meetings while using the creative arts to reach out to city-dwellers, reports the evangelical digest Current Thoughts & Trends (November). Even before new ministries are being launched, churches involved in urban outreach are holding regular prayer meetings on behalf of problems in their neighborhoods. Brian Bakke of the Uptown Baptist […]

Orthodox Judaism is facing new movements of dissent on the issue of homosexuality, according to the Jewish Week (Nov. 3). There is a new openness on the part of Orthodox Jewish gays and lesbians as they find e-mail discussion groups and new support groups catering to their needs forming in the U.S. and Israel, as well as […]