The Y2K computer bug has become an obsession of conspiracy-buffs, but the possible economic crisis resulting from a computer breakdown in 2000 has even mainstream evangelicals gearing up for the end-times, reports the evangelical newsweekly World (Aug. 22). Since many evangelicals believe that Christ’s second coming will be preceded by world crises and disasters (a position known […]

The recent linking of the terrorist bombings of the U.S. embassies in Africa with radical Islamic groups has reignited fears about the growth of religious terrorism. In the past several years, specialists have noted that there is a significant change in the nature and purposes of terrorism. The Economist magazine (Aug. 15) notes that the older terrorism […]

The growing appeal of Celtic spirituality among Christians is finding institutional expression in new congregations and even a quasi-denomination. Both liberal and conservative Christians, as well as those in alternative religions (such as Neopaganism), have adopted various elements of Celtic traditions and spirituality–from an earth-based spirituality to a renewed concern with divine transcendence. The Australian […]

An effort to extend the influence of the Unification Church through bestowing blessings on individuals and families is finding fertile ground in Africa, according to observers and Unification officials. Unification leader Sun Myung Moon’s campaign of holding worldwide blessing services has been interpreted either as an effort to broaden the  boundaries of the church to include […]

The anti-cult movement today is targeting non-religious groups, as well as dealing with a  greater diversity of  former “cult” members than was the case in its early years. Those of some of the conclusions of veteran anti-cult activist Marcia Rudin in recounting the history and challenges of the movement in the Cult Observer, (March/April), a publication of the […]

There have been many attempts to hold religious services over the Internet, but even most proponents claim the communal elements of such rituals can’t be easily replicated on-line. But the Internet and Hinduism may be a better match. Hinduism Today magazine (July) reports on “cyberbhaktis”–devotees soliciting temple Deities’ blessings on the Worldwide Web. Hindus can also view […]

India, once the destination for spiritual seekers in the late 1960s and `70s, is again attracting a record number of pilgrims, reports the New York Times (June 7). After a period of disillusionment with gurus (due to sexual and financial scandals among several  Indian spiritual leaders), it appears that the Western interest in seeking spiritual enlightenment has returned, […]