By condemning a sermon, House Resolution 59 risks crossing a line that should never be blurred: the ability of clergy to address issues of conscience without interference or condemnation from the state.
Category: Civic Religion
Faith, Power, and the Politics of Prayer in the Inauguration
For every comforting prayer of unity, there was a reminder of the risk involved in dissent—of what happens when clergy challenge the status quo instead of blessing it.
The Story of America’s Motto: “In God We Trust”
“In God We Trust” – these four simple words have become deeply ingrained in American culture, appearing on currency, government buildings, and even in some state mottos. But where did this phrase come from, and how did it become so central to American identity? The origins of “In God We Trust” as a national motto…
The Intersection of Art and Religion: Paris Olympics 2024’s Controversial Performance Analyzed
The controversy over the 2024 Paris Olympics highlights the balance between Christian freedom and responsibility.
Project 2025’s Sunday-Saturday Challenge: Should Adventists Be Concerned?
The project’s proposal to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to mandate time-and-a-half pay for Sunday work reflects a traditional view of the Sabbath. However, this focus on Sunday has sparked concerns among religious groups like Seventh-day Adventists, who observe their Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. While the proposal includes provisions for varying Sabbath practices, its primary emphasis on Sunday could inadvertently marginalize other faiths.
“So help me God” and the jury – 11th Circuit rules juror who claimed “divine revelation” properly dismissed
When jurors are selected for trial in Federal court, they are asked to adopt the phrase “so help me God.” What happens when they take that oath too seriously?
Weaponized Intercession: The Dangers of Using Prayer to Win at Politics
All this fight over prayer should give Christians pause for thought. Have we misused prayer in our zeal to bring America back to God? Whether intended or not, many have viewed the forceful efforts of Christians to preserve public prayer as motivated by the desire to exploit it for purposes of proselytizing, promoting Christianity, or disparaging other religions.