Culture
Singing on “Idol,” and facing the wrath of religious traditionalists
(RNS) The biggest worry for most "American Idol" contestants is whether the judges will let them continue to the next round.
Some singers on Idol-like programs abroad have a bigger worry: that religious extremists will kill them.
Appearing on a version of the show in conse...
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Eccentric Russian artist finds a career as papal portraitist
VATICAN CITY (RNS) As the popes' official painter, Natalia Tsarkova says she tries to capture both the physical reality and the spiritual essence of her subjects.
But the Russian-born artist confessed she was "shocked" just like everyone else when Pope Benedict XVI, who pos...
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The gospel roots of the ‘Godmother of rock’n’ roll’
(RNS) Before Elvis and Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash. Before Aretha and Whitney and Beyonce. Before the blues met gospel and conceived rock'n' roll, there was Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
The first gospel superstar, Tharpe was a guitar hero in a flower-print dress whose bluesy chops an...
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Gay marriage opponents make their case to Supreme Court
Eds: A version of this story originally appeared in USA Today. It is available for use by RNS subscribers. Please use the USA Today byline.
WASHINGTON (RNS) Foes of same-sex marriage are warning the Supreme Court that lifting state or federal restrictions would threaten their own...
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COMMENTARY: Gospel lessons from ‘Downton Abbey’
(RNS) I got home from a church event on Sunday evening, in time to watch the season three finale of "Downton Abbey" on PBS, but I stuck to my guns about catching up on previous episodes first.
But on Monday morning, The New York Times had two articles about the finale and I cou...
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Gay, transgender band breaks barriers in Christian music
WILMINGTON, N.C. (RNS) The bios of the musicians who make up the band Micah's Rule read like many Christian artists.
Grew up singing in the church. Preacher's son. Then became a preacher. In many bands. Degrees in music and ministry. Recorded some albums. Toured with Christian...
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Is God the missing character in ‘Downton Abbey’?
(RNS) The third season of the megahit PBS series "Downton Abbey" wraps up on Sunday (Feb. 17), capping another must-see run of ruin and redemption at Lord Grantham's stately English manor. Yet some are still left puzzled over the absence of what should be a leading Upstairs player i...
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Poll: Bad sex a bigger problem for couples than religious differences
(RNS) Unchurched Americans have high expectations that they will have sex on Valentine's Day. Lutherans, Presbyterians and other mainline Protestants? Not so much.
A new study from the Washington-based Public Religion Research Institute, conducted in partnership with Religion N...
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As novelist, James Dobson portrays a bleak future for families
(RNS) Christian conservative leader James Dobson, the founder of the Focus on the Family ministry, has gained a new title: novelist.
Working with co-author Kurt Bruner, a Texas pastor, he's out with "Fatherless," the first of a dystopian trilogy that looks into the future when...
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On Grammy weekend, Christian music bounces back
Eds: A version of this story first appeared on the PBS program "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly." This article may be reprinted by RNS clients. Please use the Religion & Ethics Newsweekly byline.
ATLANTA (RNS) Christian recording artist TobyMac's blend of rap, hip-hop, rock and soul...
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