Faith on View

Palestinian Community Celebrates Oscar Win Amid Hardships Residents of Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank cheered as No Other Land, a documentary depicting their struggles, won an Academy Award. The film, co-directed by Palestinian journalist Basel Adra and Israeli filmmaker Yuval Abraham, documents the ongoing demolitions and forced displacement in the region.

A federal judge has ruled that Darren Patterson Christian Academy (DPCA), a private religious school in Colorado, cannot be excluded from the state’s Universal Preschool Program despite its hiring policy of only employing Christians. U.S. District Judge Daniel Domenico, appointed by former President Donald Trump, issued the decision on Monday.

There are few things as detrimental to a person’s faith as a popular minister “falling from grace.” We enjoy putting our favorite preachers on a pedestal, identifying ourselves with their beliefs, charisma, and conviction. But when they fall, we fall. It cuts deep. It makes us mourn. Often, it even hinders our prayers and, sometimes, even our belief in God.

A Sermon That Sparked National Attention Washington Bishop Mariann Budde has become a focal point of national and international discussion following her Jan. 21 sermon at Washington National Cathedral. Speaking directly to President Donald Trump, who was in attendance, Budde urged him to "have mercy" on those fearful of his policies, including LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants.

There are few things as detrimental to a person’s faith as a popular minister “falling from grace.” We enjoy putting our favorite preachers on a pedestal, identifying ourselves with their beliefs, charisma, and conviction. But when they fall, we fall. It cuts deep. It makes us mourn. Often, it even hinders our prayers and, sometimes, even our belief in God.

New Age music, often associated with relaxation and healing, has grown in popularity. Originally gaining traction in the 1970s, the genre features ambient tones, soft piano melodies, and delicate harp scales. Often dismissed as "spa music," New Age has become more widely accepted, particularly among younger generations seeking mindfulness and wellness practices.

Catholic schools in the U.S. once relied heavily on nuns as educators, but their presence has dramatically declined. In 1920, 92% of Catholic school teachers were religious, but by 2024, nuns comprised only 1.5% of faculty. The shift reflects broader changes in the Church and society, including more career opportunities for women and evolving roles in religious life.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has been living in a townhouse near the U.S. Capitol owned by a major Republican donor, Lee Beaman, and linked to evangelical pastor Steve Berger. Berger has openly aimed to influence lawmakers by providing religious guidance that shapes policy decisions. His six-bedroom, $3.7 million townhouse has become a hub for conservative politicians.

"Our main mission field today, so far as America is concerned, is within the church membership itself." -Elton Trueblood #america #mission #today #church https://loom.ly/PiOcYGo

The University of Findlay’s Board of Trustees voted on February 26, 2025, to halt the planned merger with Bluffton University. This decision terminates the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in March 2024 and ends nearly a year of preparation. The merger was expected to enhance academic and financial stability for both institutions.