“The growth rate of Christians in Nepal has been rising sharply after Nepal became a republic and a secular state. There are unverified reports that in the recently conducted population census, the number of Christians is between 1.5 and 2 million which is more than 5% of the total population.”

“For members of the Ku Klux Klan, burning a cross isn’t sacrilege: it’s an act of faith.”

**I disagree entirely with their philosophy/outlook. However, it’s still smart to be informed about their views. 

“You might assume that all of this zombie Jesus talk exists on the level of simplistic parody, barbs hurled at Christianity by its less-than-cultured despisers. You would be wrong. Zombie Jesus has provoked some serious spiritual and existential reflection. John Morehead’s blog Theofantastique has looked at Zombie Jesus as an image of spiritual reflection and even suggested that evangelical Christianity might learn a thing or two from the imagery. Matt Cardin has connected the zombie to Thomas Ligotti’s reflections on the ironic horrors of the human condition.”

“An Amish splinter group has gone on a crime spree, forcibly cutting the beards off of their rivals. Many religions, including Sikhism, Islam, and sects of Judaism, encourage or require their men to keep beards. Jesus Christ is often depicted with a beard. Why does God like facial hair so much?”

“Well, what’s the difference between a “cult” and a “religion”? Not easy to say. Many people think they know the difference when they see it. Scientology and the Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church are cults — aren’t they? And Judaism and Christianity are surely religions.”

“Polling data shows that the biggest problem for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that about half the population knows nothing about us. But gradually, things are changing. As I’ve said before in this column, unfamiliarity and misunderstanding will continue to dissipate as the church’s membership grows. Research shows that people have a far better view of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when they know a member personally.”

“Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who celebrates his 80th birthday this weekend, is perhaps the only global figure today who is able to bring together – in spite of their differences – millions of believers and atheists, Protestants and Catholics, Eastern and Western Christians, followers of Christ and people of other faiths, the humanistic and the religious, scientists and mystics, cynics and optimists, in shared admiration.”

While the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence would likely spur profound soul-searching for people of all faiths, many of the world’s religions might have an easier time accommodating the knowledge than Christianity, said theologist Michael Waltemathe, also of the Ruhr-University Bochum.

***Truth be told, I’ve never thought about this subject that deeply before, but this article presents some interesting points. Thoughts?

“Here is the truth: “coming out” from the “closet” can be a deeply psychological and spiritual journey. It should not be surprising, nor overlooked, that many who have found themselves struggling for personal identity and self-worth should return to their spiritual communities for support.”