Muslims came to the United States in large numbers for doctorates, engineering and medical degrees, after the federal government eased immigration quotas in the 1960s. Studies have found that a significant percentage of Muslims are better educated and wealthier than other Americans. In the ballroom of an upscale hotel a short train ride from New... Continue Reading

Concerns about the face of Christianity have led a former atheist to form a non-profit to address the perceived hypocrisy of the church. The Texas-based non-profit Changing the Face of Christianity Inc. is a direct response to non-believers who believe all Christians are intolerant, judgmental, hypocritical and homophobic, explained founder R. Brad White. White said... Continue Reading

The official tables, composed by the Department for Education, show that nearly two thirds of the best primary schools are Anglican, Roman Catholic or Jewish. The success of faith-based primaries comes despite the fact that they account for just one in three schools nationally. Secularism isn’t a value neutral force in education and attempts to... Continue Reading

The 12 days of Christmas in Western Christianity refer to the time between Christ’s birth on Dec. 25 and the arrival of the Magi to honor the newborn, known as Epiphany, on Jan. 6. Twelve drummers? Ten leaping lords? Two turtle doves? Chances are, the gifts in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” are not high... Continue Reading

“Conditions for religious freedom in Russia and former Soviet republics are still better than they were during the communist period, but “compared to 10 years ago, it’s much more difficult and restrictive.” During the Christmas season 20 years ago, regimes and realms were making news that still resonates two decades later: The United States was... Continue Reading

While the new law does not mention advance care planning, the Obama administration has been able to achieve its policy goal through the regulation-writing process, a strategy that could become more prevalent in the next two years as the president deals with a strengthened Republican opposition in Congress. When a proposal to encourage end-of-life planning... Continue Reading

Christmas 2010 is a whole lotta jingle and not so much Jesus. Two new surveys find more than nine in 10 Americans celebrate the holiday — even if they’re atheists, agnostics or believers in non-Christian faiths such as Judaism and Islam. A closer look at Christmas activities reveals what may be the first measurement of... Continue Reading

It’s mildly entertaining, but nonetheless welcome, to see media talking heads debate what Jesus would do in politics. On Hardball with Chris Matthews, Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., recently scolded Christians for celebrating Jesus at Christmastime while opposing an extension of unemployment insurance benefits for another year: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/vp/38333035#38333035 Bill O’Reilly took him to task in a... Continue Reading

“The other side is winning the war on words and the rhetoric,” said Tom McClusky, senior vice president of Family Research Council Action, the legislative arm of the conservative advocacy group. “Generationally, this is an uphill battle for us, and we realize that.” The Republican senator from North Carolina was blunt. “Because she’s a damn... Continue Reading

“Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the future Palestinian state and for Palestinians now, and we are doing our best to utilize this opportunity.” People in the West Bank may be suffering but Christmas remains a time of joy and celebration for Christians in and around Bethlehem, says one leader. According... Continue Reading