Religious folks often pray for personal needs. Three-quarters of worshipers responding to the U.S. Congregational Life Survey said they pray for themselves and their closest loved ones every day or most days. But they also direct many of their petitions outward, praying for the victims of poverty, injustice and natural disasters. So does time spent […]

In an earlier blog post we shared how there is significant diversity within congregations concerning whether worshipers believe God is actively involved in the world or angered by human sin. In many congregations, fellow worshipers may not hold similar views of God. This finding raises a related question: what types of congregations have more worshipers who believe God […]

“Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.” John 6:56    Congregations hungering for spiritual community are finding answers in an ancient tradition: The Lord’s Supper. Liturgical renewal movements and ecumenical gains lifting up Christian unity have led over the last half-century to more frequent celebrations of Communion. […]

Recently the United States Postal Service pulled a planned ad campaign before it ever made it to many local post offices. The offending slogan? “In Priority We Trust.” Apparently, they received backlash for its close approximation to the sacred American motto, “In God We Trust.” For many in the United States, belief in God is a necessary […]

Want to be lifted up a little higher in experiencing the mystical connection between the divine and human beings? Just listen to Mahalia Jackson lift her soul-stirring voice in praise in the song “Without God, I could do nothing.” It is an attitude of gratitude for feeling immersed in the embrace of a loving God […]

The number 2,701,802 stands out in bold relief at the top of the website. Almost moment by moment, the figure steadily ticks upward, compelling virtual visitors to empty tomb, inc., to reflect on the number of children under 5 who have died since the beginning of 2013. John and Sylvia Ronsvalle, directors of the Champaign, Ill.-based […]

The suicide of Matthew Warren, who fought a long battle with depression, is shining a light on the issue of religion and mental health. His father, Rick Warren, the author of “The Purpose Driven Life” and a prominent pastor, launched a petition “to urge educators, lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and church congregations to raise the awareness […]

“Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” - Theologian Paul Tillich “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” - Gospel of Mark 9:24. The wounds of the Oklahoma City bombing were still fresh, and the rescue worker quietly, almost apologetically, admitted to a group of churchgoers that he wondered where God was […]

Adapted from original post on 2/8/11 People often make resolutions regarding health and finances at the beginning of a new year to improve their life.  Consider comparing yourself to benchmarks from the U.S. Congregational Life Survey to find ways you might make changes in your spiritual life. 1)      Attend worship services.  Increase your frequency of attending or start […]

It is one of the most intense experiences in the lives of individuals, but a major new research project indicates spending quality time with God also may hold a key to benevolent love for all of humanity. The Godly Love National Survey, led by researchers at the University of Akron and the Institute for Research […]