Why ‘The Waltons,’ the classic TV show that just turned 50, wasn’t afraid of religion
During the pandemic lockdown, I rediscovered “The Waltons” and watched all 221 episodes. Somewhere along the way, I learned that the classic TV show about…
Weekend Plug-In
Is Nashville the center of the religion news universe? For today, let’s say so
Twenty years ago, I moved to Nashville, Tenn., to work for The Associated Press. I spent less than a year in Music City before transferring…
Why faith matters to America: We talk to the author of an insightful new book
Religion reporter Bob Smietana’s “aha!” moment came a few years ago while covering a hurricane. When a tornado, flood or other disaster occurs, so-called faith-based…
God and guns
TULSA, Okla. — God and guns. After a string of mass shootings nationwide, conversations with people of faith inevitably turn to that subject. Ken Factor…
This political reporter says journalism has made him a better Christian — he’s not alone
Say what? Jon Ward, chief national correspondent for Yahoo! News, writes in an essay for Christianity Today that his profession has made him a better…
Abortion bombshell
News that the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority might overturn Roe v. Wade is not overly shocking. We’ve known that for months. But the timing…
Russia attacks Ukraine: Why some experts insist Putin is motivated by religion
What’s religion got to do with Russia’s attack on Ukraine? A whole lot, according to some experts. At ReligionUnplugged.com, Richard Ostling stresses that journalists shouldn’t…
Ransom demands and prayers: The kidnapping of a mission group in Haiti
As a journalist who covers religion, I’ve been blessed to report firsthand from countries such as Israel, Mexico, Nicaragua and South Africa. As a result,…
At 9/11 anniversary, faith remains a big part of the story
Like everybody alive then, I remember what I was doing the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. At the time, I was religion editor for The Oklahoman, the…
Bible in one hand, newspaper in the other
'You preach with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.” That’s what an Ohio pastor said in a recent front-page feature…
