Donald Trump's rise means what?

Donald Trump's rise shows religion is losing its political power
The New York Times: The most surprising aspect about Trump's appeal among GOP primary voters may be what it says about the waning place of religion in American politics.

Reflections on religion and the Civil Rights Movement
OUP blog: American religion served as one of the most important, if often unnoticed, sources of ideologies that thwarted the civil rights struggle.

Gay Methodist pastor a step closer to church trial
Religion News Service: A UMC pastor who recently came out as gay may be a step closer to a church trial, just weeks before the denomination's General Conference is expected to take up the question of gay clergy and gay unions.

Mississippi Governor signs 'religious freedom' bill into law
NPR: The legislation promises that the state government will not punish people who refuse to provide services to people because of a religious opposition to same-sex marriage, extramarital sex or transgender people.

Symbols of Tennessee, by law: salamanders, tomatoes, a sniper gun and...the Bible?
The Washington Post: A tomato, a raccoon, limestone and milk -- what do these things have in common? All are state symbols of Tennessee, and soon, they may be joined by the Holy Bible.