John MacArthur, fiery preacher and culture warrior, dies at 86

John MacArthur, fiery preacher and culture warrior, dies at 86*
The New York Times: He was a theologically uncompromising pastor in Southern California who influenced generations of evangelical preachers.
Religion News Service: John MacArthur, megachurch pastor and voice of ‘Grace to You’ radio ministry, has died

ICE quotes the Bible in a new propaganda video
Sojourners: The one-minute video opens with footage of helicopters taking off, and a man with a thick Southern accent says, “Here’s a Bible verse I think about sometimes. Many times.” As people in military fatigues don masks and ready weapons inside the helicopter, the man quotes Isaiah 6:8: “I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’”

I left my church — and found Christianity*
The Atlantic: No one should have to choose between their community and their own integrity.

‘The perfect accompaniment to life’: Why is a 12th-century nun the hottest name in experimental music?
The Guardian: A mystic who turned visions into beautiful chants, Hildegard von Bingen has inspired everyone from Grimes to David Lynch. Musicians including Julia Holter explain the hold she has on them.

With Pete Hegseth in the pews, a Christian nationalist church plant launches in DC
Religion News Service: Christ Kirk DC is the latest example of pastor Doug Wilson’s growing sphere of influence among a cadre of conservatives sometimes described as the ‘New Right.’

Los Angeles houses of worship plan for possible ICE raids
NPR: In recent weeks, Pastor Caleb Crainer began developing a plan in the event that immigration enforcement agents show up at the door of his congregation, a pressing concern after the Trump administration rescinded long-standing guidance advising them to avoid houses of worship.

Camp Mystic’s Christian sisterhood spans generations and nations
Religion News Service: For three generations of women, Camp Mystic has loomed large in this family’s faith formation.

Who really wins in the abolishment of the Johnson Amendment?
Religion News Service: The new post-Johnson Amendment regime is bound to be helpful to Republicans but unlikely to advance the cause of religion.

My parents’ obsession with purity nearly ruined us. Years later, I found their secret in a box of their things.
HuffPost: My sisters gave our mother’s advice all the consideration it deserved, but as a slowly maturing 12 year old, I took it seriously. Desperately wanting to please my parents, I took their words as a viable ethical position, Victoria Waddle writes.

Gateway megachurch reduces number of services, hires executive pastor
Religion Unplugged: According to a Gateway spokesperson, it will be cutting Saturday services at all of its campuses, except its flagship Southlake campus. This comes as part of the continued fallout after allegations sexual abuse surfaced against its founding pastor Robert Morris.