March 26, 752: Stephen III assumes the papacy

Russell Moore answers a podcast listener’s question about how she can stop worrying.

Millennial Christians were taught to think of Jesus as a friend, Hannah Miller King writes. But she found kneeling in prayer reminded her that Jesus is also Lord.

Grammy-winning gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds talks with Kelsey Kramer McGinnis on how he stays in "son mode" as a Christian navigating public life.

In the latest episode of filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s docuseries on the saints, he presents a surprisingly humanizing depiction of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Behind the Story

From worship correspondent Kelsey Kramer McGinnis: When I’m preparing for an interview like this week’s Q&A with contemporary gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds, I always start with the music. In this case, I had an advance link to listen to the album before release. Usually, I listen to an album at least three times straight before I feel confident writing anything about it. On a first listen, I’ll jot down some impressions ("This feels like an ’80s power ballad!") and note which tracks stand out to me in some way. A second listen helps me pay more attention to the sequence. By the third, I’m catching more of the subtle instrumentation choices. I’ll usually go back in an artist’s catalog and listen to previous releases too.

McReynolds has written two books; I read his most recent in preparation. When an artist has taken the time to write and reflect on a big idea, he or she might jump at the opportunity to talk about it. I also listen to or watch recent interviews, like McReynolds’s recent conversation with Lecrae on his podcast, The Deep End with Lecrae. Sometimes these interviews yield useful background information about the musician, and sometimes they just help by showing what this person is like in live conversation (Is he talkative? Does she give short answers?)

Artist interviews can so easily be little more than promotion for a new project, but a thoughtful Q&A or profile isn’t for the artist—it’s for the readers. I want to figure out which ideas, insights, or experiences an artist could share that would be interesting or beneficial for a reader who may or may not be familiar with the person’s music.

 

In the Netherlands, a deacon discovered a skeleton which may belong to the legendary French soldier who inspired The Three Musketeers when the floor of the church partially collapsed.  Military chaplains will display only their religious insignia instead of their rank, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced. The Pentagon will also only recognize 31 faith codes, down from over 200. Eagle Forum, a Christian group, filed a lawsuit against an Alabama library that has a policy against religious groups renting its meeting rooms for the purpose of preaching or demonstrating their beliefs.

Today in Christian History

March 26, 752: Stephen III assumes the papacy after Stephen II dies. But Stephen III is sometimes called Stephen II, since the real Stephen II hardly counts: he died a mere four days after his election!