For 92 years, the Hollywood Christmas Parade has featured celebrities and performers. This year, the parade includes the Divas and Drummers of Compton, a nonprofit working to give inner city kids an opportunity to learn performing arts. Genia Dulot reports from Los Angeles.This post was originally published on here
(RNS) — In an often-tense election year, a number of the books RNS featured in 2024 dealt with politically charged faith topics. Some, such as Amanda Tyler’s and Matthew D. Taylor’s explorations of Christian nationalism and Joshua Leifer’s breakdown of American Judaism’s embrace of Zionism, called out actors and institutions the authors perceived as bending religion toward political ends.
Then there were the books that looked to the past to better understand the present, examining the evolution of the sanctuary movement, introducing little-known Christian anti-racists and exposing how earlier politicians fostered enmity between poor white folks and their poor Black peers. Eliza Griswold’s profile of an evangelical church riven by discord post-2020, and Greg Epstein’s observations about how artificial intelligence has become a religion unto itself, offer lessons about how to avoid worshipping the wrong thing.
The more reflective offerings, including J.S. Park’s book on grief and Cole Arthur Riley’s “Black Liturgies,” offer space for whatever readers might be feeling at the end of an exhausting year — rage, despair, joy, hope. So whether you’re seeking a how-to guide for addressing poverty or prayers about the sacredness of the human body, our year-end booklist has you covered.
“The Widening of God’s Mercy” by Christopher and Richard Hays
For decades, New Testament professor Richard’ Hays’ “The Moral Vision of the New Testament” has been embraced as a theological asset by conservative Christians who condemn homosexuality. But in a stunning reversal, Hays, along with his son, Fuller professor Christopher Hays, released “The Widening of God’s Mercy” this September, which argues that God is dynamic, personal and extends grace to outsiders. In arguing for the full inclusion of LGBTQ people within the Christian fold, this book sent shock waves throughout the Christian world that continue to be felt. Read more about this book.
“The Widening of God’s Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story” by Richard B. Hays, left, and Christopher B. Hays, right. (Photos courtesy of Duke Divinity School, left, and Fuller Theological Seminary, right)
“Sanctuary People: Faith-Based Organizing in Latina/o Communities” by Gina Pérez
At a time when the sanctuary movement is under threat, Gina Pérez’s book looks at how the practice of sanctuary, where faith-based organizations shelter refugees and migrants, has evolved to include aiding victims of police violence and hurricanes. A cultural anthropologist and a Roman Catholic, Pérez spent four years researching sanctuary practices in Ohio and on the national level as Latino/a communities faced increased displacement, surveillance and marginalization. Read more about this book.
“Sanctuary People: Faith-Based Organizing in Latina/o Communities” and author Gina Pérez. (Courtesy images)
“Tablets Shattered: The End of an American Jewish Century and the Future of Jewish Life” by Joshua Leifer
Joshua Leifer’s historical account of American Judaism argues that Zionism has become so central to American Jewish life that it’s superseded the faith itself. A journalist and Ph.D. candidate in history at Yale University, Leifer says the leading religious Jewish establishment organizations have traded championing equal rights for support for Israel, even as liberal Jewish traditions have failed to put forward a viable alternative to Zionism. “Now that Israel is not a source of moral inspiration, but a place that many don’t want to be associated with, or that they’re ashamed of, because of what it’s doing, American Jewish identity is facing a crisis,” he told RNS. Read more about this book.
“Tablets Shattered: The End of an American Jewish Century and the Future of Jewish Life” and author Joshua Leifer. (Courtesy images)
“Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human” by Cole Arthur Riley
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, liturgies written by long-dead white men weren’t cutting it for author Cole Arthur Riley. So she crafted her own liturgies that centered Black experiences, bodies and emotions. To her surprise, her prayers and poems have since resonated with hundreds of thousands of people who have followed Riley’s Black Liturgies Instagram account. Her latest book is a powerful physical artifact of that project. Read more about this book.
“Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human” and author Cole Arthur Riley. (Courtesy images)
“Circle of Hope: A Reckoning With Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church” by Eliza Griswold
An immersive account of an evangelical church in Philadelphia striving to embody Jesus’ ministry, “Circle of Hope,” from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eliza Griswold, offers an up-close look at the splintering of American churches. Based on four years of reporting and over 100 interviews, the book is a portrait of a church gasping for survival amid theological clashes, political discord and financial strain — and it’s an invitation to consider how the church might make itself new. Read more about this book.
“Circle of Hope” and author Eliza Griswold. (Photo by Seamus Murphy)
“Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World’s Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation” by Greg Epstein
From the humanist chaplain at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “Tech Agnostic” argues that technology itself, and especially artificial intelligence, has become a global object of worship, complete with its own rituals, adherents and papal figures such as Elon Musk. But Greg Epstein urges readers to be skeptics of tech innovation and to consider how to engage with technology in a way that serves humanity, rather than conditioning humanity to venerate technology. Read more about this book.
“Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World’s Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation” and author Greg M. Epstein. (Courtesy images)
“The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy” by Matthew D. Taylor
Matthew D. Taylor’s book offers an unflinching exploration of the New Apostolic Reformation, an often overlooked but highly influential segment of the religious right that champions Donald Trump as a God-ordained leader at the center of a large-scale spiritual battle. The book aims to show how the movement has steadily infiltrated mainstream politics and played a key role on Jan. 6, 2021. Taylor’s analysis is also a warning about the consequences of a Christianity galvanized by a vision of Christian America. Read more about this book.
“The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy” and author Matthew D. Taylor. (Courtesy images)
“As Long As You Need: Permission to Grieve” by J.S. Park
As an interfaith chaplain at a Level 1 trauma center, J.S. Park is all too familiar with the most unhelpful ways people of faith respond to tragedy. In his latest book, he draws on nearly a decade of accompanying people on the worst day of their lives to outline an approach to grief that is less about letting go and moving on, and more about letting in and moving with. Read more about this book.
“As Long as You Need: Permission to Grieve” and author J.S. Park. (Courtesy images)
“White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy” by William J. Barber II and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Longtime civil rights champion the Rev. William Barber II is known for his impassioned advocacy for the Black community. But as an anti-poverty activist, he is weary of political tactics that pit poor Black Americans against poor whites. His latest book, co-authored with Christian preacher Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, invites poor people of all races to join in the battle for better living conditions. Read more about this book.
“White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy” and authors the Rev. William Barber II and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove. (Photos by Franklin Golden, left, and Pilar Timpane)
“Dictates of Conscience: From Mormon High Priest to My New Life as a Woman” by Laurie Lee Hall
Before a gender transition, Laurie Lee Hall joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a college student drawn to the church’s religious teachings and strong community. Years after becoming a stake president and architect for the church’s temple building program, Hall came out as a trans woman. Her memoir, released in the wake of the church’s new hard-line policies on transgender members, tells the story of what she lost and gained by embracing her gender identity. Read more about this book.
“Dictates of Conscience” and author Laurie Lee Hall. (Author photo by David Beaman)
“Ghosted: An American Story” by Nancy French
Once a best-selling ghostwriter for conservative politicians, Nancy French was cut off by her peers when she and her husband criticized Donald Trump. French nevertheless remains confident in her faith in God, even if she feels distant from the church. Her memoir, “Ghosted,” which she wrote while being treated for cancer, traces her surprising journey from her childhood in Appalachia to her post-Trump life. Read more about this book.
“Ghosted” and author Nancy French. (Courtesy images)
“The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance” by Jemar Tisby
In his latest book, historian Jemar Tisby platforms over 50 little-known Christian historical figures, most of them Black and many of them women, who advocated against racism through the centuries. His survey inspires Christians of today to follow the footsteps of those whose faith galvanized their work for liberation and equality. Read more about this book.
“The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance” and author Jemar Tisby. (Courtesy images)
“How to End Christian Nationalism” by Amanda Tyler
As Christian nationalism becomes an increasingly ubiquitous and provocative term, many have struggled to distill what exactly it is, what it looks like and how to confront it. Enter attorney Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of the Baptist Joint Committee’s Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. Her book is a guide for understanding and dismantling Christian nationalism in your home and church, and on a political scale. Read more about this book.
“How to End Christian Nationalism” and author Amanda Tyler. (Courtesy images)
“The Contemporary Black Church: The New Dynamics of African American Religion” by Jason Shelton
Is the Black church dead? The answer depends, according to sociologist Jason Shelton, on what traditions you’re talking about. Using extensive empirical data, Shelton tracks the ways African American religion is shifting and observes the political implications. “Who speaks for the poor?” Shelton asked in an RNS interview. “The Black church has spoken for the poor.” Read more about this book.
“The Contemporary Black Church: The New Dynamics of African American Religion” and author Jason Shelton. (Photo by Justin Clemons)
2024 Books by RNS authors:
“Jannah: Home at Last” by RNS columnist Omar Suleiman
Islamic scholar and civil rights activist Omar Suleiman’s book is an exploration of Jannah — not only what Muslims can expect in the eternal paradise, but how they can enter it. His latest release includes spiritual resources for being welcomed into Jannah and fresh perspective on the discomfort of this life.
“Jannah: Home at Last” and author Omar Suleiman. (Courtesy images)
“Becoming a Future-Ready Church: 8 Shifts to Encourage and Empower the Next Generation of Leaders” by RNS Projects Editor and National Reporter Adelle M. Banks, Daniel Yang and Warren Bird
Adelle Banks teamed up with church researcher Warren Bird and pastor Daniel Yang on this guidebook for churches looking to effectively prepare for the future. Using case studies and analysis of current trends — including the declining percentage of American Christians, growing mental health crises and increased skepticism toward institutions — the book is filled with practical tools and hope-filled wisdom.
“Becoming a Future-Ready Church: 8 Shifts to Encourage and Empower the Next Generation of Leaders” by Daniel Yang, from left, Adelle M. Banks and Warren Bird. (Courtesy images)
“My Guncle and Me” by RNS columnist Jonathan Merritt
This children’s book about self-acceptance from evangelical Christian writer Jonathan Merritt is the book he wishes he’d had as a child. As the son of a former Southern Baptist Convention president, he was raised to believe being gay and being a faithful Christian were contradictory. Not so in this book, where the proud guncle (gay uncle) sings and prays in church. Read more about this book.
“My Guncle and Me” and author Jonathan Merritt. (Courtesy images)
“Sacred Silence: Daily Meditations for Lent” by RNS columnist Phyllis Zagano
Phyllis Zagano, one of the foremost scholars on Catholic women’s ministry, published a series of Lenten meditations this spring. Focused on guiding readers in silent reflections in the midst of a hectic world, the book includes more than 30 reflections for the Lenten season.
“Sacred Silence: Daily Meditations for Lent” and author Phyllis Zagano. (Courtesy images)
The Ogeechee Technical College Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of an endowment in the sum of $50,000 by the Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation. The gift will be used to provide academic scholarships for Ogeechee Tech students pursuing a degree in a Health Sciences program.
Two scholarships will be awarded each year of a minimum of $1,500 each.We are incredibly honored to expand our longstanding partnership with the Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation through the establishment of this scholarship,” said Larry Mays, Vice President for College Advancement at Ogeechee Technical College. “Together, we are strengthening our community by equipping caregivers with the expertise and compassion needed to provide exceptional care for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other critical health challenges.”Recipients of the Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Endowed Scholarship must be enrolled in a Health Science Degree program like the Nurse Aide Certificate or Health Care Assistant Certificate, and future consideration will be given to students working in the geriatric setting or working in geriatric care.For more information about the Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Endowed Scholarship or to make a contribution, please contact the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation at (912) 688-6098 or visit www.giveotc.com.
“As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters. We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!” Trump wrote on Truth Social in response to a report that the list of those…
Emma Harden, age 2, completed the Newton Public Library 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Emma’s older brother also finished the 1,000 Books program a couple of years ago, so now both siblings will have their picture on the Library’s Wall of Fame.Emma received a Pete the Cat bag full of items to help her get ready for kindergarten and a book to keep. Emma will have a great jumpstart for school because studies show that being read to every day at home is the single biggest predictor of later success in school. Reading together daily is also a wonderful way to bond with your child. Reading 1,000 books is not as hard as it might sound, if you read just one book per day to your child, it will take three years to hit the 1,000 books mark.The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is an ongoing program at the Newton Public Library and you can register your child as soon as they are born. It’s never too early to start sharing books with your child. When you register you will receive a canvas 1,000 Books Bag which is great for hauling library books and you will also receive a board book to keep. Stop by the library to register or register at https://www.newtongov.org/892/1000-Books-Before-Kindergarten.
Holiday train exhibit is an interactive experience at Boston’s Museum of Science
Holiday train exhibit is an interactive experience at Boston’s Museum of Science
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BOSTON – The minute you walk into the “All Aboard! Trains at Science Park” exhibit at the Museum of Science, the feeling of being a kid again takes over.”It’s just a fun exhibit. Everyone who comes in here, they smile, you see all the snow falling on the screens we have and you can see the kids looking at the trains,” says Scot Keay, the senior manager of membership operations at the museum. “It’s just a fun, magical environment.”
A Commuter Rail model train at the Museum of Science.
CBS Boston
“Fun little Easter eggs”The miniature train models are made to scale and the museum partners with HUB Division, Inc. of the Northeast Region of the National Model Railroad Association to make the layouts come to life. “The model’s details are really awesome and if anyone has lived in the city, you will notice fun little Easter eggs buried in there and there’s the major landmarks like Fenway Park that everyone will recognize,” Keay said.There’s even a realistic depiction of what’s it’s like to own a car in Boston.
A car is towed at the model train exhibit at the Museum of Science.
CBS Boston
“Yeah, someone is being towed for violating snow parking regulations in the model,” Keay said.
Interactive exhibit at the Museum of ScienceAnd like every museum nowadays all the exhibits are interactive and immersive, and this one is no different. In here you can conduct a train with all the bells and whistles. “They really get into it. To watch the eyes of the children, it’s like ‘oh wow!'” Keay said.
Trying out the interactive train exhibit.
CBS Boston
It’s a perfect spot to visit as it snow is falling and families are on a holiday break. “It’s a great place where people are happy. You just see the smiles on their faces. People discussing how excited they are to be here. Some people have been here multiple times and they just want to keep coming back.”
The exhibit runs through Jan. 20 and is included in the cost of admission for the museum.
The Miodrag Kostic Endowment said that it has opened the Palace of Science in Belgrade, welcoming visitors at 11 Kralja Milana Street. Thanks to Miodrag Kostic’s gift to the Serbian society, worth over 25 million euros, a 5,500 m² space in one of Belgrade’s most beautiful buildings has been transformed into the first center for…
By Steve Corbin Professor Emeritus of Marketing, University of Northern Iowa American voters were under a lot of stress leading up to the Nov. 5 presidential election. That stress has continued since Donald Trump received less than 50 percent voter support. Hence, the majority of citizens are not wed to his unending plethora of promises.…
Families have their own unique traditions for Christmas Eve, but one popular way to harness kids’ enthusiasm is to read them holiday stories. There’s no shortage of great holiday books for kids, but here are a handful that kids may remember well into adulthood.· “The Polar Express,” by Chris Van Allsburg: The beloved tale is the story of a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole.
With a new season comes new scents, wardrobes, flavors and books to read. It is the time of the year to channel your inner Rory Gilmore, reading novels that feel like pumpkin spice lattes and love. To help out, here are seven books that tap into the happiness that only comes from leaves changing colors and jack-o’-lanterns being carved. “If He Had Been With Me” by Laura NowlinThis romance follows the inner monologue of Autumn, who has been best friends with Finny since birth. Through a first-person viewpoint, the reader can see Autumn’s true thoughts and emotions about her life and best friend. This book is not one with a happy ending, nor does it please the reader once the last page is turned. Though the novel walks through multiple seasons and most of Autumn’s life, the book gives the reader all things fall feels and dreary weather.
“Bad Mother” by Mia SheridanA psychological thriller that will keep the reader on their toes from beginning to end, this novel tracks detective Siena Walker as she tries to uncover a taunting serial killer in her old hometown, which she had not returned to for 11 years. With the many plot twists and turnarounds, this book is mesmerizing and hard to put down. It is perfect for the Halloween season of scary stories and haunted houses. “Rock Paper Scissors” by Alice Feeney Here is another psychological thriller for anyone who is craving the mind games that these novels bring. Alice Feeney writes this about an unhappy married couple who decides to take a weekend trip to a repurposed chapel in the Scottish countryside. When weird events occur, both the couple and reader realize that this trip is not at all what they had planned. Feeney is known for her vivid thrillers, and this book is no different. “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If one loves Fleetwood Mac and the lifestyle of bands that seem to have it all, this is the perfect read. This novel is written in an interview style in which each member of the band, The Six, has the opportunity to tell their side of the years they all spent together traveling the world and making charted music. This is the definition of a cozy literary fiction, where the reader may cry, laugh and scream all on a singular page. Reid writes this so well it feels like a true story, like the band members are real people. “The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling Here is a fun and magic-filled romance following Vivienne Jones, a spunky witch in the mythical town of Graves Glen, Georgia. When Vivi gets her heart broken, she decides to curse the boy that had just shattered her heart. All is well until that old boyfriend returns to their hometown nine years later, and she is forced to help him save the precious town. This book is silly, cheesy and most importantly filled with a sweet romance between two unlikely matches. “The Kiss Curse” by Erin SterlingNow if one loves “The Ex Hex,” here is the equally charming sequel that follows the favorite cousin, Gwyn Jones, and her business competitor, Wells Penhallow. This enemies-to-lovers trope roped into a magical novel with witches and magical toy shops makes for a perfect October read. These two books are short, entertaining and will have the reader giggling and kicking their feet over an autumn romance. “The Virgin Suicides” by Jeffrey EugenidesThis book is best described as a coming-of-age thriller, with a story told from the boys across the street about the five Lisbon sisters, all of whom commit suicide in a year-long time. The Lisbons are a Catholic family living in Grosse Pointe, Michigan who never come out of the house other than to attend school and church. When the last sister is found dead, the boys, who had grown to be obsessed over them and worshiped the ground they walked on, begin to recount the events leading up to the tragic year for this neighborhood family. This novel showcases the hardships of growing up and trying to fit into the confines of a small town and strict family.