Sightings
Reporting and commenting on the role of religion in public life.
The Power of a Heartbroken Community
In sharing others' pain, faith and church show their true resilience.
The Difference between Heroes and Martyrs
By Russell P. JohnsonWhen we memorialize victims of police violence, their past actions are irrelevant
October 5, 2020
The Meanings that Make Us
By Cynthia G. LindnerThe limits of creative agency in ritual
September 24, 2020
A Summer Correspondence
By Richard A. RosengartenThe decision to rename a dormitory reveals the fragility of historical nuance
September 21, 2020
On Zealous and Unrepentant Times
By William SchweikerA Call to Self-Reflection amidst a Dangerous Devotion
September 28, 2020
Recent Columns
A Legal Perversion of Justice
By Wil GafneyHabakkuk 1: 2 How long, Holy One, shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? 3 Why do you make me s...
October 19, 2020
Blessings, History, and Pandemic Vulnerabilities
By Philippa KochThe President of the United States recently said that it was a “blessing from God” that he caught Covid-19. Numerous outlets have reported on this sta...
October 15, 2020
Common Sense and the 2020 Election
By A. Trevor SuttonStumps and porches were once the tools of presidential campaigns. Candidates traveled by rail, stood on stumps, spoke to crowds, and even rolled a gia...
October 12, 2020
The Power of a Heartbroken Community
By Kathryn RayThe power of heartbreak astounds me. It catches me off guard. When I pray with congregants via Facebook chat, and it becomes clear that the people lo...
October 8, 2020
The Difference between Heroes and Martyrs
By Russell P. JohnsonVictims of police shootings have become icons. Their names adorn the jerseys, helmets, hats, shirts, and face masks of famous athletes. Their faces ar...
October 5, 2020
TikTok and Cultural Criticism
By Brian BrittA young man’s mother, wearing a hijab, interrupts his recitation of the explicit song “WAP" to chide him; the caption reads, “I wish you knew a single...
October 1, 2020
On Zealous and Unrepentant Times
By William SchweikerInsomuch that it may truly be said, pride, covetousness, ambition, revenge, have in all parts of the world slain their thousands; but zeal its ten tho...
September 28, 2020
The Meanings that Make Us
By Cynthia G. LindnerAt the apex of our long COVID summer, while hurricanes were brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, wildfires were threatening the West, protests against polic...
September 24, 2020
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Browse by Associated TagsSighting Religion in the Public Square
Through the eyes, ears, and keyboards of a diverse group of writers, Sightings displays a kaleidoscope of religious activity: a reflection of how religious currents are shaping and being shaped in the world.