Religion news in 2015:

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(RNS) “I forgive you.”

These may have been three of the most powerful words uttered in the name of religion this year. They came out of the mouth of Nadine Collier, addressed to the white supremacist accused of fatally shooting her mother and eight others on June 17 at a historic African-American church in Charleston, S.C.

Religion inspired countless other acts of forgiveness, mercy and hope this year. But religion — or perversions of it, some would say — also inspired horrific violence: the “faith-based” cleansing of ancient lands, and bombings and shootings motivated by scriptural justifications. It was a year also of religious-inspired activism, seen perhaps most prominently in a pope who advocated for the poor and for a solution to climate change.

Here is an overview of some of the most consequential religion stories of the past year, with thoughts on what to look forward to 2016.

religionnews.com/2015/12/28/2015-year-in-religion-news-terror-mercy-charlie-hebdo-charleston-isis-isil-daesh-san-bernardino-colorado-springs-planned-parenthood-paris-shooting-attacks-chapel-hill-trump-supreme-court-gay-marriage/?utm_content=buffer3e48d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=bufferforbiz

 

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What were we all worried about in 2015? Evangelism, feeling stupid at work, charity, the Pope, refugees, Kim Davis, Christmas songs, and frustrated pastors

It’s that time of year again when we look back over the events of the past 12 months. What were we thinking, wondering, and writing about as the crocuses bloomed or as we sipped our summer lemonade at the beach? Here are some of the stories that the faith and work community has been talking about here at Patheos Faith and Work in 2015.

Is it ever OK to evangelize in the workplace? Blogger Bill Peel participated in a “Head-to-Head” with John Shore of the Progressive Christian Channel on this question. His point: Yes, but relationships always trump knock-down arguments. Read his three posts on the subject here: Is Sharing Your Faith Ever Appropriate?; Talking About Christ Without Being a Jerk in the Workplace, and Co-Workers are Not Projects.

patheos.com/blogs/missionwork/2015/12/what-were-we-all-worried-about-in-2015-evangelism-feeling-stupid-at-work-charity-the-pope-refugees-kim-davis-christmas-songs-and-frustrated-pastors/

 

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Top 10 News Stories for Evangelicals in 2015

Time continues to fly by as we go about our lives. As another year is left behind us, it is a helpful exercise for us to look back on the trends and events of 2015 so that we may remember, reflect, and resolve for a new year ahead of us. With that goal in mind, I’ve compiled a list of ten notable news items and happenings from this year.

1. Continued Persecution of the Global Church

patheos.com/blogs/evangelicalpulpit/2015/12/top-10-news-stories-for-evangelicals-in-2015/