For the astute listener, Buffet’s music carried many clues to his religious background.

Say what you will about his governing, but no US president in nearly half a century has made church attendance such a priority. A tweet

It’s a relatively recent trend. Where does this persecution complex come from? Meanwhile, American evangelicals believe LGBTQ+ people no longer face persecution.

The Economist on “brand identity and good vibes” in the American church. Paywalled: must subscribe or sign up for a free month’s trial to read

Garrison Keillor on worship and the walk home. “Church is a treatment for narcissism.”

Carol Bechtel wraps up her series on the Succession Narrative (2 Samuel and 1 Kings) with David’s enemies-list and bloody vengeance.

Phillip Jenkins blogs on Patheos about surprises in predictions about secularization and religion.

Pope Francis says American critics are guided more by ideology than faith.

It’s well-known that houses of worship in the USA continue to become more homogeneous and nichier. Are there ways to counter this trend?