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?

Kristen Kobes Du Mez’s newsletter examines a recent viral thread

Phil Yancey engages with pastor-sociologist Ryan Burger on the latest trends in church attendance in the US.

Ryan Burge — similar to “military service,” Americans like the idea of “being religious” more than actually practicing religion.