MSU Journalism School’s Bias Busters Explain One of America’s Largest Religious Groups

OUR COVER STORY this week reveals something surprising: National headlines may suggest that America is becoming less religious—when in fact America is becoming more religiously diverse. Have you seen those headlines in nearly every major news publication about ‘Nones’ or ‘Unaffiliated’ becoming the largest single portion of our nation’s religious landscape?

Well, what a lot of those reports miss is that these Americans actually prefer many other ways to define themselves religiously or spiritually. One reason their numbers have grown is that they refuse to identify with the neat check list of traditional denominations that pollsters keep offering. This is a historic shift in the way Americans define their own spiritual lives—and thank goodness the award-winning Michigan State University School of Journalism Bias Busters team is publishing a complete guide to this major change in American life and culture.

Please read this week’s Cover Story by the founding director of the MSU Bias Busters project, Joe Grimm, and you’re likely to be surprised by some of the findings. And, then, share this story with friends via social media and email. That simple act of sharing this good news can contribute to a healthier community.

In fact, this story is so timely that journalists nationwide are publishing fresh perspectives every week. One of the most thoughtful columns we spotted is by our own colleague, journalist and author Bill Tammeus, headlined, “Would you be OK if institutional religion just disappeared?” If you click on that link to go read Bill’s column, you’ll realize how important this new MSU book really is.

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From Our Authors—

Laura Elizabeth

Plan waaay ahead to run beneath Daufuskie’s giant live oaks

IN HER FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER TO READERS, cozy-mystery author Laura Elizabeth urged everyone who has become fascinated by Daufuskie Island through her debut mystery, All Is Now Lost, to register in advance for the January 2025 Daufuskie Marathon. Considering the long-range effort for readers across the U.S. to plan for a visit to this Atlantic Coast island, that’s a very timely suggestion. So, here’s the direct link to find out more about that 2025 Daufuskie Marathon.

If this news item intrigues you—and you’re wondering about this mystery and this gorgeous, historic island—then click here to visit the Amazon page for All Is Now Lost.

Want to know more about Laura’s many appearances with her readers? Here is the Events page on her Island Mysteries website. She has events booked in Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. Care to book your own author appearance? You can contact Laura through that website.

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Rusty Rosman

And plan ahead to invite Rusty Rosman to your group or event

SPEAKING OF PLANNING AHEAD WITH AUTHORS, Rusty Rosman already is embarking on a nationwide series of talks in person (and via Zoom). In fact, she just recorded an hour of spirited conversation with Portland-based Mark Turnbull, the host of the popular Aging Today podcast. Mark tells us that episode will air later this month. Stay tuned to ReadTheSpirit for a link!

But, the best way to keep up with Rusty is to connect with her directly. Here is Rusty’s new author-themed Linkedin page, where you can make a direct connection. You also can connect via her main website.

You can learn more about the timely value of her book in this recent ReadTheSpirit cover story. And, of course, right now you can pre-order your own copy of her book.

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Jeffrey Munroe

Thanks to readers who made this launch a bestseller

“THANK YOU” TO ALL OF OUR READERS who helped to push Jeffrey Munroe’s inspiring new book Telling Secrets in the Dark to No. 1 bestselling status among Amazon’s January new releases in the category “Christian Pastoral Counseling.” And, while counselors are indeed praising the book’s wisdom, this really is book for all of us.

In fact, because so many people are asking us about this new book, we asked Jeff many of your questions as he embarks on a series of public outreach events. Here is that Q-and-A in which Jeff answers many of those questions.

Care to order your own copy? Here’s a direct link to the Amazon page..

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Holidays, Festivals & Observances

Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday

MILLIONS OF AMERICANS will observe the start of Lent, this week, in some way—from receiving ashes on their foreheads in a special service on Wednesday or perhaps via a beloved custom like eating a sugar-packed paczki. Holidays and Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton has our story.

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Valentine’s Day

DID YOU KNOW that we all should thank Geoffrey Chaucer on Valentine’s Day for the role he played in popularizing a culture of love? That’s just one of the historical gems in Stephanie Fenton’s column about Valentine’s Day. And, yes, she also has links to some recipes for delicious Valentine’s Day desserts.

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Vasant Panchami

FEBRUARY 14 IS ALSO the start of the festival of Vasant Panchami—when yellow will be especially popular in Indian communities around the world. Stephanie Fenton reports on the roots and cultural significance of this colorful season.

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Blue is the color of hope in March

COLORECTAL CANCER HAS TOUCHED MILLIONS OF LIVES and, in 2024, the latest news is ominous: Rates of these cancers are rising among adults in their 30s and 40s. We are publishing this column about Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month early so that you can help maximize the sharing of this life-saving campaign that will unfold in March.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with film reviews and discussion guides. This resource is used nationwide by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• ORIGIN—Ed urges us to see this unusual film from Ava DuVernay about the origins of racism.
• GENIUS: MLK/X—Ed writes, “The 4th Season of the Genius series provides an inspiring account of the lives of last century’s two great civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.”
• THE BOOK OF CLARENCE—Ed writes, “Some have likened this film to Monty Python’s Life of Brian, but though satirical, it is not a spoof of the old Hollywood Biblical spectacles. Filmmaker Jeymes Samuel is interested in more serious concerns, such as racism and its effects.”
• MEAN GIRLS—Ed gives a strong thumbs up to this musical version of Tina Fey’s hit. He calls it “a fun-filled diversion.”
• A CALL TO SPY—Ed reaches back this week to a 2020 film, which is available to stream, calling it a “thrilling true story.”
• THE PERSIAN VERSION—Ed also recommends this film by Iranian-American Maryam Keshavarz.
• THE COLOR PURPLE—”Ghanaian filmmaker Samuel Bazawule brings to the screen this new version of Alice Walker’s classic novel of female empowerment.”
• MAESTRO—Ed gives Maestro 5 stars and writes, “Don’t let the silly controversy over Bradley Cooper’s nose sour you on this magnificent depiction of an unusual marriage between two brilliant people.”

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