Category Archives: Religion

Meet the People Promoting the Latest (Last?) Great Heresy of the Church

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Tom Powers

Or if “heresy” is not really part of your vocabulary, then think: Idolatry. Or, if your world-view falls outside any religious framework, just consider it a troubling delusion held by millions of your fellow citizens. However you categorize it, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Palestinian Christians, Palestinians, Politics, Religion, The Occupation, U.S. Foreign Policy, VIDEOS | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

VIDEO | Why are Palestinian Christians Leaving Jesus’ Birthplace?

Posted on December 25, 2022 by Tom Powers

Will you invest 12 minutes in a deeper understanding of the everyday realities facing the native Christians of Jesus’ homeland, particularly those of the Bethlehem region? Their numbers have been shrinking steadily over the past seven decades, and the reasons … Continue reading →

Posted in Bethlehem area, Christmas, Occupied Territories, Palestinian Christians, Palestinians, Religion, Separation Barrier, The Occupation, VIDEOS | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MUSIC & VIDEO | Horatio’s Hymn Revisited, Part 2: A COVID Lockdown Special

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Tom Powers

“It Is Well” versus the Coronavirus and economic meltdown — It’s no contest! This started out as an extension of my previous contribution on this topic — the amazingly popular hymn “It Is Well With My Soul”, by Horatio Spafford … Continue reading →

Posted in American Colony, AUDIO, Easter, Religion, VIDEOS | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friday LIVESTREAM: “Reframing the Discourse on Israel/Palestine”

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Tom Powers

Friday April 5th is an opportunity to learn and be challenged via a major symposium — hosted by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, chaired by award-winning journalist Sandy Tolan, and assembling a wide-ranging slate of scholars, journalists … Continue reading →

Posted in Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Journalism, Modern History, Occupied Territories, Palestinians, Politics, Racism, Religion, The Media, The Occupation, U.S. Foreign Policy, VIDEOS | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Who Stole the Samaritan Torahs?

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Tom Powers

From the NPR web-site comes an intriguing article by Jerusalem-based international correspondent Daniel Estrin offering a rare glimpse inside the modern Samaritan community in the Holy Land. This tiny sect, tightly-knit and steeped in colorful ancient traditions, consider themselves the … Continue reading →

Posted in Antiquities, Israel-Palestine Scene, Nablus area, Old Testament, Religion, West Bank | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

*UPDATED* Restoration Work Begins on the Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Tom Powers

This post mostly reflects my own curiosity about the restoration work just getting underway at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City. The specific focus is the edicule, the built structure which stands at the center of … Continue reading →

Posted in Church of the Holy Sepulchre, JERUSALEM, Jerusalem Places, Religion | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

When Sorrows Like Sea Billows Roll: Horatio’s Hymn Revisited

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Tom Powers

It is amazing how many Protestant and Evangelical Christians in the West are acquainted with the name Horatio Gates Spafford, and especially the story of how, spurred by a profound personal tragedy, he penned the words of the much-loved, inspirational hymn “It … Continue reading →

Posted in American Colony, JERUSALEM, Jerusalem People, Religion, VIDEOS | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments