Humanist seeks Army recognition

Soldiers who don't believe in God can go to war with "Atheist" stamped on their dog tags, but humanists and others with various secular beliefs are still officially invisible in the Army. Maj. Ray Bradley is applying to be the first humanist recognized as a "distinctive faith group leader" by the Army. Read More

Blaze destroys Ohio church's salvaged items from earlier fire

MARYSVILLE, Ohio -- There's more bad news for members of a central Ohio church where authorities believe a man drove a stolen car into the building, set a fire and watched from a nearby playground swing as the facility burned last month. ... Read More

Faith comes into play

Religious expression, 'Tebowing' at sports events hot topic of debate

The very public nature of quarterback Tim Tebow's faith, always visible on the football field when the Denver Broncos played a game, has prompted many observers to question the role of religion in sports. Is Tebow sincere? Is God paying attention to the game, or playing favorites? Read More

Tales of romance for the post-40 set

As far as Jill Cadigan was concerned, it was just another lonely Friday night. She poured her pinot grigio, TV purring in the background, and plunked herself down in front of the computer. Read More

FAITH Q&A

Q: Can one experience the greatness of the divine without prayer? Read More

Notes and events

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Religion briefs: Gang banners appear where Pope will visit

A drug gang unfurled banners in a Mexican city that Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to visit next month, telling rival traffickers to keep out and keep the peace during the papal visit next month. Read More

New look at black Catholics

Immigrants changed city

When I tell people I'm working on a book on black Catholics in Charleston, the initial response is disbelief. Read More

Public approval of gay marriage on the rise

The latest polling on the issue of same-sex marriage by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press finds that 46 percent of the public favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally, while 44 percent are opposed. Read More

'I Believe' license plates for sale

South Carolina drivers can buy religious license plates that feature three crosses and a sunrise, 2 1/2 years after a federal judge declared a previous legislative effort for the "I Believe" tags unconstitutional. Read More

Contemplating evolution, remembering Darwin: A weeklong interdisciplinary event

The 12th annual Darwin Week in Charleston is an exploration of evolutionary issues that draws together various disciplines: biology, neuroscience, astronomy, anthropology, art and religion. Read More

Unusual request nets celeb autographs

Paul Schmelzer has an unusual way of collecting autographs from the famous: He asks them to sign his name instead of theirs. Read More

Once-homeless twins adapt to inside

CHICAGO -- After 30 years of living like ghosts on the streets, sleeping under a bridge and drifting through warming centers, Frank and Anthony Nowotnik are learning to live inside. Read More

Rabbi a perfect fit

Stephanie Alexander settles in at historic KKBE congregation

She begins the confirmation class casually, as always, welcoming the teenagers and reviewing some of their recent discussions. Read More

Faith Q&A

Q: How can nonbelievers in God lead lives as good as many believers do? Read More