NTLWTR June: Not too Long, Worth the Read

Pope Leo released his Magnifica Humanitas, which gave his theological insights on artificial intelligence, just war theory, our call to serve the common good, and protecting freedoms. The release received a lot of attention and has extensive media coverage.

In a recent opinion piece, Anthea Butler unpacked Pope Leo’s apology for the Catholic Church’s role in slavery. Her piece highlights the connections between his apology and artificial intelligence, calling for an end to dehumanization.

Lovett Weems called the church to reflect on Pope Leo’s discussion of just war theory, urging Christians to evaluate how we are speaking up on issues regarding war and peace. The article calls us to reflect upon our own views of pacifism and just war.

All of this attention points to Michael Woolf’s claim that protestants see Pope Leo’s influence as reaching beyond the Catholic Church. As he writes, many are looking for moral guidance and see the Pope’s messages as a needed call for social justice.

In news beyond the Magnifica Humanitas, Bob Smietana offers insights into the use of worship music at political rallies. His article cautions that the use of worship music asserts a theological claim that God is of a particular political persuasion.

Katherine Stewart also offers an interesting discussion of the plannedRededicate 250 at the semi-quincentennial celebration in July. Her concerns include a warning of the authoritarian leanings of the gatherings and a historical analysis of the disconnect from revolutionary roots.

A Pew Research survey revealed what political issues clergy are talking about in worship, and what laity are hearing. The research went further to reveal that the religious background of the congregation influences how clergy are speaking up on these social issues.