Covalence Magazine
Pew Research analyzes online religious services trends
Pew Research found that about one quarter of U.S. adults regularly watch religious services online and 21% use apps or websites to help with reading scripture. Most are highly satisfied with the experience, according to a new Pew Research survey. Other findings from...
Sinai and Synapses announces ‘Scientists in Synagogues’ project participants
Sponsored by Clal – the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Sinai and Synapses has selected 15 communities as part of its “Scientists in Synagogues” project. Similar to the previous “Scientists in Congregations” effort back in 2011, the institutions...
Covalence for May: Embracing new life
If you are fortunate to live in a place where spring is complete with lilacs in bloom, it does feel as if new life is on its way as the sunny days linger a little longer. As butterflies flutter among the lavender blossoms, the memories of snow and gray overcast days...
The science and theology of death: What comes after?
Benjamin Franklin is often quoted as saying the only things that are certain in life are death and taxes. Death is the great equalizer because for every living creature, there must come an end. Although, looking around today, it would be hard to fully grapple with the...
Where are they now, what are they doing?
Reflections on life after death My wife, Neva, passed away during Christmas week. Writing at this time, this blog installment can be considered part of my grieving, but it deals with difficult intellectual and theological issues. In the days after her death, my mind...
University of Illinois at Chicago explores prosocial behavior
Michael Pasek, a University of Illinois Chicago social psychologist, and colleagues explored the question of whether prosocial behavior can span religious groups. The researchers, through field and online experiments, involved more than 4,700 people from diverse...
Ecumenical group explores practical approaches to clean energy action, dialogue
In that vein, Rev. Booker Vance, gave a recent talk at Ecumenical Roundtable on Science, Technology and the Church recently held in Chicago. Rev. Vance is the manager for policy and research at Elevate Energy, a Chicago-based non-profit that is active in about 40...
ELCA Church Council adopts new social message on climate
Last month, the ELCA Church Council unanimously approved the adoption of a social message related to climate crisis. ELCA social messages provide analysis and theological interpretation on a focused social question to establish ELCA teaching and public stance for...
