Santa Muerte, followed by millions of Mexicans, is gaining popularity in the US.
Also: A priest in the village of Castelvittorio, Italy, shocked his congregation when he burned a photo emeritus pope Benedict XVI during Sunday mass.
And Hillsong bumps Nick Cave.
Miss Gibraltar Kaiane Aldorino was crowned Miss World 2009 on Saturday, outshining 111 other hopefuls, including Miss Indonesia.
Before the contest a local, South African newspaper had highlight the latter’s connection to a religious cult. The Miss World organization lost its legal attempt to prevent the paper from publishing the article.
In today’s RNB Religion News Roundup: Scientologists harass Swedish family; John Travolta a Scientologist ‘now and forever’; and Scientology’s PR push.
Also: a summer camp for atheist kids; Much to do about the Islamic headscarf; a guide pony for a blind Muslim woman; and assorted Islam-related terrorism items.
Plus religion news briefs…
Family International, the cult formerly known as The Children of God, is gearing up for a massive come-back.
Known for anything from sex scandals to offbeat doctrines that are far removed from the teachings of Biblical Christianity, the cult announced its plans for the future at the recent conference of CESNUR — and organization known for its defense of religious cults.
Various scholars try, and fail, to answer the question asked in the headline.