On natural settings and religion: a Baylor University study, published in the journal Sociology of Religion, found that U.S. counties with nicer weather and prettier natural surroundings see lower rates of religious affiliation. The study authors suggest that, yes, people tend to use nature as a spiritual resource, making it a competitor with organized religious institutions.
The new proposed rules for government grants are an example of the challenge government officials face in parsing the language that relates yet distinguishes religious activity from participating in the public square and civic well-being. Such language has been confusing, because, as the proposed Department of Agriculture rule change explains, “some might consider their provision of a […]
