Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Dr. Phil Sues TBN While Merit Street Media Files Bankruptcy

August 1, 2025 at 4:27 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

#ICYMI: Trinity Broadcasting Network and Dr. Phil are busy arm-wrestling over the failed Merit Street Media venture. Too bad over 100 people were caught jobless during this holier-than-thou spat.

New on @patheos.com and #CloseToHome
www.patheos.com/blogs/closet...

You get a network, and you get a network! Only when Dr. Phil left the warm shadow of Oprah for the golden gates of TBN, he thought he heard the "Hallelujah Chorus." Not so much.

The Biblist: The 5 Most Alarming Christian Challenges Now

July 7, 2025 at 10:26 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

If you’re praying for America tonight on #July4, here are probably the 5️⃣ most substantial things to consider for the Church on #Patheos and #CloseToHome 🙏🇺🇸🎆

www.patheos.com/blogs/closet...

What are the five main obstacles that get in the way of a global revival and Christian challenges that prevent holy renewal around the world?

Mister Terrific uncovers a forgotten element in DC Comics: Nanotechnology

July 4, 2025 at 9:26 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

When #EdiGathegi made headlines discussing nanotechnology, many #DCComics casuals thought @jamesgunn.bsky.social was borrowing from #Marvel.

NOT AT ALL, as we show in the latest @bamsmackpow.bsky.social article about that, #MisterTerrific and #Superman.

bamsmackpow.com/mister-terri...

During one of the many press junkets of the cast of Superman has been doing worldwide to deliver the hype train at any media station, Edi

Study: Church Membership Is A Little Of This, Little Of That

June 23, 2025 at 5:02 PM

Reposted by SPW

Momma Says 2

@mommasays3.bsky.social

And Jesus is saying...

June 18, 2025 at 12:44 AM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

We appreciate variety in life, but sometimes it's nice to stick to one thing, such as marriage, a career, or church membership. Right?

Perhaps your pastor should read this from @patheos.com + #CloseToHome. Because the Church sure isn't listening.

www.patheos.com/blogs/closet...

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock," but what if our church membership belongs to more than one church? Which door do we open then?

Clergy on Psychedelics: Study Finds Deep Spiritual Impact

June 18, 2025 at 2:28 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

Some preachers use "Get Addicted to Jesus" as a rallying cry for today's #Christians. Yet, this study from #NYU + @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social smacks that sentiment in the face. Hard!

"Getting strung out on the Savior" is more like it. #SMH
CC: #Beliefnet

www.beliefnet.com/columnists/c...

Christian News From Around the Globe

Trump v. Musk: The Big, Beautiful Breakup and Political War of Many Words Continue

June 6, 2025 at 11:40 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

Sigh. Mom and Dad are at it again. Well, Dad and Dad-der, I guess.

The latest on #Beliefnet news + me.

www.beliefnet.com/columnists/n...

Top Religious News From Around the World

The Trump Meme Machine Uses a Racist Frog, the Blues Brothers, a Conspiracy Group and God

June 5, 2025 at 9:15 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

When you write #news, some things come in the "You can't make this stuff up" category. This is one of them.

What do the #WhiteHouse, a racist frog, a conspiracy group, and #TheBluesBrothers have in common? THIS from #Beliefnet. #LoveMyJob

www.beliefnet.com/columnists/n...

Top Religious News From Around the World

Dunesday is coming: The risks and rewards of Avengers' clash with Dune 3

June 4, 2025 at 2:39 AM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

#DUNESDAY is coming! If you're a nerd of any order, that is cause to celebrate. It's the latest edition of "Barbenheimer" slated to collide in theaters on Dec. 18, 2026.

My latest on @bamsmackpow.bsky.social. #FilmSky #Dune3 #Doomsday

bamsmackpow.com/dunesday-ave...

Thanks to a strategy move from Marvel Studios, Avengers: Doomsday will be released on the same date as Dune: Messiah. Introducing

Christian Nationalism Is Neither Christian Nor Nationalistic

May 30, 2025 at 12:56 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

To whom it may concern, #ChristianNationalism is neither #Christian nor nationalistic! And I'm a studied Christian saying that! Let's get right, people...before we get left.

CC: @patheos.com + #CloseToHome
www.patheos.com/blogs/closet...

Two of the worst words in the Church today is "Christian Nationalism." Neither are Christian or from this nation. Both should be understood!

Embattled Gateway Church Opens To A New Senior Pastor

May 29, 2025 at 7:28 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

Finally, some good news for #GatewayChurch, as they have ended their year-long search for a senior pastor and just about checked every box doing it

(along with some strategic talking points...we see you, Gateway).

The latest from @patheos.com + #CloseToHome
www.patheos.com/blogs/closet...

Following a tumultous year of negative headlines about its former pastor, Gateway Church finally has good news about its future.

Faith & Politics 2025–2026: How Belief Shapes The Ballot

May 27, 2025 at 2:24 PM

Reposted by SPW

Patheos.com

@patheos.com

Interested in politics through the Faith Lens? @ Patheos, we have writers from many faiths offering their views of the current political climate and issues of today. Tired of the spin? See what our faith leaders have to say. Bookmark this section & check back often. www.patheos.com/politics-top...

How Belief Shapes the Ballot is an ongoing editorial series from Patheos that brings together diverse religious voices to explore how belief shapes civic life. Through articles, podcasts, videos, and ...

Vice President J.D. Vance Jokes About Kicking Out Tourists During 2026 World Cup

May 23, 2025 at 3:31 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

I was talking about #WorldCup2026 yesterday with a client, and it got me thinking about a story I wrote. It's about a joke that's nowhere near funny.

VP Vance, you're center stage. Take it away (literally, would you please)

www.beliefnet.com/columnists/i...

Beliefnet Entertainment blog, TV blog, Movie blog, Religion in entertainment blog

Paige Buckers is a White Dallas Wing and a Proud Black Advocate

May 23, 2025 at 2:20 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

She may not be a hometown hero, but @paigebueckers.bsky.social is a glorious member of the @dallaswings.bsky.social and I got to write about her for #Beliefnet. We see you, girl! #BuildThatBridge

www.beliefnet.com/columnists/i...

Beliefnet Entertainment blog, TV blog, Movie blog, Religion in entertainment blog

The Biblist: 10 Surprises About The Bible You May Not Know

May 17, 2025 at 9:13 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

One book. 40 authors. 66 chapters. 1,500 years to write. And yet, we are still discovering little surprises about the #Bible. Here are 10 things you may not know about the Good Book.

The latest on @patheos.com and #CloseToHome may just enlighten your Sunday.

www.patheos.com/blogs/closet...

Depending on how much the Bible is a part of personal studies, surprises in the Bible abound. And then, there are a few other things that may have not been taught in Church at all.

Create from your heart, not the analytics

May 16, 2025 at 1:52 AM

Reposted by SPW

Jim Katzaman - Persevering Writer

@jkatzaman.bsky.social

“You may inadvertently offend someone if you take a controversial stand and constantly beat the drum.”
medium.datadriveninv...
featuring @madalyn.bsky.social @shawnpaulwood.bsky.social @lanceaschart.bsky.social

Genuine content keeps the reader enthralled

medium.datadriveninvestor.com

May 15, 2025 at 9:00 PM

Reposted by SPW

Patheos.com

@patheos.com

"Habemus Papam! We have a new Pontiff, and his name is Pope Leo! Well, his God-given name is Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, Illinois. 💨

Spend enough time on the Web, and you’re bound to run into a note about who Cardinal Prevost is, his heart, his views..."✝️

✍️
www.patheos.com/blogs/closet...

Exploring The Rich Papal History Of "Pope Leo"

There have been 13 men named Pope Leo before Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV. Why did he choose that name? Learn about all the Pope Leos in history.

'Christ On The Water' Has Sean Duffy Drowning In Hate Mail

May 13, 2025 at 11:34 AM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

HABEMUS PAPUM!

And the first time EVER for a Cardinal to be a @cubsbot.bsky.social fan! Thank you, Jesus.

#PopeLeoXIV #CardinalRobertPrevost

May 8, 2025 at 5:25 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

It seems @secduffy.bsky.social is in hot water for...interior decorating choices. Can we please raise the bar to our political banter, folks?! No wonder we can't get stuff done.

The latest on @patheos.com and #CloseToHome.
#ChristOnTheWater CC: @usdot.bsky.social

www.patheos.com/blogs/closet...

So many issues divide this country and make us unsafe, but people want to complain about Sec. Sean Duffy's choice in oil paintings. Nice.

'Free Comic Book Day 2025' is reading like a huge nerd literature day

May 7, 2025 at 6:53 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

To all my nerds, geeks, dweebs, and dorks out there, this is OUR day! #StarWars #MayThe4th

May 4, 2025 at 1:02 PM

Reposted by SPW

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

TODAY is #FreeComicBookDay! For @bamsmackpow.bsky.social , I went through the nerd cornucopia available at your local library. Don’t miss out! #SupportLocalComicBookStores

bamsmackpow.com/free-comic-b...

The first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day worldwide, a day more nerds should support. The labels offering free comics have some originals worth getting.

'Free Comic Book Day 2025' is reading like a huge nerd literature day

May 3, 2025 at 1:07 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

TODAY is #FreeComicBookDay! For @bamsmackpow.bsky.social , I went through the nerd cornucopia available at your local library. Don’t miss out! #SupportLocalComicBookStores

bamsmackpow.com/free-comic-b...

The first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day worldwide, a day more nerds should support. The labels offering free comics have some originals worth getting.

10 Forgotten Law & Order Characters That Need to Return

May 3, 2025 at 1:07 PM

SPW

@shawnpaulwood.bsky.social

Where are my #LawAndOrder fans at? Imagine if you could bring any former L&O character back from any franchise. Who would it be?

I was honored to answer that question for #CBR and put my best Dick Wolf hat on.

www.cbr.com/forgotten-la...

Law & Order has created some fantastic characters, but 10 of them should make a return visit because superb story angles could be explored.

www.cbr.com

April 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM

Reposted by SPW

Patheos.com

@patheos.com

"Many Bible fans, readers, teachers, and theologians can recall some of the common trivia questions found in the Bible’s over 720,000 words. They have been heard in VBS or from the pulpit in church, at home, or among friends. These..."✅

✍️ @shawnpaulwood.bsky.social
www.patheos.com/blogs/closet...

The Biblist: 10 Surprises About The Bible You May Know

Depending on how much the Bible is a part of personal studies, surprises in the Bible abound. And then, there are a few other things that may have not been taught in Church at all.