Meditation Can Change Brain in Eight Weeks

"The study, published in Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, reports meditation produced changes over time in the brain's gray matter -- including increases in density in brain areas having to do with learning, memory, self-awareness and compassion. Decreased density was seen in the amygdala -- an area linked to anxiety -- in those reporting less stress. None of the changes were seen in the control group."

U.S. Muslims Try to Counter Negative Perceptions

U.S. Muslims Try to Counter Negative Perceptions

World Muslim Population Doubling, Report Projects

"Twenty years ago, the world had about 1.1 billion Muslims. Twenty years from now, it will have about twice as many - and they'll represent more than a quarter of all people on earth, according to a new study released Thursday."

More Church Websites Invite Posting of Prayers

"More than four in 10 Protestant churches with websites now invite people to post pleas to the Lord right on the main church website."

Christianity in China

"While religion in China may not be a big topic for discussion during President Hu Jintao's meeting with President Obama this week, many experts say that an explosive growth in Christianity may be transforming the officially atheist regime."

Vatican Warned Irish Bishops Not to Report Abuse

"A newly revealed 1997 letter from the Vatican warned Ireland's Catholic bishops not to report all suspected child-abuse cases to police — a disclosure that victims groups described as 'the smoking gun' needed to show that the Vatican enforced a worldwide culture of cover-up."

Oklahoma Church's Popular Bible App Takes Faith to Phones

"The world's most popular Bible program for mobile phones was developed by an Oklahoma church."

The Church, Stem Cells and Our Future

"For centuries, what many perceive as the ‘inherent conflict’ between science and religion has provoked the minds and tested the faith of scholars, doctors, philosophers, religious leaders and casual observers alike. But it seems the two are finally coming together in the interest of saving lives."

Predisposition for Religion Can Spread Quickly

"Religiously observant people have more children than other people do, according to demographic studies. Assuming there's a genetic predisposition for religion, this means the religion gene could spread relatively quickly throughout a population. Research using new mathematical models demonstrates just how quickly this could happen."

Leadership That Works: A Study of Theological School Presidents

"Character is a better predictor of seminary presidents’ success than credentials are, according to a new study by Auburn Theological Seminary, in New York, based on surveys of seminary administrators and campus visits. A report on the study, “Leadership That Works,” recommends that seminaries set a strategic direction before a presidential search begins, and then focus on candidates’ character and capacity."

Very Religious Exhibit Higher Well-Being

"U.S. adults who say they are very religious have higher overall well-being than their counterparts who are moderately religious, a survey indicates."

US Worried by 'Trend' of Christian Attacks

"The United States said Tuesday it is 'deeply concerned' about the rise in attacks against Christians in parts of the Middle East and Africa."

Study: Unbelievers Also Angry at God

"The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, finds Protestants, African-Americans and older people tend to report less anger at God. People who do not believe in God may still harbor anger and anger toward God is most distressing when it is frequent, intense or chronic."