Fed up with government harassment and wary of the sacrifices of child-rearing, many young women are putting themselves ahead of what Beijing and their families want. Their refusal has set off a crisis for the Communist Party, which desperately needs more babies to rejuvenate China’s aging population. (Qi & Lu, The Wall Street Journal)
Read MoreThe Washington Post’s Style section has published a New Year’s in/out list every year since 1978, gathering ideas and contributions from Post staffers and outside observers. Burning questions about the items mentioned in The List can usually be answered by clicking the included link. (Judkis, The Washington Post)
Read MoreIt's the only generation born fully in the 21st century: the oldest are about 13, and the youngest will be born in the coming year. Enter Generation Alpha, the first entirely online cohort. Its members have grappled with a climate crisis and pandemic — and can spend money more easily at their age than even their savviest close elders (Rubin, Axios)
Read MoreThe major biblical archaeology stories of 2023 contain a lot of doom, destruction, and disappointment. They also contain mysteries that may be resolved by future excavations—and perhaps, in one case, the resolution of an ongoing controversy that has dogged New Testament scholars for the past decade. (Govier, Christianity Today)
Read MoreFrom puffers to pride flags, religion took center stage more than a few times in 2023 — to mixed reviews. Here are RNS’ top picks for this year’s religion and pop culture clashes. (Karmarkar, Religion News Service)
Read MoreSome of the biggest stories on the religious landscape this year saw faith communities reckon with changes in society at large, while both globally and in the United States, some of the most dramatic world events had religion at their center. (O’Donnell, Religion News Service)
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