A lifetime's practice of poetry equips James, as translator and interpreter, to scale this summit

His canonisation is likely to be on 20 October, just after the 35th anniversary of his election

Is there a modern version of hell that avoids the medieval image of demons thrusting the souls of the damned into hellfire? Indeed there is. In Catholic circles, hell is defined as an eternity spent in the absence of God.

Why is he back in the news?

Kierkegaard's work encompasses, philosophy, psychology, literary criticism, fiction and theology

Pope John Paul II could be canonised by October, eight years after his death, according to Vatican sources quoted in the Italian press that say the additional miracle required for his next step towards sainthood has already been identified.

Tate, London

Keith Weston, rector of St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, was widely regarded as one of the foremost Bible expositors of his generation. He played a vital part in an ambitious plan by the then Inter-Varsity Fellowship (now UCCF) to see Bible-teaching churches in all UK and Irish university towns. Weston's twofold ministry was to allow scripture to inform the thinking of his church members in whatever sphere they served, and to raise up other preachers who would do the same.

Despite the hype, the South Park duo's satirical musical swipe at the Church of Latter-Day Saints doesn't disappoint ... and that's gospel truth

Two directors are undertaking the delicate task of making films about the Prophet of Islam

Whatever end of the spectrum they stand in, most Catholics know their church is in trouble. Pope Francis may just be the miracle they've been waiting for

Plus, the so-called "Friends of Syria" have taken the worst of all possible courses

A Christian group who believe gay men and women can be “cured” of their homosexual leanings is taking London Underground to court over an advert that was banned from the city’s buses and trains.