Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers?  According to CNN, there are now more “wireless devices” (a fancy term for cell phones and tablets) in the U.S. than people.  That means a whole lot of people are doubling up – or, alternately, that the world is being taken over by machines.  You decide.

Sukkot, “a spiritual harvest festival commemorating the historic journey of the ancient Hebrews across the desert,” began on Wednesday night at sundown.  Once again, if you are unfamiliar with this holiday, The Washington Post On Faith has a helpful guide.

For an intriguing exploration of how we define “cult,” take a look at this piece by Joseph Laycock for Religion Dispatches.  Laycock argues that by “debating whether Mormonism is a cult, we are still giving legitimacy to a word that has been used to repress religious minorities.”  Given the recent controversy sparked by comments from evangelical pastor Robert Jeffress (background available here, if you’ve missed it), what do you think?  Jon Huntsman isn’t mincing words – he says the whole discussion is a “ridiculous sideshow.”

Meanwhile, according to the Dallas Morning News, Christian conservatives so eager to oust President Obama that they will vote for whoever happens to be the eventual Republican nominee, even if it’s Mitt Romney. Perhaps luckily for Romney, on political issues, it turns out that Mormons and white evangelicals have a lot in common.

File this one under just plain interesting: a new social media application is trying to cut down on anonymity within Christian church communities by engaging members online.  What do you think of this venture?  If you attend a Christian church, do you think your church would benefit from an increased online presence?

Three Baptist groups released a statement on October 11, condemning the recent spate of violent attacks against transgender victims in Washington, DC.

Guess what’s cheap and in style?  Boxed wine!  Well, at least according to a number of boxed wine companies, who say that their “premium” wines compare favorably to the bottled variety.  Boxed wine also has a longer shelf life, which is a serious bonus as far as I’m concerned.  One day, will we look back nostalgically on wine as something that once came in a bottle?  Of course, I have no idea, but it’s fun to speculate.

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