Mary Herndon
Mary Herndon is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Mary Herndon
FEATURED VIDEO: Exploring the legacy of William Penn, Quaker leader and Pennsylvania’s founder
By Mary Herndon — July 28, 2014
This week in 1718, William Penn died. He was the founder of the state of Pennsylvania as well as the a well-known leader of the Religious Society of Friends, whose members are colloquially known as “Quakers.”
Some Americans still monkeying around on science education
By Mary Herndon — July 21, 2014
Colloquially known as the "Monkey Trial,” the Tennessee v. John Scopes trial ended on July 21, 1925, but 89 years later, the American public is still debating on where it stands with religion and science education.
Buddhists honor their deceased ancestors this week
By Mary Herndon — July 14, 2014
In Japan and around the world this week, Buddhists are celebrating Obon, a festival commemorating the spirits of deceased ancestors, who are said to return to family altars during this time.
Delve into the history of the Baha’i faith
By Mary Herndon — July 7, 2014
On July 9, 1850, the Baha’i figure called the Bab was killed. Believed to be a messenger of God proclaiming the impending arrival of Baha’u’llah, he was executed for apostasy by firing squad in the Persian Empire. According to Baha’i accounts, the Bab had disappeared when the smoke from the guns lifted, but he was […]
FEATURED VIDEO: Ramadan brings together young, old
By Mary Herndon — July 1, 2014
Muslims across the country and the world began fasting for Ramadan this past weekend. Ramadan is a month-long Muslim holiday; this year it falls between June 28 to July 28, but the dates change every year because Islam follows the lunar calendar. During the month-long ritual, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. After sunset, families gather to eat […]
Humanists celebrate rationalism during World Humanist Day
By Mary Herndon — June 23, 2014
Humanists all over the world celebrated their rational way of thinking this past weekend on World Humanist Day.
The celebration has existed since the 1980s, and might feature parties, ceremonies, proclamations and conferences, according to the International Humanist and Ethical Union.
Faithful flock to Saudia Arabia’s Grand Mosque during Hajj
By Mary Herndon — June 16, 2014
Every year, millions of people visit the Al-Masjid Al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Also known as the Sacred Mosque or the Grand Mosque, it houses several important Muslim artifacts, including the Black Stone, the Kaaba and the Zamzam Well. The pilgrimage to Mecca, called Hajj, is one of the five pillars of Islam and […]
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