Alternative Faiths

2021 might be unpredictable, but don’t ditch your datebook. Planning can be a spiritual exercise
(RNS) — The beginning of another pandemic year largely locked down at home, the future still uncertain, may be the perfect time to flip the page in a new planner.

Advancing religious freedom abroad starts at home

Moms of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin portrayed in new book

Conspiracy theories and the ‘American Madness’ that gripped the Capitol
(RNS) — Author Tea Krulos talked to Religion News Service about how conspiracy theories have spread, how religion plays a role and how to talk to friends and family who believe them.

Witches to GOP: If you summon a demon, have a plan to banish it
(RNS) — The events of Jan. 6 prove without a doubt the GOP is incapable of controlling what it unleashed with Trump.

Heathens condemn storming of Capitol after Norse religious symbols appear amid mob
(RNS) — Lea Svendsen, a heathen author, said it was ‘heartbreaking’ to see her articles of faith at the center of the violence.

Black Christians, don’t demonize African spirituality
(RNS) — African elements give life to many churches, but outside of a Christian context, they are described as pagan and harmful.

African spirituality offers Black believers ‘decolonized’ Christianity
(RNS) — The pastor of the online Proverbial Experience mixes African spiritual practices with Christianity for worship ‘that is fully integrated with who I am.’

Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors helps launch #PrayforLA to honor COVID-19 deaths
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Cullors is encouraging people to share photos, artwork, a prayer or meditation of loved ones lost to COVID-19, even as the virus continues to spread and fill up hospital beds across Los Angeles County.

Taylor Swift’s ‘witchy’ new album fuels speculation about her interest in the craft
(RNS) — It’s unclear if Swift’s most recent references to witchcraft are simply part of the ‘cottagecore’ aesthetic of her 2020 twin albums or more personal commentary on her spirituality.

Why NBA star Kyrie Irving was burning sage before a game with the Celtics
(RNS) — NBA star Kyrie Irving, who has Native American roots, burned sage during a warmup in a practice known as smudging.

Yule traditions new and old wish good riddance to 2020 at the winter solstice
(RNS) — The symbolism of the solstice resonates at the end of a dark, difficult year punctuated by a pandemic, political protests and a presidential election.

Maradona’s death boosts ‘Hand of God’ goal’s author to sainted status
(RNS) — At its extreme, veneration of the soccer star gave birth to the Maradonian Church, a group of fans who pay homage to him with parody rituals.

Churches return land to Indigenous groups as part of #LandBack movement
KITCHENER, Ontario (RNS) — The returns come as some mainline Protestant Christian denominations have learned about and repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery, the justification for European Christians to seize lands already inhabited by Indigenous peoples.

RNS holiday gift guide 2020: Puzzles, prayer cards and more gifts for staying in
(RNS) — Religion News Service is bringing back our holiday gift guide, full of ideas for all the people of faith — or no faith — on your list.