Buddhism
It’s Lord Ram’s birthday this week. Here’s why he’ll be remembered in six faiths.
By Murali Balaji — March 28, 2023
(RNS) — This week, millions will mark the birth of one of the most iconic figures in global lore.
Report: LGBTQ Americans tend to be younger and have no religion
By Bob Smietana — March 23, 2023
(RNS) — The new report from PRRI also found that many religious Americans support LGBTQ nondiscrimination rights, even those who oppose same sex-marriage.
Discrimination based on caste is pervasive in South Asian communities around the world – now Seattle has banned it
By Aseem Hasnain and Abhilasha Srivastava — March 8, 2023
(The Conversation) — Two social scientists explain how caste-identities are pervasive in not just Hinduism but other South Asian faith groups as well.
In remote Himalayan desert, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians unite to protect land, heritage
By Priyadarshini Sen — March 2, 2023
NEW DELHI (RNS) — The movement has been effective because ‘faith leaders are trusted more than political parties,’ said one activist in the region.
Poll: Support for abortion rights is strong, even among most religious groups
By Yonat Shimron — February 23, 2023
(RNS) — The outliers are white evangelicals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Latter-day Saints and Hispanic Protestants.
Todd Benkert leaves SBC abuse task force after conflict over pastor’s restoration
By Bob Smietana — February 17, 2023
(RNS) — An Indiana Baptist pastor, Benkert played a key role in setting up an investigation into how SBC leaders have responded to the issue of abuse. He also reported a church that had platformed former SBC President Johnny Hunt, who has been credibly accused of sexual assault.
Minnesota Buddhist temple opens up sacred dance troupe
By Giovanna Dell'orto — February 13, 2023
HAMPTON, Minn. (AP) — Founded by refugees fleeing the Khmer Rouge regime, which sought to eradicate most religious institutions, the troupe hopes to teach young children sacred dance to strengthen their ties to both Buddhism and Cambodian traditions.
After 30 years, Buddhist-inspired message of ‘Groundhog Day’ still holds spiritual power
By Bob Smietana — February 2, 2023
WOODSTOCK, Ill. (RNS) — Part Hollywood love story and part secular spiritual parable, the 1993 film shows life can be better if we pay attention.
A solemn Buddhist ceremony offers comfort, healing at site of Monterey Park shooting
By Alejandra Molina — February 1, 2023
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (RNS) — ‘If we take hatred for hatred, we will never have peace of mind,’ said the Venerable Chang Ju. ‘We need the wisdom to overcome all this.’
His art was an act of ‘sacred listening’ says ‘Portraits in Faith’ photographer
By Bob Smietana — January 27, 2023
(RNS)— A selection of Daniel Epstein's portraits is now on display as part of an exhibit called 'See the Other,' at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.
King scholar applies his philosophies of truth to a ‘post-truth age’
By Adelle M. Banks — January 13, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Dr. King argued that no religion has a monopoly on truth,’ said Lewis V. Baldwin, emeritus professor of religious studies at Vanderbilt University.
PHOTO GALLERY: The history and diversity of African American religious rituals
By Adelle M. Banks — January 10, 2023
(RNS) — A new photo book from the National Museum of African American History and Culture explores Black history through its range of spiritual traditions.
Why you should give the gift of mindfulness this New Year
By Jeremy David Engels — January 9, 2023
(The Conversation) — Mindfulness can teach us to be more present – not just for ourselves, but also for our colleagues, friends and loved ones.
Alan Lightman’s new TV series explores where humans fit in the universe
By Yonat Shimron — January 6, 2023
(RNS) — In the new three-part series, the scientist interviews some of the brightest minds about the thorniest questions. How did life first emerge? Why are we here?
Faith leaders hold prayer vigils to mark second anniversary of Jan. 6 insurrection
By Alejandra Molina — January 5, 2023
(RNS) — Christian leaders are serving witness against the ‘unholy’ and ‘political’ ideology of Christian nationalism that they say ‘helped inspire the deadly attack on the Capitol.’
