Buddhism
Religious groups with immigrant members grew fastest over past decade
By Yonat Shimron — November 11, 2022
(RNS) — A decennial study of US religious life shows that the number of participants in congregational services has not kept up with the overall population growth. But religious groups drawing large numbers of immigrants have seen steady growth.
Oregon interfaith leaders declare win in vote to tighten gun control
By Alejandra Molina — November 10, 2022
(RNS) — The gun safety initiative in Oregon would ban the sale of magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds and would require permits and firearm safety courses to purchase any gun.
Not all Asian Americans vote Democratic — and the political leanings of different Asian ethnic groups vary
By Sumit Ganguly and Steven Webster — November 10, 2022
(The Conversation) — The fastest-growing U.S. racial group, Asian Americans form an increasingly important voting bloc.
Anime is packed with spirituality and gaining popularity among Gen Z
By Josh Packard and Kaitlyn Ugoretz — October 31, 2022
(RNS) — Anime, filled with Japanese spirituality, is part of a massive boom in the popularity of East Asian media.
What is a bodhisattva? A scholar of Buddhism explains
By Pierce Salguero — October 18, 2022
(The Conversation) — Buddhists believe that bodhisattvas reside in heavenly realms but can also appear on Earth disguised as humans, animals or other types of beings.
In India, where Hindu majority has complex views, Supreme Court liberalizes abortion law
By Kalpana Jain — October 3, 2022
(RNS) — The judgment will have significant implications for Muslim, Christian and other minority faith groups but will likely face pushback from conservative Hindus.
Young Colombian activist brings light to the displaced communities
By Magdalena Rojo — September 30, 2022
(RNS) — Jenifer Colpas Fernández had to leave her native Colombia to recognize its problems — and to see that there were solutions.
Terrifying dragons have long been a part of many religions, and there is a reason for their appeal
By Emily Zarka — September 23, 2022
(The Conversation) — Enormous, scaly, fire-breathing dragons have fascinated civilizations for centuries. A scholar who studies monsters explains their power and appeal.
‘God is life,’ Rabbi Yonatan Neril on ecological conversion and the war in Ukraine
By Marika Proctor — August 19, 2022
(RNS) — Rabbi Yonatan Neril is the founder and executive director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development — a Jerusalem-based nonprofit engaged in revealing the connection between religion and ecology worldwide.
Ayurveda’s spiritual science makes inroads among foodies and healers
By Richa Karmarkar — August 17, 2022
(RNS) — At the intersection of science and religion, the ancient art of ayurveda is attracting believers seeking to improve their health by treating soul and body.
Thailand’s restive south hit by wave of arson and bombings
By Sumeth Panpetch — August 17, 2022
HAT YAI, Thailand (AP) — Muslim residents have long charged they are treated like second-class citizens in Thailand, and separatist movements have been periodically active for decades. Heavy-handed crackdowns have fueled the discontent.
Nepal’s holy Bagmati River choked with black sewage, trash
By Binaj Gurubacharya — August 17, 2022
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Tainted by garbage and raw sewage that is dumped directly into the waterway, Nepal’s holiest river has deteriorated so greatly that today it is also the country’s most polluted.
Interfaith summit dreams of America as a potluck, not a battlefield
By Bob Smietana — August 16, 2022
(RNS) — Hundreds of interfaith campus leaders gathered in Chicago to reimagine America as a potluck, where everyone is welcome — rather than a melting pot.
Religions have long known that getting away from it all is good for the mind, body and spirit
By Kristen Lucken — August 16, 2022
(The Conversation) — Rituals of rest and contemplation are woven into many religious traditions around the world.
The climate bill is our generation’s moonshot. Failure is not an option.
By Joshua Hammerman — August 12, 2022
(RNS) — As Ron Howard's new movie shows, our new adventure means digging deep, not going high.
