Other Faiths
In secular Japan, what draws so many to temples and shrines? Stamp collecting and tradition
By Mari Yamaguchi — October 9, 2023
TOKYO (AP) — Japan has a long history of pragmatism about traditional religions, which often serve more as connections to family and community than as theological guides, as in the West.
Survey: US religious groups do not view climate change as a crisis
By Yonat Shimron — October 4, 2023
(RNS) — Among white evangelicals, the view that the Earth is in crisis actually dropped — from 13% in 2014 to 8% today.
‘Am I going to feel anything?’: Young Zoroastrians reconnect with their faith
By Tori Luecking — October 3, 2023
(RNS) — Looking to ensure a future for the aging, mostly immigrant Zoroastrian community, the faith’s leaders in the United States are rallying young Zoroastrians to make friendships across demographic lines and rediscover their spiritual heritage.
In Starfield, players choose their own adventure — and religion
By Bob Smietana — September 28, 2023
(RNS) — In a major new video game, players can search for enlightenment while exploring the stars.
The story of Emmett Till is the story of America
By Robert P. Jones — August 29, 2023
(RNS) — If we trace the historical stream further back, we can see, in Emmett Till’s story, America’s oldest struggles. Indeed, the land itself testifies to the cultural world in which Till’s murder was conceivable.
Harvard Divinity School selects first Black woman as dean
By Yonat Shimron — August 25, 2023
(RNS) — Marla Frederick, a professor of religion and culture at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, will succeed David Hempton, who has served as dean since 2012.
Faith leaders call for repentance and spiritual reformation to address climate change
By Bob Smietana — August 17, 2023
(RNS) — At the Parliament of the World’s Religions, faith leaders held a ceremony to repent for failing to care for the Earth.
A religious calling to protect democracy
By Chris Crawford — August 16, 2023
(RNS) — Most religious doctrines do not require an embrace of democracy. But in today’s world, authoritarians are attempting to do the opposite — to recruit communities of faith to undermine democracy.
This India Day, Indian Americans want to be independent from politics
By Richa Karmarkar — August 15, 2023
(RNS) — For many, celebrating the anniversary of their ancestral homeland’s independence can bring tensions over the current political atmosphere there.
How after-school clubs became a new battleground in the Satanic Temple’s push to preserve separation of church and state
By Charles J. Russo — August 8, 2023
(The Conversation) — The controversial – and often misunderstood – extracurricular groups tend to raise controversy. But under equal access laws, schools can’t discriminate against a club based on its point of view.
As witchcraft becomes a multibillion-dollar business, practitioners’ connection to the natural world is changing
By Helen A. Berger — July 26, 2023
(The Conversation) — Practitioners of Pagan religions no longer need to go into a forest to find an object for their altars. Commercialization has meant that sacred objects are available online.
Mental illness played no role in Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, prosecution expert testifies
By Associated Press — July 6, 2023
PITTSBURGH (AP) — He said Bowers' toxic views about Jewish people were reinforced by antisemitic material he viewed online and were not the result of a delusion or psychosis.
Summertime spirits: Village of Lily Dale reopens for believers and doubters alike
By Fiona André — July 3, 2023
(RNS) — The 140-year-old village, a mecca for spiritualism and mediumship, will draw regulars and curious first-timers to cross paths after a hiatus of three years.
Supreme Court ruling in favor of mail carrier celebrated across religious spectrum
By Yonat Shimron — June 29, 2023
(RNS) — Many U.S. religious minorities said the ruling was a much-needed corrective to the challenges they face in balancing their work with their sincerely held religious practices.
Unitarian Universalism revisits identity, values at 2023 gathering
By Kathryn Post — June 26, 2023
(RNS) — Intense discussions at this year’s General Assembly took place as the UUA navigates how to continue implementing its commitment to anti-racism.
