Wicca & New Age
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.
Why Obamacare’s contraception mandate hurts minority religions (COMMENTARY)
By Frank Pavone — February 19, 2016
(RNS) If the government is allowed to determine the veracity of religious doctrines familiar to most everyone, what will happen to Americans whose beliefs are less known or understood?
No, St. Francis didn’t say that. (Or Thomas Merton. Or Buddha. Or C.S. Lewis.) Where do we get these fake religion memes?
By Jana Riess — February 11, 2016
The "Prayer of St. Francis" was not written by St. Francis, and many other great religious quotes can't be traced to the famous people whose names are memed with them.
Confused by (dis)organized religion? Use this interactive tool to see how faiths fit together
By Tobin Grant — February 11, 2016
Explore what makes up the mosaic of American religious traditions.
How “Star Wars” teaches spirituality
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 28, 2015
"Star Wars" is the American religion. We could do worse.
Imagine John Lennon, 75 years old
By Jeffrey Salkin — October 8, 2015
I loved John Lennon. His song "Imagine" -- not so much.
8 banned books to celebrate Blasphemy Rights Day
By Brian Pellot — September 30, 2015
(RNS) The Bible and "Fifty Shades of Grey" share more than a few raunchy sex scenes. For Banned Books Week and International Blasphemy Rights Day (Sept. 30), these eight titles are still too hot to handle.
Ancient Italian city of Norcia now known for its singing monks
By Judith Valente — August 14, 2015
People don't need to travel to this birthplace of St. Benedict to hear the monks sing; their chants are on a CD that’s topped the Billboard charts this summer in classical, traditional music.
Marijuana ministries * Chicken blood * Chocolate snakes: July’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — July 31, 2015
Cannabis churches are billowing out across America. Chicken huggers are suing to keep ritual bird blood off Brooklyn’s sidewalks. And a South African prophet is being prosecuted for turning congregants into snakes and snakes into chocolate.
Gay marriage * Ramadan deaths * Abortion drone: June’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — July 2, 2015
America remains buried under three feet of glitter. More than 1,000 people have died during a Ramadan heatwave in Karachi. And an “abortion drone” was spotted dropping pills over conservative Poland. Read on.
Missing Mom at the movies
By Jana Riess — April 21, 2015
Movies aren’t just entertainment; they’re memories of life and love. When I see a movie a second time I am always thinking about where I was and who I was with the first time. And Mom and I aren't making those memories anymore.
Beef ban * Witch hunts * Too much Guinness : March’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — April 1, 2015
An Indian state bans the sale and possession of beef. Tanzanians murder “witches” accused of murdering “magical albinos.” And Ireland nearly outlaws straight marriage, on accident. Who needs April Fools’ Day when reality is this strange?
Anti-Semitism * Anti-sex * Anti-women: February’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — March 2, 2015
Cold, short February was jam-packed with some mega atrocities on the religious freedom front. Count your lucky stars it's March, and hope for a better month ahead.
The ‘spiritual descendants of Vikings’ take their turn in the spotlight
By Kimberly Winston — February 5, 2015
(RNS) Followers of the Viking religion, called Asatru, are getting their first temple in 1,000 years in Iceland. But the ancient faith has spread farther than any Viking ever traveled, to Australia, New Zealand and at least 21 U.S. states.
Brittany Maynard dies * ISIS crucifies teen * Sneaky bat mitzvah: October’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — November 3, 2014
Brittany Maynard ends her life. ISIS fighters crucify a Syrian teen for taking photos. And Women of the Wall host a sneaky bat mitzvah in Jerusalem. This and more in this month’s recap.
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