Medieval monastics were often discouraged from owning companion animals, which were viewed as a distraction, a religion scholar explains. Read more
Medieval monastics were often discouraged from owning companion animals, which were viewed as a distraction, a religion scholar explains. Read more
A scholar of digital religion explains why the use of AI isn’t necessarily displacing religious leadership: It is the clergy who are helping with the programming, critical for its deployment. Read more
There is a long tradition in China of associating monkeys with the mind – symbolism that has helped the novel’s most memorable character, the Monkey King, find universal resonance. Read more
Community is vital in Jewish ritual and tradition, and the High Holidays are no exception, a Judaic studies scholar writes. Read more
Sept. 14 is the the Feast of the Holy Cross celebrated by many Catholics and some other Christians. A religion scholar revisits the history of the cross, how it became a symbol of divine love, but also of violence. Read more
As more Americans step away from organized religion, so do more chaplains – but they are prepared to offer spiritual care regardless of a patient’s beliefs. Read more
A scholar who has closely followed reforms that MBS has made to Wahhabism, an austere form of Islam, explains the changes taking place in the Saudi kingdom and their impact. Read more
Iraqis raise copies of the Quran during a protest in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 22, 2023, following reports of the burning of the holy book in Copenhagen. AP Photo/Hadi Mizban By Armin Langer of University of Florida The Swedish government is concerned about national security following several incidents involving the burning of the Quran that have provoked demonstrations and outrage from Muslim-majority countries. The spate of Quran-burning incidents followed an act of desecration by far-right activist Rasmus Paludan on Jan.... Read more
Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to meet the tiny Catholic community of Mongolia is drawing considerable interest. Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Images By Kristy Nabhan-Warren of University of Iowa Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Mongolia, which is home to fewer than 1,500 Catholics, has elicited curiosity among Catholics and non-Catholics alike. This will be the pope’s 43rd trip abroad since his election on March 13, 2013: He has visited 12 countries in the Americas, 11 in Asia and 10 in Africa.... Read more
Actor Dave Willetts as Jesus in a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Zurich in 1992. Philippe Rossier/RDB/ullstein bild via Getty Images By Jeannie Sellick of Bowdoin College Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching. Title of course: “Jesus in the Modern Imagination” What prompted the idea for the course? My only real exposure to religion while growing up was “Jesus Christ Superstar” – the 1973 film version of the much-debated Broadway... Read more
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