The Catholic Church practice of granting indulgences, criticized by Martin Luther in the 16th century, still exists, as part of the doctrine – but in a different form.
A woman prays in front of a statue of the martyred Catholic archbishop of El Salvador, Oscar Romero, known for his embrace of liberation theology.
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The influential movement, which is still controversial both inside and outside Catholicism, must be understood in the context of Latin American history.
In Japan, children look forward to a visit from Hotei, a jolly Japanese god with a rotund frame.
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Hotei, a Japanese god who carries a large sack, has come to be identified with Santa Claus – except that he brings the goodies on New Year’s Day instead of Christmas.
Scholars have provided different interpretations of who the ‘wise men’ were who visited Jesus soon after his birth.
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As Christmas approaches, Nativity scenes showing three wise men visiting the newborn Jesus are put up around the world. A scholar of Christian literature offers an explanation on their identity.
Novice Buddhist monks during a mass ordination at Dhamagaya Temple in central Thailand in 2010.
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Morality police first appeared in Iran soon after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. But similar forces were present in parts of the Middle East even prior to the date.
A pride flag flies in front of the historic temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Recent years have put more attention on LGBTQ people’s struggle for acceptance in the LDS church, but asexual Latter-day Saints face unique challenges.
Hawaii’s Mauna Loa’s volcano is erupting for the first time in nearly 40 years.
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The eruption of Mauna Loa is a profound spiritual experience for many Native Hawaiians. An anthropologist explains Native American beliefs on the living Earth and volcanic lava.
Al-Fatah mosque founder Shinta Ratri with other transgender women.
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Orthodox Jewish communities are still difficult places for many LGBTQ people. Yet the view, once ubiquitous, that Orthodox tradition is incompatible with their identities is gradually shifting.
People walk by the campus of Yeshiva University in New York City.
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Chaplains have always provided spiritual care outside traditional houses of worship, but their significance is growing as Americans’ religious identities change.
The Catholic hymn, “Te Deum” – which says, “You, God, we praise” – has been used for centuries in Catholic worship for thanksgiving.
Iconotheca Valvasoriana Author Jean Marot via Wikimedia Commons.
The Pilgrims who started the first Thanksgiving tradition after they landed in Plymouth were following the customs they had grown up with, originating in medieval times.
The vast majority of Buddhists in historical and contemporary times have been followers of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
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The Mahāyāna branch of Buddhism likely emerged around the first centuries A.D. and was most readily carried through the Silk Road and maritime trade routes.
It’s one thing to agree to combat antisemitism. It’s another thing to agree on what it means.
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