The idea of a ‘calling’ has stretched far beyond its religious roots. But the way US society talks about meaningful work isn’t always helpful.
A painting from the ancient Egyptian tomb of Niankhkhum and Khnumhotep, royal servants whom some scholars have interpreted to be lovers.
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Tina Chronopoulos, Binghamton University, State University of New York
Writing about same-sex relationships and gender beyond a strict male-female binary was more common in ancient Greece and Rome than students assume, a scholar writes.
The earthquake has damaged many homes in Ijjoukak village, near Marrakech, Morocco.
AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy
A scholar who has been working in Marrakech writes about the artisan communities, which have maintained the city’s architectural rich heritage for generations and have been hit hard by the earthquake.
Chaplains talk with anyone, regardless of whether or not the patient has a religious affiliation – and some chaplains themselves are not religious.
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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.
Politicians all over the spectrum have long tried to appeal to religious voters. What about atheists, agnostics and nothing-in-particulars?
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Nonreligious voters are poised to make an impact, but sweeping statements about the ‘nones’ don’t tell the full story.
A child dressed up as Lord Krishna poses for a photo during the Krishna Janmashtami festival in Kolkata, India.
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Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated as the birthday of the Hindu god Krishna. Many Hindus reenact episodes from mythology on Krishna’s life, known as ‘Krishna Lilas,’ and perform folk dances.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, pool, File
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.
Coral reefs in the waters of Tatawa Besar, a popular dive site near Komodo Island in Indonesia, photographed in 2009.
AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Fil
Coral has been incorporated into traditions, art and even religion in communities around the world.
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
The Catholic community that Pope Francis will visit later this month has a complex history that goes back to the 13th century, when the Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan.
An imaginative watercolor drawing by Madison Zhao inviting students to enter the ‘Schools of Color.’
Madison Zhao/Courtesy of Marcia Brennan
Exploring colors can help discuss abstract, challenging topics in concrete ways – especially experiences doctors and caregivers may encounter caring for people at the end of life.
Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to meet the tiny Catholic community of Mongolia is drawing considerable interest.
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Mesopotamia’s prisons were built for detaining people, not punishing them. But they shaped powerful ideas about justice and reform that aren’t so different from today’s.
Actor Dave Willetts as Jesus in a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Zurich in 1992.
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Is Jesus a peacemaker or a warrior? A socialist or a capitalist? Depending on whom you ask, American Christians see Christ as all these things and more.
The words Robert Oppenheimer quoted from the Gita, seen written in dust on part of a deactivated nuclear missile at the Pima Air & Space Museum.
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Oppenheimer’s knowledge of Sanskrit literature was more than cursory. He used quotes and parables from Sanskrit texts as a guide to right actions in his life.
Hindu devotees worship at the Kedarnath Temple in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
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At the pilgrimage site of Kedarnath in northern India, disastrous flooding has led many to ask whether the gods are getting angry about human behavior.
The cathedral is being built in Accra, not far from the shoreline.
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The region of Maui has been revered by its Indigenous peoples as a sacred place for generations. It is believed to be the home of Kihawahine, a woman who transformed into a goddess.
Some conservative commentators have labeled roles in the recent ‘Barbie’ movie as examples of ‘toxic feminity.’
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