Medieval Christians believed that heaven was a realm filled with dancing. Italian painter Fra Angelico’s ‘Last Judgment’ showing dancing angels.
Fra Angelico's Last Judgment/Wikimedia
‘Sex addiction’ isn’t a diagnosable disorder, but the turmoil religious men feel over the disconnect between their sexual values and behavior can lead to real psychological distress.
John White Alexander’s ‘Repose’ (1895).
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Divisions among Catholics have created doubts about the moral acceptability of one of the COVID-19 vaccines. An expert explains why there isn’t one ‘Catholic view’ on the issue.
The Bible contains many stories of migration, including that of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.
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Many within the political left and right draw on the Bible to inform their views on immigration, but neglect to take into account how foreigners were treated under the Roman Empire during the time of Jesus.
Bangladeshi children at the Independence Day celebrations in Dhaka in 2012.
AP Photo/Pavel Rahman
Tazreena Sajjad, American University School of International Service
Pakistan, created during the 1947 partition, comprised two geographical areas, separated by over a thousand miles. The fault lines between the two regions resulted in the birth of Bangladesh.
Army chaplain Emil Kapaun helps a soldier on the battlefield during the Korean War in 1952.
Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
In early Christianity, soldiers could be baptized only if they refused to kill other human beings. While this changed over the years, tensions linger over Christian goals.
The big question looming over QAnon: What happens after March 4?
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Donald Trump didn’t make a triumphant return on Jan. 20 and is unlikely to on March 4. How a 19th-century religion dealt with a similar disappointment may give clues on how QAnon supporters may react.
A pro-LGBTQ poster at Bosphorus University in Turkey with the image of the mythical creature Şahmeran.
Via Twitter
The New York Times’ 1619 project and Donald Trump’s 1776 Commission had very different interpretations of US history. Similarly, the Bible has more than one narrative.
Price gouging during disasters further shuts out those living in poverty.
AP Photo/Eric Gay
Some economists have defended price gouging, saying it helps increase supply and prevent against hoarding. An ethicist suggests this might be missing the point.
The Jewish Museum’s Purim Ball at the Park Avenue Armory in 2015 in New York City.
Andrew Toth/Getty Images
In the 19th century, Purim became an occasion to hold fancy dress parties, the proceeds from which were given to charities. These parties helped American Jews gain a standing among the elite.
A statue of Bishop Richard Allen outside the historic Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
The 40-day Lenten season, when many Christians observe fasting, began in mid-February. A scholar explains how the practice may have emerged around the fifth century.
A vase from ancient Greek civilization depicts Apollo consulting the oracle of Delphi.
G. Dagli Orti/DeAgostini Collection via Getty Images
The pandemic has made many of us acutely aware of the daily risks we need to take. The ancient Greeks often did not leave risky choices up to individuals alone.
Indian farmers hold a protest on the outskirts of Amritsar in the northern state of Punjab.
Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty Images
Younger and older American men tend to identify more with being religious ‘nones’ than women of the same age, but between 35 and 45 the rates merge. A data and religion expert probes why.
A large number of women have joined the protests against new farm laws in India.
Sanchit Khanna/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
India’s farmers have been protesting for months. An expert on India’s agricultural sector explains why governments in the past have paid heed to their demands.
Is ‘expressing regrets’ the equivalent of sticking air quotes around apologies?
Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia may have expressed regrets over controversial comments and social media postings. But not to the public, and not in a way that would mitigate harm.
Supporters wave national and military flags in Yangon, Myanmar after the military staged a coup.
AP Photo/Thein Zaw
Anders C. Hardig, American University School of International Service et Tazreena Sajjad, American University School of International Service
The roots of Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar go back to colonial days. Those behind the military coup are seeking to harness it to legitimize the seizure of power.