‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ is now a treasured Christmas classic, but it didn’t start life that way – not in the UK, at least.
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The dead of winter, when the longest night of the year takes place, has also traditionally been celebrated as a time of renewal and reverence.
Multicultural Jewish families and Jews of color are innovating food-centered holidays to bring their whole selves to the table.
The Muslim Brotherhood once held the reins of power in Egypt. Now it faces internal splits, government repression and dwindling support.
The idea of virgin birth has been part of Christianity since the start, but its significance has shifted over time.
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.
The influential movement, which is still controversial both inside and outside Catholicism, must be understood in the context of Latin American history.
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.
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.
Traditional ordination into a Buddhist monastic life requires meeting guidelines based on male and female genders.
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.
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.
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.
Indonesia has criminalized same-sex sexuality, but trans people are finding support in some trans-inclusive mosques and churches.
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.
Yeshiva University’s legal case has garnered national attention, but several similar cases are underway.
Chaplains have always provided spiritual care outside traditional houses of worship, but their significance is growing as Americans’ religious identities change.
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 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.
Combatting antisemitism isn’t just about ‘calling it out’ – it’s about helping people understand what antisemitism is in the first place.
Top contributors
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Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Joseph Panzer Chair in Education and Research Professor of Law, University of Dayton
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Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Jewish Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
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Professor of Classical Studies, Brandeis University
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Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Professor of Public Theology and Director of The Bernardin Center, Catholic Theological Union
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Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Oregon State University
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Distinguished Professor of Political Science and the Tagore Chair in Indian Cultures and Civilizations, Indiana University
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Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies & Jewish Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
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University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University
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Affliated Scholar at the Women's Studies Research Center, Brandeis University
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Assistant Professor of Political Science, Eastern Illinois University
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Research Fellow, Center for Philosophy and History of Science, Boston University
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President, Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
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Assistant Professor in Philosophy and Religious Studies, Texas State University
