It might appear to many that atheism is a modern idea. However, in parts of Asia, particularly in India, atheism has been part of beliefs for thousands of years.
The 40-foot Peace Cross dedicated to World War I soldiers.
AP Photo/Kevin Wolf
A case regarding the constitutional validity of a cross shaped war memorial, is pending before the Supreme Court. An expert explains why these symbols have different meanings.
What came first – all-seeing Gods or complex societies?
God the Father and Angel, Guercino Giovan Francesco Barbieri via Wikimedia Commons
Last Friday, Muslims were killed while praying at two mosques in New Zealand. For Muslims, Friday is the day of gathering, the most important prayer day of the week.
Southern Baptist Convention messengers hold signs during a rally protesting the convention’s treatment of women in 2018.
AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter
Recent media reports point to years of sexual abuse by Southern Baptist pastors. An expert writes why a long culture of women's submission is responsible for this crisis.
A painting showing Saint Francis Borgia, a 16th century saint,, performing an exorcism.
Francisco Goya
Forty-five years ago, 'The Exorcist' terrified viewers with its portrayal of a practice that goes back several centuries and continues today in Christianity.
A sculpture of Meister Eckhart in Germany.
Lothar Spurzem
Meister Eckhart was a 14th-century Dominican friar, who gave sermons on the direct experience of God. His words are finding resonance among today’s spiritual seekers.
Missionary media has played an important role in shaping world news.
Pamla J. Eisenberg/Flickr.com
Evangelist Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network has launched the first Christian 24-hour TV channel. History shows that missionary media has played a key role in providing information from around the world.
The dominant belief among Australian university students now is that God had no hand in creating or developing humans.
www.shutterstock.com
Many believe their morality comes from their religion. But evidence suggests that people’s opinion of what God thinks is actually what they believe is right and wrong, not the other way around.
Illustration of Dante’s Paradiso.
Giovanni di Paolo
Different cultural groups respond with numerous, often conflicting, answers to questions about life after death. An expert explains the Christian idea of heaven.
Most religions have a fundamental belief that all human life belongs to God.
Worshipers pray during an Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, on March 6, 2019.
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
Churches started to use ashes early as the ninth century as a symbol of repentance. In 1091, Pope Urban II ritualized their use to mark the beginning of Lent. Today, churches provide 'ashes to go.'
Relics of St. Valentine of Terni at the basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin.
Dnalor 01 (Own work)
Lisa Bitel, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Valentine's Day originated as a feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. It took a gruesome path to becoming a romantic holiday.
The nativity scenes celebrated each Christmas bear little resemblance to history.
skepticalview/Flickr
In his new book, Philip Pullman, once again tackles religion as an oppressive institution. On another level, he continues the quest for explaining human consciousness.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu ‘s deep spirituality drove him to fight for freedom and justice.
EPA/Nic Bothma
Archbishop Desmond Tutu is first and foremost, a spiritual leader, a man of deep prayer. This motivated his participation in supporting South Africa's liberation struggle.