In most parts of East Asia, the new year that begins on Jan. 22 corresponds to the rabbit. In Vietnam though it will usher in the Year of the Cat.
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Ethics + Religion – Articles, Analysis, Opinion
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Looking at the underlying philosophical and moral questions involved in abortion debates can help explain why it’s such an intensely divisive issue.
A classics scholar reflects on Greek myths and what they can help us understand about recreating relationships – as a bridge from our past to present selves.
Support for strong gun ownership rights is often associated with conservative Christian views, but religion and self-defense have a much longer history in the United States.
An art historian describes the two historical representations of Prophet Muhammad that led to a controversy at Hamline University.
Two religiously observant groups of Jews in Israel, the ultra-Orthodox and Religious Zionists, are increasingly acting as political allies. The consequences could be profound.
Pentecostals agree on the importance of the Holy Spirit – but not necessarily on what it empowers them to do.
Fitness and religion make a potent combination, one people have explored for centuries.
The Seven Lucky Gods usher in good fortune in the new year in Japan. Among them, Hotei plays the most prominent role, for he is considered not just a lucky god, but also a buddha.
Mindfulness can teach us to be more present – not just for ourselves, but also for our colleagues, friends and loved ones.
Pope Benedict XVI led the Catholic Church at a crucial time and had to confront a growing sexual abuse scandal.
A scholar of Middle Eastern cultural traditions explains the history and significance of the bisht.
Songs of the season – sacred and secular music alike – sometimes acknowledge that Christmas isn’t all joy.
Iranian women have often used images of actions such as singing and dancing unveiled to show what freedom means to them and to protest the Islamic Republic’s gender oppression.
The Christmas story is about Jesus coming to mankind. As holiday decorations show, Christians around the world often picture him in their own cultures.
‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ is now a treasured Christmas classic, but it didn’t start life that way – not in the UK, at least.
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.
It takes a lot of steps – and help from other people – to make a physical book you can hold in your hands.