Religion
I Grew Up in India, Raised by an Agnostic Mother and an Atheist Father
Some of my earliest childhood memories are about awkward exchanges and uncomfortable silences between my parents and some of their friends and relatives regarding God and religion [...]
China’s Latest Efforts to Stop Self-Immolation Protesters
Since 2009 more than 90 Tibetans have set themselves ablaze to protest China’s rule of the Tibetan plateau. China has accused the exiled Dalai Lama of stirring up the unrest. And now China wants to prosecute people who attempt to self-immolate.
Why It’s Not Easy to be Atheist in India
India may be the world’s largest secular democracy but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to practice atheism there.Young atheists trying to gain more recognition say government policies and laws still exclude them and cultural acceptance is hard to come by.
New Inclusive Mosque Outside Paris Welcomes Gays and Lesbians
Mosques don’t usually welcome gay and lesbian worshipers but on Friday a Muslim group just outside Paris held what’s billed as the first “gay-friendly” Islamic worship in Europe. The group also allows men and women to pray together.
Glimpses into Life in Northern Mali Under Islamist Control
Few journalists are allowed into northern Mali, which is now under the control of fundamentalist Islamic groups. But reporter Paul Mben, a Malian himself, did manage to get in, and tells of what he saw there.
Former Oil Executive Justin Welby Named Archbishop of Canterbury
Justin Welby, a former oil executive, has been chosen to be the new Archbishop of Canterbury, and spiritual leader of the world’s 77 million Anglicans. The 56-year-old has had a meteoric rise within the Anglican Church and takes over a global flock riven by divisions. Anchor Aaron Schachter speaks with the BBC’s Jane Little about Justin Welby.
Romney Alienates Latino Mormons
Latino Mormons are the fastest growing group within the Mormon church. Between their religion and their generally conservative culture, Mitt Romney ought to have a lock on their vote. But many in the Latino Mormon community are torn between voting for a fellow Mormon – and their dislike of his immigration policies.
Latino Mormons: The LDS Church’s Fastest Growing Group
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has over a million members in Mexico. And as Mexican Mormons move to the US, they bring their faith north with them.
Turkish Pianist Fazil Say on Trial for Allegedly Insulting Islam on Twitter
Turkish pianist Fazil Say appeared in an Istanbul court Thursday to defend himself against charges he insulted Islam on Twitter. Researcher Zeynep Tufekci tells host Marco Werman Say’s tweets did not seem that offensive by Turkey’s standards.
Russian Orthodox Church Stakes Out Territory on Social Issues
Church officials says the growth of piety is natural following the collapse of Communism 20 years ago, but Russians, clergy and people alike, are still figuring out what role the church should play.
The Meaning of Sharia Law
As Egypt’s constitution is being re-drafted, one word is causing friction: “sharia.” Sharia is often translated as “Islamic law” but it is much more than that. So much more that there is disagreement over what it means.
Egypt’s Coptic Christians Remain Fearful
While Egypt’s new president, Mohammed Mursi, is being credited with reforms, a certain segment of the population is not at all happy: Coptic Christians. They accuse the government of not doing enough to protect their minority community.
Complaints Prompt Curbs on Saudi Religious Police
The head of Saudi Arabia’s notorious religious police has told the media he will curb his force’s powers in a bid to clamp down on excesses.
German Court: Church Can Force Congregants to Pay if They Want to Pray
The outcry in Germany continues over religious taxes. The tax is levied on anyone officially affiliated with a Christian church or the Jewish faith.
#MuslimRage Hashtag on Twitter Backfires for Newsweek
Newsweek magazine caused a stir recently with its “Muslim Rage” hashtag on Twitter. It was supposed to provoke a discussion of why Muslims are so angry in the wake of the release of a film trailer critical of the prophet Muhammad. Instead, the hashtag became a way for many to critique Newsweek.
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