The Political Manipulation of the Fatima Cult
In 1917, three Portuguese children claimed to have received prophecies from the Virgin Mary. The way the world reacted underscores how religion is sometimes used to further political goals.
Will Chief Black Elk’s Canonization Address Native American Oppression?
Credited with bridging Christianity and Native American culture, Chief Black Elk's legacy remains controversial.
Untangling the “Sincerely Held Moral or Religious Belief”
As the Trump administration opens up contraceptive exemptions for "sincerely held moral and religious beliefs," it is worth examining what exactly qualifies as "sincerely held," in the first place.
To Understand America’s Resistance to Gun Control, Look to Religion
The fatalism that marks the gun rights movement's approach to gun safety is fundamentally intertwined with religious notions of evil.
Using Religion to Sell Sex: A Navratri-Themed Condom Ad
A religion-themed ad for condoms at the height of a nine-day religious festival has stoked controversy in India.
What Apocalypse Predictions Say About Our Response to Calamity
Apocalyptic concerns have become especially prevalent in light of current events. What does their popularity say about our approach to disaster?
The Role of Religion in Hurricane Harvey
Religious questions have underscored the response to Hurricane Harvey, especially in wake of the controversy around Joel Osteen's megachurch.
The Church, the State, and a Missouri Playground
The Supreme Court's decision about a Missouri church playground leaves complex implications for the separation of church and state.
Zoning out Muslims?
In a controversial legal case, a New Jersey township has been ordered to pay damages for using zoning laws to discriminate against Muslims.
In Understanding Catholicism’s Satan, A Struggle over Symbolism
What are the implications of viewing Satan as a symbol of evil, rather than an actual manifestation of it?