(ANALYSIS) Two scholars decided to make a pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodō trail — an ancient route in Japan connecting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples — guided by an artificial intelligence assistant. The two — Wayne E. Arnold and John A. Shultz — trained an AI companion to suit their travel needs. They were also curious to see how AI would shape their pilgrimage experience.
Read MoreThe highest peak in Zimbabwe, standing at 2,592 meters above sea level, has been the source of local intrigue for decades: People have gone missing, strange natural phenomena have created inexplicable mystical experiences, and now, some are even claiming the mountain is home to UFOs. Whatever the case, it has attracted curious travelers from around the world.
Read More(TRAVEL) We Bangaloreans are just a stone’s throw away from a place of worship. And if one threw a stone, chances are it would probably land on one of the beautiful, iconic places of worship in Bangalore. Or perhaps the stone might get stuck in one of the many traffic jams.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The frescoes, located in the Bardi Chapel of Florence’s Basilica of Santa Croce, take up a major place in Christian art relative to their physical footprint. Giotto is routinely credited as the artist who broke decisively from the flat conventions of medieval painting and introduced something recognizably modern.
Read MoreThe pope’s upcoming South America trip will temporarily double the population of his adopted hometown in Peru. With limited hotel capacity compared to Lima or Cusco, the Chiclayo government is preparing the residents to have rooms available for the visitors who will arrive to see Leo. As part of Leo’s first apostolic journey to South America, he will visit 10 cities in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Read MoreThe pope’s upcoming South America trip will temporarily double the population of his adopted hometown in Peru. With limited hotel capacity compared to Lima or Cusco, the Chiclayo government is preparing the residents to have rooms available for the visitors who will arrive to see Leo.
Read MoreFor two weeks in September, everyone wants to be Italian — at least judging by the crowds at the annual Feast of San Gennaro in New York City’s Little Italy. Founded in 1926, the largest and longest-running Italian festival in the United States celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, with locals and tourists alike descending upon Mulberry Street in Manhattan to celebrate Italian American culture.
Read MoreWalk along the River Thames, and you can encounter thousands of years of history through artifacts that wash ashore. Some “mudlarkers” spend significant time looking for the treasures — and now a nearby cathedral has named its first Mudlark-in-Residence to help visitors learn about the area’s history.
Read MoreThe Church Watchers — all of whom are volunteers — are responsible for maintaining the openings of these small sanctuaries throughout the week. They take the job very seriously.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The Strip has not vanished, and its “Sin City” label remains relevant. The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported $8.82 billion in gross gaming revenue (what operators keep after payouts) for the Strip in 2025. But the world has changed. Researchers struggle to describe online gambling today — from $100 billion global GGR in 2023 to a Gaming Compliance International estimate of $5.9 trillion in unregulated activity.
Read MoreDr. Charles Ramsey happened to be in Tehran when the country’s leader was in a helicopter crash and died. Soon, whisperings of ill intent began to emerge, and, of course, eyes fell on the American roaming around Iran. These days, he uses his experience to connect with international students at Baylor University.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Hundreds of pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash were among those affected by devastating floods that struck the Nepal–Tibet border on Aug. 26. The floods destroyed the border crossing most commonly used to reach what is arguably the most revered holy mountain in the world, which sits in the Tibet autonomous region of China.
Read More(TRAVEL) I recently returned from leading an educational program in Thailand focusing on how Buddhists practice the religion in their day-to-day lives. The participants — Buddhist practitioners from North America and Europe — wanted to deepen their understanding and practice of the religion.
Read More(ESSAY) Taiwanese religious culture is a unique mix of Chinese Buddhism, Taoism and other Southeast Asian influences — and this blending is especially apparent at Taiwanese funerals. Now, as fewer Taiwanese folks have kids, raising pets instead, we can get a new perspective on these rites by observing the relatively new phenomenon of traditional pet funerals.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Every year, millions of pilgrims walk from the deserts of southern Iraq to the holy city of Karbala for Arbaeen, one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world. In 2026, pilgrims will converge on Karbala on Aug. 5.
Read MoreIt’s a life-changing religious pilgrimage. The Camino De Santiago trail has attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists to Spain and surrounding countries each year. But scorching heatwaves, caused by climate change, are threatening the ancient tradition and forcing hikers to rethink their plans.
Read MoreMore than a century after a mysterious Bible was reportedly discovered among a crop of yams in a rain-soaked Nigerian field, testimonies of miraculous births, healings and deliverance continue to draw thousands of pilgrims to the sacred ground. The Araya Bible Site is especially popular during the Christmas and Easter season.
Read More(ESSAY) Cozy eateries and hole-in-the-wall cafes serve up flavorful stew alongside legendary potato-and-meat casseroles every Thursday night. The long lines are a testament to the delicious dish’s well-deserved reputation. Its history stretches back centuries and the dish has become a sabbath ritual.
Read MoreWe’re curious to know what sticks. So it’s time for a Weekend Plug-in pop quiz. When you click the right answer, the related column will appear.
Read MoreAcross India, another brutal summer stretches into its third month, killing workers and others caught in the heat. In a country where only 30% of people can afford air conditioning, faith communities — including Hindus, Christians and Sikhs — are stepping up to provide life-saving shade and water.
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