Posts in Religion
Death Toll Nears 25,000 As Israel-Hamas War Marks 100 days

In the face of the vast human suffering, staggering damage to infrastructure and environmental catastrophe caused by the conflict — which marks its 100th day on Sunday — another controversial post-war scenario is for Israel to rebuild some of the post-1967 Gaza Strip settlements from which it unilaterally withdrew in 2005.

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🐘 Defining The Iowa Evangelicals Who Support Trump: Is Going To Church A Requirement? 🔌

This week’s Weekend Plug-in focuses on the evangelicals supporting Donald Trump in the Iowa caucuses. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Why Crocodiles Remain Sacred To The Traditional Beliefs Of Some Muslims

Like all Muslims, Islam and its teachings is for the Molbog a way of life. But for them, crocodiles are considered sacred and their ancestors. In fact, the Molbog word for crocodile — “opo” — is the same one used to refer to grandparents.

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Construction Of East African Oil Pipeline Threatens Burial Sites

In order to build the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline, critics said TotalEnergies is moving over 2,000 graves in Uganda and Tanzania, without adhering to cultural and religious burial customs. GreenFaith — a multi-faith climate justice organization — recently released a report titled “As If Nothing Is Scared” to shed light on the issue.

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Modi Critics Raise Alarms Regarding India’s Persecution Of Religious Minorities

As India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to run for a third term, the country remains on the brink. Activists, journalists and civil society groups have continued in recent months to raise alarms at the rise in religious persecution of minorities throughout the country. 

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Q&A With Russian ‘Spy’ Maria Butina: Orthodoxy, Politics and Twerking

Religion Unplugged’s former executive editor Paul Glader reported a three-episode narrative podcast for the Sony Entertainment Media show “Infamous” about GOP operative Paul Erickson who led a colorful life that included advising a presidential candidate, making a Hollywood movie and dating an alleged Russian spy named Maria Butina. Upon hearing the podcast, Butina reached out and agreed to an interview to share her perspective on her now ex-boyfriend.

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Religion's Role In The Life Of Convicted Fraudster Pardoned By Trump

(EXCLUSIVE) The national spotlight turned on Paul Erickson in recent years when the red-haired, Russian national he was dating, Maria Butina, was accused of being a Russian spy during intense scrutiny on Russian connections to the United States during the Trump presidency. Butina was arrested in 2018 and deported in 2019 after she pleaded guilty for failing to register as a foreign agent. 

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A Look Back At The Top 10 Faith-Based Films of 2023

Faith-based films are more prevalent than ever. Whether that’s the growing number of Christians entering the faith-based industry or the larger number of Hollywood filmmakers dealing explicitly with religious issues in their films, it's easier than ever to find films that affirm and celebrate religious worldviews with truth and beauty. Check out which movies were best in 2023.

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Illinois And South Carolina Rank Tops In Religious Liberty Index

The Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy at First Liberty Institute, an organization dedicated to defending religious freedom, issued the report. In it, the group ranked all 50 U.S. states, from best to worst, as part of an annual religious freedom index.

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🗳️ Ballots Are In: Check Out The Top 10 Religion Stories of 2023 🔌

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the top religion news of 2023, as voted by the Religion News Association. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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What It Means To Be ‘Spiritual’ in America

Nearly 70% of U.S. adults call themselves "spiritual," or say they are "spiritual but not religious" or that "spirituality is very important in their lives," according to a new Pew Research study of spirituality. However, as vast as that tally sounds, no one knows if it signifies that spirituality is soaring – or simply being counted differently, and what people mean when they choose that label. 

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Amid Conflict In Kashmir, Martial Arts Emerges as a Popular Trend Among Girls

As these young athletes continue to make strides, they not only bring honor to themselves but also shine a light on the indomitable spirit of Kashmir. In a region grappling with adversity, their rise signifies a hopeful chapter, illustrating how sports can be a catalyst for change.

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