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Ghana's plans for a national cathedral are mired in controversy and delays −...
The cathedral is being built in Accra, not far from the shoreline. Wirestock/iStock via Getty Images PlusGhana’s government aims to build a national cathedral: a multidenominational, monumental...
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Threat from climate change to some of India's sacred pilgrimage sites is...
Hindu devotees worship at the Kedarnath Temple in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Shammi Mehra/AFP via Getty ImagesThe famous pilgrimage site of Kedarnath, located in the central Himalayas of...
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Oppenheimer often used Sanskrit verses, and the Bhagavad Gita was special for...
The words Robert Oppenheimer quoted from the Gita, seen written in dust on part of a deactivated nuclear missile at the Pima Air & Space Museum. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty ImagesA scene in...
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Images of Jesus have always been complex and contradictory − this class looks...
Actor Dave Willetts as Jesus in a production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in Zurich in 1992.Philippe Rossier/RDB/ullstein bild via Getty ImagesUncommon Courses is an occasional series from The...
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The idea that imprisonment 'corrects' prisoners stretches back to some of the...
Hymn to the Goddess Nungal, on display at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures at the University of Chicago.Daderot/Wikimedia CommonsPrisons are places of suffering. But in theory, they aim...
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What the pope’s visit to Mongolia says about his priorities and how he is...
Pope Francis' upcoming visit to meet the tiny Catholic community of Mongolia is drawing considerable interest. Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty ImagesPope Francis’ upcoming visit to Mongolia, which is...
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This university class uses color and emotion to explore the end of life
An imaginative watercolor drawing by Madison Zhao inviting students to enter the 'Schools of Color.' Madison Zhao/Courtesy of Marcia Brennan, Author providedUncommon Courses is an occasional series...
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Navigating the intersection between AI, automation and religion – 3 essential...
AI is slowly becoming part of the religious sphere. robertprzybysz/iStock via Getty ImagesIn a era marked by rapid technological advancement, we are seeing everything from artificial intelligence to...
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With fewer than 1,500 Catholics in Mongolia, Pope Francis' upcoming visit...
Hulagu Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, seated with his Eastern Christian queen Doquz Khatun.History/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesPope Francis is set to make the first-ever visit to Mongolia,...
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How some Muslim and non-Muslim rappers alike embrace Islam's greeting of peace
Phife and Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest perform in 1994.Tim Mosenfelder/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty ImagesEver since the United States’ “war on terror” began, American media has been rife with stereotypes...
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Quran burning in Sweden prompts debate on the fine line between freedom of...
Iraqis raise copies of the Quran during a protest in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 22, 2023, following reports of the burning of the holy book in Copenhagen.AP Photo/Hadi MizbanThe Swedish government is...
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Iran's street art shows defiance, resistance and resilience
'While the teachers are detained, the classrooms will be closed,' reads one artist's painting on a wall.Khiaban Tribune via InstagramA recent rise in activism in Iran has added a new chapter to the...
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Climate change is destroying reefs, but the effects are more than ecological...
Hurricane Idalia made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Aug. 30, 2023, bringing surging seas and winds over 100 mph. Meanwhile, another climate emergency has been unfolding along Florida’s coast this...
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Saudi reforms are softening Islam's role, but critics warn the kingdom will...
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, pool, FileThe crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, or “MBS,” is bringing a new vision of a “moderate, balanced” Saudi Islam...
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Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrating the birthday of a beloved Hindu god,...
A child dressed up as Lord Krishna poses for a photo during the Krishna Janmashtami festival in Kolkata, India.Avishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesMany Hindus around the world will...
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Not religious, not voting? The 'nones' are a powerful force in politics – but...
Politicians all over the spectrum have long tried to appeal to religious voters. What about atheists, agnostics and nothing-in-particulars?Y.Gurevich/iStock via Getty Images PlusNearly 30% of Americans...
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Religious leaders without religion: How humanist, atheist and...
Chaplains talk with anyone, regardless of whether or not the patient has a religious affiliation – and some chaplains themselves are not religious.Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock via Getty Images PlusIn...
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Marrakech artisans – who have helped rebuild the Moroccan city before – are...
The earthquake has damaged many homes in Ijjoukak village, near Marrakech, Morocco.AP Photo/Mosa'ab ElshamyA powerful earthquake that hit close to the medieval city of Marrakech in Morocco on Sept. 8,...
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Ancient texts depict all kinds of people, not just straight and cis ones –...
A painting from the ancient Egyptian tomb of Niankhkhum and Khnumhotep, royal servants whom some scholars have interpreted to be lovers.kairoinfo4u/Flickr, CC BY-NC-SAUncommon Courses is an occasional...
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Looking for your 'calling'? What people get wrong when chasing meaningful work
Searching for your 'calling' can be a source of joy -- but also stress and distraction.Tom Werner/Stone via Getty ImagesAs a professor, I’m fortunate to teach a course called World Religions for...
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