Religion

Seventeen-year-old Ahmed Burhan Mohamed has earned the title of hafiz — someone who has not only learned to read the Quran, but memorized it.

Minnesota Teen Brings Home Top Prize In International Quran Competition

6:07pm July 08, 2018

Ahmed Burhan Mohamed became the first American to win the Dubai International Holy Quran Award. The annual contest involves reciting passages from the Quran.

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A Pakistani Jew Wants To Travel To Israel

8:44am July 08, 2018

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro speaks with a Pakistani Jew, Fishel Benkhald, about his recent op-ed. It's his plea to travel to Israel for Passover, which is not permitted by the Pakistani government.

The Rev. Brad Wells, left, the Rev. Patrick Mahoney and Paula Oas, kneel in prayer in front of the Supreme Court, as the court hears the Masterpiece Cakeshop case.

Religion, The Supreme Court, And Why It Matters

11:55am July 07, 2018

With President Trump set to name the next justice to the high court soon, it's worth noting it was once dominated by Protestant Christians. Now, it is now more Jewish, Catholic and conservative.

One recent study estimated that Americans are spending nearly six hours a day on their connected devices. Add television to that and the total rises to nearly 10 hours.

Many Look To Buddhism For Sanctuary From An Over-Connected World

8:40am July 07, 2018

by Jerome Socolovsky

Some users are turning to Buddhism and other religions to have a more mindful experience online. By being tethered to your devices, one monk says, "you will waste your whole precious time."

Pro Athlete To Nun

8:07am July 07, 2018

Ten years ago, Sister Rita Clare Yoches was playing professional football for the Detroit Demolition. NPR's Linda Wertheimer talks with her about her journey from pro athlete to nun.

In Shoko Asahara's eight-year trial, he spoke incoherently and never explained the motive for the attacks or acknowledged responsibility. He is seen here in 1989 in Bonn, Germany.

Japan Executes Cult Leader Responsible For 1995 Sarin Gas Attack On Tokyo Subway

2:17pm July 06, 2018

by Scott Neuman

Shoko Asahara, the leader of the Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult, was hanged after being sentenced to death in 2004. Six of his followers were also put to death.

Supreme Court's Religious Makeup Evolves As Members Change

8:21am July 06, 2018

by Sarah McCammon

The current religious makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court is predominantly Jewish and Catholic. Why is that so, and how much does the religion of the justices matter?

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Religion

For A Church Defined By Tradition, Changing Catholic Doctrine Can Present A Problem

5:37pm July 03, 2018

by Tom Gjelten

Pope Francis wants to make Roman Catholicism more relevant to Catholics' daily lives. Traditionalists say he's abandoning Catholic doctrine but many lay Catholics welcome it.

Pope Paul VI acknowledges cheers as standing on platform in Bogota, Colombia, on Aug. 22, 1968.

50 Years Ago, The Pope Called Birth Control 'Intrinsically Wrong'

11:06am July 03, 2018

by Tom Gjelten

U.S. Catholics largely ignored a 1968 papal encyclical on birth control. But it prompted many more to broadly question their "pay, pray, obey" mindset.

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José Rolando Arévalo, a 24-year-old ex-gang member, prays at Eben-ezer church. His head is tattooed with the number 18, a reference to his affiliation with the Barrio 18 gang.

For Some Gang Members In El Salvador, The Evangelical Church Offers A Way Out

6:48pm July 02, 2018

by Emily Green

"Our message is that [the gang members] should understand there is a life outside of the gang," says evangelical pastor Nelson Moz. "That they can make it, with the help of God."

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