religion

The man who started it all: German theologian and religious reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Religion

The Reformation, 500 Years Later

4:47pm October 27, 2017

by Tom Gjelten

Tuesday marks the anniversary of the Reformation, which began when German monk Martin Luther denounced Roman Catholicism. Most of the concerns he raised have been resolved, but divisive issues remain.

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Megan Phelps-Roper: If You're Raised To Hate, Can You Reverse It?

8:39am October 27, 2017

Megan Phelps-Roper grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church, which preaches a message of hate and fear. But after engaging with her critics--on Twitter, no less--she decided to leave the church.

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Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: Does Our Future Depend On More Dialogue?

8:39am October 27, 2017

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks says we glorify the individual at the expense of the group. Sacks believes our future depends on returning to our communities — and the key to getting there is dialogue.

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Religion

500 Years Later, Some Issues That Martin Luther Raised Remain

4:43pm October 26, 2017

by Tom Gjelten

On October 31, Catholics and Protestants take note of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, when the monk Martin Luther denounced Roman Catholicism. Most of the issues he raised have since been resolved. Still, divisive issues remain, such as the role of women and the authority of the clergy.

Food that met Muslim dietary strictures was once difficult to come by, but the growth of the American Muslim population — and the increase in non-Muslims consuming halal food — has made it much easier to find such offerings in supermarkets like Whole

The Rise Of Halal Cuisine In An Age Of Islamophobia

8:54am October 26, 2017

by Radiyah Chowdhury

Food that meets Muslim dietary standards used to be hard to find in the U.S. But the market is booming in recent years — at the same time the country has seen a rise in Islamophobia.

Alexis Okeowo speaks at the 2017 New Yorker Festival at Gramercy Theatre on Oct. 6 in New York City.

Alexis Okeowo Finds God In The Brave Acts Of Ordinary Africans

3:23pm October 25, 2017

by Meghan Sullivan

The journalist, fatigued with stories of hopelessness and despair, writes a book about people who have the courage to resist extremism — sometimes just by playing basketball.

In A Climate Of Fear, A Comedian Remembers What Makes Her Brave

2:14pm October 24, 2017

by Zahra Noorbakhsh

A rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes made comedian Zahra Noorbakhsh uneasy about performing live. Then she remembered a childhood experience that helped her regain her footing.

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500 Years Since 95 Theses, Martin Luther's Legacy Divides Some Of His Descendants

8:28am October 21, 2017

by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Five centuries ago, Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation. The anniversary prompted a recent meeting of his descendants to discuss the legacy Luther left when he nailed his theses on a church door.

Quebec Enacts 'Religious Neutrality Law' To Curb Full-Face Veils In Public

5:20am October 19, 2017

by Scott Neuman

The bill, passed by the province's legislature, would effectively ban face coverings worn by Muslim women at any time they are giving or receiving public service.

Members of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park, Ill., at a "Mitzvah Day" earlier this year, a day when families participated in projects to help others.

Chicago's Jewish Community Unites To Be More Inclusive Of People With Disabilities

5:57pm October 15, 2017

by Monique Parsons

Houses of worship struggle with how to be inclusive of people with disabilities. An ambitious effort in Chicago is part of a nation-wide movement to help synagogues be more welcoming.