religion

Saudi Arabia Vs. Iran: Why Their Feud Goes Beyond Sectarian Tensions

4:37pm January 05, 2016

NPR's Kelly McEvers speaks with Rutgers University professor Toby Jones, who has written about the politics behind the execution of a Shiite leader in Saudi Arabia.

Religion

Can Mormons Drink Coca-Cola?

5:20pm January 03, 2016

Many people assume Coca-Cola and other caffeinated drinks are forbidden under Mormon church doctrine. The truth is more complicated, and has been a long-running subject of debate among Mormons.

The Rise Of The Mega-Mosque In Turkey

5:08pm January 02, 2016

The country has been undergoing a building spree of massive places of worship, which not all the residents are thrilled about. Borzou Daragahi, who's been writing of the boom for Buzzfeed, explains.

Amanda Saab cracked jokes, showed her creative side and even cooked bacon (which she didn't eat) during her time as a contestant on MasterChef.

In 2015, TV Broke Ground By Showing Relatable Women In Hijab

5:09am January 01, 2016

by Neda Ulaby

When Muslim women in headscarves appear on TV, it's often in the context of hate crimes, terrorism or politics. But in 2015, TV showed hijab-wearing women joking, coding and cooking up a storm.

Father Albert San Jose of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish was suspended by his diocese after a video emerged of him riding a "hoverboard" scooter during Mass in the Philippines.

Catholic Priest Apologizes For Riding 'Hoverboard' During Church Service

10:16am December 30, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Father Albert San Jose became something of a viral hit after video was posted online of him riding a self-balancing scooter through the aisles, singing "May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You."

Pope Francis delivers his blessing during the Angelus prayer, from his window overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sunday.

Pope Francis Asks Central American Governments To Help Cuban Migrants

3:47pm December 27, 2015

by Alexandra Starr

Thousands of Cubans have been stuck in Costa Rica as they attempt to make their way to the United States.

The conversation was edifying and rewarding, Haydar says — but the doughnuts weren't bad, either.

Religion

Faced With Fear, A Muslim Woman Makes A Stand — By Setting One Up

3:46pm December 27, 2015

by NPR Staff

Amid an atmosphere of mistrust about Islam, Mona Haydar and her husband had an idea: Why not open a dialogue? So, they set up a stand — "Ask a Muslim" — and brought some doughnuts.

Queue Listen Now

The Rev. Vsevolod Chaplin, shown here in 2012, was dismissed with little explanation. The high-ranking religious conservative was known for making controversial statements about politics and public morals.

In Russia, A High-Ranking Orthodox Priest Is Sacked — And Hits Back

1:53pm December 26, 2015

by Corey Flintoff

Vsevolod Chaplin, a high-profile religious conservative, was dismissed with little explanation on Thursday. He says he was sacked because church authorities want to silence independent voices.

Rural Wyoming Town's First Mosque Sparks Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

4:12pm December 25, 2015

by Miles Bryan

The first mosque recently opened its doors in the rural town of Gillette, Wyo. It didn't get much attention at first, but then a group of locals started a Facebook group called "Stop Islam in Gillette." This has been hard for a Muslim family with deep roots in the area.

Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was dusted with snow in February.

A Religious Forecast For 2050: Atheism Is Down, Islam Is Rising

7:37am December 25, 2015

by Nadia Whitehead

A new report from the Pew Research Center shows a growth spurt for Islam — and a change in the hub of Christianity.