Finding joy in 2020? It’s not such an absurd idea, really

Last updated on: October 7, 2020 at 1:50 pm By The Conversation

The pandemic and political turmoil have left many people feeling anxious, angry and despairing. Being open to joy might bring some respite. Read more

Why is it so hard for atheists to get voted in to Congress?

Last updated on: October 7, 2020 at 1:10 pm By The Conversation

Despite growing numbers of non-religious Americans, self-declared atheists are few and far between in the halls of power – putting the US at odds with other global democracies. Read more

Amid COVID-19 spike in ultra-Orthodox areas, Jewish history may explain reluctance of some to restrictions

Last updated on: October 7, 2020 at 1:06 pm By The Conversation

Authorities have closed schools in some ultra-Orthodox areas of New York. The reasons for apparent noncompliance with public health guidelines are complicated, explains a cultural anthropologist. Read more

In death, as in life, Ruth Bader Ginsburg balanced being American and Jewish

Last updated on: September 25, 2020 at 10:42 am By The Conversation

The late justice received a Jewish funeral at the Supreme Court. But in other ways, like lying in state at the Capital, Ginsburg's burial is breaking with traditional Jewish death rituals. Read more

Far from being anti-religious, faith and spirituality run deep in Black Lives Matter

Last updated on: September 14, 2020 at 4:33 pm By The Conversation

BLM has been accused of being 'Godless' and operating in a 'demonic realm.' But scholars of religion see a deep spirituality at work in the movement. Read more

Vaccine mandates vs. religious beliefs — the legal arguments for the upcoming coronavirus lawsuits

Last updated on: September 3, 2020 at 2:34 pm By The Conversation

A public health lawyer and ethicist explores the thorny issue of whether requiring people to be vaccinated against COVID-19 might be necessary. And if so, will people be allowed to object based on their beliefs? Read more

Don’t be so shocked at the Falwell claims – research on Christian sex websites reveals an adventurous side to evangelical sexual culture

Last updated on: September 3, 2020 at 2:32 pm By The Conversation

A sociologist describes her research on online Christian sex advice sites to point out a sexual culture in which men are permitted to pursue their unusual sexual desires, but women look for basic information. Read more

Yes, God can be hurt, but not in the way Trump claims, according to theologians

Last updated on: August 21, 2020 at 3:55 pm By The Conversation

Trump recently suggested that a vote for Biden would hurt God. Religion scholars explain what, under Christian belief, it would take to injure the creator. Read more

Hagia Sophia has been converted back into a mosque, but the veiling of its figural icons is not a Muslim tradition

Last updated on: August 18, 2020 at 1:29 pm By The Conversation

In reconverting Hagia Sophia to a mosque, Turkish officials have emphasized veiling of Christian icons to create a Muslim prayer space. Experts explain why the veiling is in fact a Byzantine practice. Read more

How the sound of religion has changed in the pandemic

Last updated on: August 12, 2020 at 9:58 am By The Conversation

A team of scholars have been documenting the sound of worship for six years. Since the lockdown, they have heard a different form of religious expression. Read more