If you think the Common Core is controversial, then Norton’s new anthology of World Religion is likely to be cause for war. According to the New York Times, it has 4200 pages of text and spans 3500 years. The two-volume set, weighing in at over eight pounds and boxed in a slipcase decorated with a suggestively numinous but culturally nonspecific swirl of colors, seems intended to become the go-to holiday gift book for the ecumenically minded. Like any anthology, the problem... Read more

Does a British hijab designed with poppies as a way to remember Muslim sacrifice in World War I demonstrate pride in Islam and Britain or does it patronize Muslims by singling them out and questioning their allegiance to Britain? The so-called “poppy campaign” has angered some Muslims. For example, Dilly Hussain, the deputy editor of the 5Pillarz publication, argues “the poppy hijab is a counterproductive and patronizing campaign, which singles out Muslims as being a suspect community whose allegiance lies... Read more

If you are studying Native American religion, you might want to consider some of Kent Nerburn’s books, specifically “Neither Wolf nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder.” Nerburn is not a native American but has written widely about Native American religion and has won the respect of Native Americans. He believes that Native Americans are an occupied people “who were marked for  extermination by relocation , starvation, military slaughter, and finally by reeducation to rip the heart out of... Read more

Is Buddhism making a comeback in China? The evidence, according to this interesting story from PBS Religions and Ethics Newsweekly,  is that it is making a comeback, that Buddhist temples once condemned by the government, are thriving. That’s because  of the negative energy produced by environmental problems like polluted air,  polluted rivers and the slaughter of wild animals. Many Chinese find a source of strength in Buddhism. Fred de Sam Lazaro, the PBS News reporter, notes that According to some surveys, nearly 1... Read more

Is Mormon underwear magical? Not according to the video above and to this excellent article from The Atlantic  called Mormon Underwear: Revealed. The Atlantic notes that public fascination with Mormon underwear has more do do with the fact that so little is known about it  “in  large part because the Church has intentionally kept information about the garments private.” But that changed  recently when the Church of Latter Day Saints released the video above  explaining the “ritual purpose of the temple garments” and asking... Read more

Want to know why India’s Muslim population,  the second largest concentration  in the world, haven’t radicalized? The New York Times argues that it’s all based on history. For example, Mughals who ruled northern India during the 15th and 16th centuries integrated easily with Hindus., especially Sufis. The famous Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal had a Muslim father and a Hindu mother. In addition,  today Muslims won’t bury the bodies of suicide bombers. Thomas Friedman argues “That’s why India’s Muslims,... Read more

Studying mythology and religion? Annenberg Learner’s Invitation to World Literature has an engaging documentary overview of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Students see elements of  heroic mythology in an interesting and understandable manner. The Epic is the probably the oldest example of literature and was written entirely in cuneiform, the script of the ancient Mesopotamians. Read more

The Hindu festival of Diwali begins next week on October 23. It’s a celebration of light over darkness and lasts up to five days. It has roots in the revered sacred text, the Ramayana. The stars of that text, Lord Rama and his wife, Sita, return to their kingdom after fourteen years of exile. Their people light thousands of lamps to help the pair find their way home. The festival is a big event with parties, gifts, and fireworks. True... Read more

Studying Indic religions? You might consider Alice Albinia’s excellent 2008 book, Empires of the Indus. In the tradition of William Dalrymple,  Albinia combines colorful travel writing with terrific history. In one chapter, for example, Albina traces the spread of early Buddhism from India to the Swat Valley of Afghanistan where it enjoyed a  renaissance in the first and second centuries CE.. There we learn about magnificent stupas with amazing artwork and architecture and about the  beginning of image worship as... Read more