Religion & Spirituality
Religion and Spirituality is an important element of every culture. Learn more about world religions and spiritual practices in both Eastern and Western cultures.
Learn More
The Law of Attraction: Will the Universe Give You What You Want?
Many people are attracted to the principles behind the Law of Attraction as one way to have a better life. But does it really work?
How Pentecostal Churches Took Over the World
In about 100 years, Pentecostalism went from a startup renewal movement to the second-largest Christian denomination in the world, bested only by Catholics. What caused that astonishing rise?
Phineas Parkhurst Quimby: The Mind Can Heal the Body
His theories about the mind's ability to affect the body influenced Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science.
What's the Difference Between Agnosticism and Atheism?
People often think agnostics and atheists believe the same things. Where do their positions overlap and where do they differ?
10 Big Questions About Buddhism, Answered
What's the point of meditation? Are all Buddhists vegetarians and pacifists? What do we misunderstand about Karma? Find out more about Buddhism in our article.
What Is Lent and Why Do Christians Give Up Something For It?
Christians often "give up something for Lent" but why? What is the real reason behind the season?
What Does It Really Mean to Have an 'Existential Crisis'?
An existential crisis is different from anxiety over a really difficult decision or even a case of major depression. It's having the thing that gives your life meaning and structure completely shattered.
Lily Dale: Where the Living and Dead Reconnect
This tiny village in upstate New York has been channeling spirits since the 1800s.
Anti-Semitic Incidents in U.S. Surged 57 Percent in 2017
The Anti-Defamation League identified nearly 2,000 anti-Semitic incidents throughout the U.S. in 2017 — an increase of nearly 60 percent over those in 2016. And for the first time since 2010, one occurred in every state.
What Is Einstein's 'God Letter'?
The famous 1954 letter in which Albert Einstein rejected the concept of God was sold at Christie's auction house for $2.9 million.
Early Scottish Monks Were Gamers
In the search for a lost monastery in Scotland, archaeologists came across an unexpected find – an ancient stone game board.
That Fat, Jolly Fella Isn't Buddha
That plump statue of a 'Laughing Buddha,' often seen in Chinese restaurants, has little to do with the ascetic founder of Buddhism. So how did the two get conflated?
10 Common Questions About Islam, Answered
Although Muslim-majority countries are often in the news, many people don't know that much about Islam. Here, we answer some often-asked questions about the world's second-largest religion.
Tulpas: Thoughts That Can Come Alive
Imaginary friends have nothing on tulpas. These are "entities" people believe will to life in their minds — complete with feelings, thoughts and experiences.
How New Religions Take Root
What moves a spiritual movement or religious sect to the big time is more predictable than you'd think.
How the Prosperity Gospel Works
The prosperity gospel is one of the most popular forms of Christianity in the entire world. But where did it come from and how did it get so big? And why do critics say it gives a false picture of Christianity?
Sex Abuse in Catholic Church Blamed on Money, Power Dynamics
Are Catholic priests more prone to becoming sexual predators because they take a vow of chastity? Or was the sexual abuse scandal that rocked the church not unique to the religious institution at all?
How Megachurches Blurred the Line Between Religion and Riches
Megachurches and prosperity gospel teach parishioners if you pray for it ... it will come.
How Faith Healing Works
Some turn to faith healing as a last resort when ill, and others rely on it solely to provide a miracle cure. But can it really treat the sick?
How Scientology Works
The Church of Scientology has a short but strange history. What is it all about, and what path are Scientologists following?
Is China's Growing Religiosity Fueling Its Emerging Environmentalism?
As more Chinese people become more religious, an environmental movement based on spiritual stewardship may grow stronger.
Why the Vatican Says No to Gluten-Free Communion Wafers
What's a Celiac or gluten-intolerant Christian supposed to do?
Goat Yoga Is Taking Zen to a Whole New Level
Yoga with cats, dogs and even baby goats is all the rage today. What is it about animals that makes the Zen process so much more profound?
How Stoicism Works
Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that is now enjoying a renaissance. And practitioners aren't trying to be like Mr. Spock. Stoicism means far more than not showing emotion.
How Satanism Works
Rumors abound about Satanism. Its adherents are often portrayed as evil, bloodthirsty deviants in popular culture. But that's a mischaracterization of the philosophy of Satanists.
The Latest
Machu Picchu: The Secrets of This Fabled Mountaintop City
October 22, 2019
Why Wainscoting Has Stood the Test of Time
October 22, 2019
Meet the Toad That Can Mimic a Snake
October 22, 2019