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Western Spirituality
Western Spirituality observes spiritual practices of the West. Find information on topics related to angels, sainthood or the Papacy.
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The Angel of Death Has One Job, and He Does It Well
In TV shows and movies, sometimes an angel of death appears to tell some unfortunate soul their time on Earth is over. But where did this idea come from? And what if you tell the angel, "I'm not ready?"
A Short History of Hell
In the popular imagination, hell is depicted as a place of fire, presided over by Satan dressed in red and holding a pitchfork. But depictions of hell have actually evolved over time.
6 Things Mormons Wish Non-Mormons Knew About Their Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, more widely known as the Mormon church, can generate a lot of questions: Is there really special underwear? Is it a cult? We bust some myths.
What Is the Rasta Movement All About?
It started out as a small movement in Jamaica that went worldwide with the popularity of reggae music. Today you can find Rastafarians on every continent. But what is Rastafari really all about?
Who Decided Which Books to Include in the Bible?
The books that make up the Bible were written over a span of 1,000 years. During that time, many other religious writings were also produced. So, who decided which would be part of the Bible and which would be left out?
A Heavenly Angels Quiz
Halos and robes and wings are how most people think of angels, but these heavenly beings are actually a lot more complex than their popular image. How much do you know about angels' roles, ranks and responsibilities? Take our quiz to find out!
Pope to List Nuclear Weapons as Immoral After Visiting Japan
It's one thing to say it. It's another thing to update the church's official instruction book.
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?
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.
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?
Why the Vatican Says No to Gluten-Free Communion Wafers
What's a Celiac or gluten-intolerant Christian supposed to do?
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.
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