Western Spirituality
Western Spirituality observes spiritual practices of the West. Find information on topics related to angels, sainthood or the Papacy.
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?
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.
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.
Christian-themed 'Hell Houses' Still Going Strong
The uniquely American church-sponsored scarefests aim to present a frightening vision of a life without their brand of religious salvation.
Committed a Super-serious Sin? Head for a Super-confessor!
More than 1,000 Catholic priests and monks are scattering around the globe, ready to forgive the kinds of sins normally only absolved by the pope or his bishops.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster Gains Cred (and Colanders) in the Netherlands
The Dutch get official about a parody religion.
Why do people close their eyes to pray?
There are many rituals that surround the act of prayer, one of the most prevalent of which is closing one's eyes. Why do so many people close their eyes to pray?
How Nuns Work
If you only know about nuns through movies and television, then you might think that all nuns wield rulers while singing, dancing and flying. In reality, nuns have set themselves apart from the world to lead a more spiritual life, one with vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
What is hope?
When Pandora opened the box she wasn't supposed to open, all of the evils of the world flew out: hate, pain, destructiveness, starvation. When she saw what she'd done, she closed the box before the last thing in there could escape. What was it?
The Latest
The Legend of the Mysterious Night Marchers of Hawaii
October 18, 2019
How Jack the Ripper Worked
October 17, 2019
Venus: Earth's Blazing-hot and Bizarre Twin
October 17, 2019