Western Spirituality

In the search for a lost monastery in Scotland, archaeologists came across an unexpected find - an ancient stone game board.

By Stell Simonton

What moves a spiritual movement or religious sect to the big time is more predictable than you'd think.

By Jesslyn Shields

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?

By Dave Roos

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?

By Diana Brown

Megachurches and prosperity gospel teach parishioners if you pray for it ... it will come.

By Diana Brown

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?

By Ed Grabianowski

The Church of Scientology has a short but strange history. What is it all about, and what path are Scientologists following?

By Oisin Curran

What's a Celiac or gluten-intolerant Christian supposed to do?

By Laurie L. Dove

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.

By John Donovan

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.

By Ed Grabianowski & Talon Homer

The uniquely American church-sponsored scarefests aim to present a frightening vision of a life without their brand of religious salvation.

By Chris Opfer

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.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

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?

By Laurie L. Dove

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.

By Molly Edmonds

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?

By Molly Edmonds

Snip, snip -- that's the sound of a baby losing his foreskin. Circumcision is a common medical practice in many parts of the world. Where did this tradition come from? And is it something we should stop?

By Tom Scheve

Totem poles are, quite literally, family trees. They're massive tree trunks carved with symbols to commemorate family history and special occasions.

By Alia Hoyt

There are many types of angels that make up the spiritual world. Angels are divided into nine different types within three main groups, which are then called choirs. Find out more about these angelic intermediaries for God.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

While Saint Peter and Saint Micheal are well-known, there are a number of little-known patron saints. Did you know that there is a patron saint for dentists, ice skaters, bachelors and difficult marriages? Find out more about obscure patron saints.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

If asked to describe Voodoo, many people would mention pin-filled dolls, zombies, and spirit possessions. But most of this doesn't have anything to do with real Voodoo (aka Voudou).

By Tracy V. Wilson

A recently declassified U.S. government study says the Iraq war has become a uniting cause for "Muslim jihadists."

By Julia Layton

The public debate between Christian creationism and evolution has heated up once again in the United States. Learn about the different forms of Christian creationism and find out what's fueling the controversy.

By Julia Layton

How does intelligent design explain the origins of life? Does it fit the criteria of a scientific theory, or is it religious dogma in a scientific wrapper? In this article, we'll examine intelligent design and the controversy it has generated.

By Julia Layton

Catholics around the world have welcomed Pope Francis. Besides providing spiritual leadership to millions worldwide, the pope has many other duties. Learn about the rules of the Papacy.

By Kevin Bonsor & Dave Roos

Becoming a saint in the Roman Catholic Church is designed to be lengthy and difficult process. What are steps involved in canonization?