State education board finalizes anti-Islamic rewrite of Texas social studies lessons The final votes conclude years of debate over how social studies lessons should broach race and religion. The Texas Tribune · Aug 31
Candace Cameron Bure thinks Hollywood has ‘loosened up’ on stigmatizing stars over their beliefs Exclusive: Bure spoke to ‘The Independent’ ahead of her appearance on season five of ‘Special Forces: World's Toughest Test’ about religion, Hollywood, and what she hopes women take away from watching her on the Fox reality show The Independent UK · Aug 29
Dolly Parton was more than a musical idol – for some fans, she was a spiritual icon As soon as news broke about the death of beloved songwriter Dolly Parton, I began receiving condolence messages from across the country, and around the world. The Conversation · Aug 27
‘It was the hardcore equivalent of being a Deadhead’: consciousness-raising punk movement Krishnacore returns First-wave punks rejected religion – but come the 90s, bands embracing eastern thought found legions of devotees. Ahead of reformations and reissues, they discuss the Bhagavad Gita, brawls and tulasi beads in the pit The Guardian - UK · Aug 26
Why Raksha Bandhan Is Also Called Janeu Purnima Here What if Raksha Bandhan is not just about tying a thread to the wrist of your brother? In Uttarakhand, this festival is marked with one more ritual which is firmly established in this part of India. In Uttarakhand, Raksha Bandhan is associated with the day of Janeu Purnima when there… MyLifeXP · Aug 26
In 1776, Thomas Paine inspired the American Revolution, influencing Founding Fathers like George Washington through his book criticising religion; but when he died, only 6 attended his funeral Thomas Paine's 1776 pamphlet Common Sense helped push American colonists towards independence from Britain, with George Washington later praising its influence. Paine went on to become a controversial critic of organised religion. When he died in 1809, only six mourners accompanied his body to his burial. The Economic Times · Aug 25
Many Americans are moving away from congregations, but not necessarily from religion – movies, plays, art and social media fill the gap “Emma,” a young Jewish woman who we met in 2019, didn’t belong to a synagogue. She didn’t have a Jewish partner. She didn’t observe Jewish rituals regularly. On most surveys about religion, she would not seem very engaged with Judaism. The Conversation · Aug 24
Most Westerners know Buddhism through meditation, but everyday Buddhist life looks quite different in Thai temples I recently returned from leading an educational program in Thailand focusing on how Buddhists practice the religion in their day-to-day lives. The participants – Buddhist practitioners from North America and Europe – wanted to deepen their understanding and practice of the religion. The Conversation · Aug 24
Betye Saar obituary Artist whose assemblages of found objects explored racism, ritual and religion The Guardian - UK · Aug 23
Right to practice religion subject to reasonable restrictions in interest of public order: Patna HC The Patna High Court ruled religious practice is not absolute and has restrictions. It dismissed a plea for a larger religious procession in Siwan. The court cited public order and societal norms as valid reasons for limits. Restrictions were imposed after past incidents of violence and stone-pelting. The court stated… The Economic Times · Aug 22
Kangana Ranaut backs Vande Mataram, counters Sharmila Tagore's concerns over religious references Kangana Ranaut defended the national song Vande Mataram after Sharmila Tagore raised concerns. Tagore felt some verses were difficult for monotheistic followers to accept. Ranaut countered that poetry uses metaphors and artistic license for effect. She argued Shakti references represent strength and empowerment, not just religion. The debate highlights Vande… The Economic Times · Aug 21
‘Ministers’ dogs get better facilities’: CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke seeks Maharashtra education minister Bhuse’s resignation Abhijeet Dipke of CJP demanded Minister Dada Bhuse's resignation over poor school conditions. He stated students receive worse facilities than ministers' dogs, highlighting lack of basic amenities. Dipke urged voters to prioritize education and hold leaders accountable for student welfare. He criticized politicians for focusing on religion instead of children's… The Economic Times · Aug 20
Pune Police revises two cases after invoking Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act before Aug 26 enforcement Pune Police withdrew religious conversion law sections from two cases. The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act had not yet come into force. Officials mistakenly assumed the law was operational when registering offences. Investigations will continue under other applicable legal statutes. The Act is scheduled to officially commence on August 26,… The Economic Times · Aug 19
Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act to come into force on August 28: What changes Maharashtra's Freedom of Religion Act, 2026 will take effect on August 28. This legislation prohibits religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or inducement. Unlawful conversions involving minors or vulnerable groups face severe penalties. The law mandates police to register complaints regarding alleged unlawful conversions. It aims to regulate religious conversions across… The Economic Times · Aug 18
The Conversation · Aug 17 With religious hostility surging in Australia, we need to rethink our approach to religious education On June 23, Amin Moniri, a Year 12 student in western Sydney, won the inaugural Edith Brutman Award in the National Harmony Day Competition. His short film, Stronger Together, featured passers-by at Bondi Beach writing short messages about what harmony means to them.
The Times of India · Aug 17 No fund for you if you have Islamic wudu washing facilities: Major row over Texas Governor's warning to two airports Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, accusing them of religious bias over Islamic wudu washing facilities. Abbott said government-owned airports cannot favor one religion over all others and they should be investigated and their funds should be stopped if they are…
The Economic Times · Aug 17 Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will one day reintegrate into India: Baba Ramdev Yoga guru Ramdev said Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan would eventually “reintegrate” with India and urged patience. He also said no major religion was under threat in India, while calling for stronger national unity and opposing religious conversions.
The Independent UK · Aug 14 Schools serving US military families put new emphasis on Western civilization and Christianity The Department of Defense is introducing a course centered on Western civilization and Christianity this fall in the schools it operates for military families
Salon · Aug 14 How Paxton, Talarico differ on God Campaigning for the U.S. Senate, Paxton says he was “delivered by God” to protect Texas from leftists
AAP · Aug 14 'Criminal gang': fraud claims encircle acclaimed school An academically acclaimed private school being probed over forced labour and abuse claims uses religion as a "camouflage" for fraud, inquiry witnesses claim.
The Independent UK · Aug 14 A look at the history and beliefs behind Japan’s controversial shrine to the war dead Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo honors more than 2.4 million people who died serving Japan but remains one of the country’s most divisive memorial sites
Times Life · Aug 14 Vivekananda Said Strength Is the Only Virtue. Indian Men Were Never Taught What That Means The Teaching, Stated PlainlySwami Vivekananda said it in Colombo in 1897, and he said it again in Madras, and he kept saying it until it should have been impossible to miss: "Strength, strength is what the Upanishads speak to me from every page." He was not speaking of physical strength,…
The Independent UK · Aug 13 In Weimar, a festival preserves Yiddish culture while reinventing it Since its start, the festival has grown from a weekend workshop with a handful of participants to the largest festival of its kind in Europe, lasting more than a month, with daily workshops drawing hundreds of participants and near nightly concerts attended by over 10,000 people total, according to organizers
The Economic Times · Aug 13 UCC to be implemented in MP soon, will strengthen spirit of equality: CM Mohan Yadav at Tiranga Yatra Madhya Pradesh will soon implement the Uniform Civil Code across the state. This law ensures equal application of laws for all citizens regardless of religion. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced this while participating in a Tiranga Yatra. The event celebrated patriotic fervor and showcased athletic performances on Bhoj Taal. The…
The Texas Tribune · Aug 13 Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters Campaigning for the U.S. Senate, Paxton says he was “delivered by God” to protect Texas from leftists. Talarico’s focus: “You can’t love God and hate other people.”