INSANE: 6 - The Real Truth

Big yikes: religion, politics and media dead to Gen Z

A major survey of thousands of Australians aged 19-24 has shown an appetite to engage in issues, but distrust of politics, media and religion.

AAP · Jul 14

Why The Most Shocking Idea About Religion Came From Vivekananda?

The Room That Heard Without Listening On 11 September 1893, Swami Vivekananda stood before the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago and opened with seven words: "Sisters and brothers of America." The hall erupted. Two minutes of applause for a greeting. What followed, the actual argument, received polite appreciation…

Times Life · Jul 13

What Kabir Said About Religion That Made Both Hindus and Muslims Deeply Uncomfortable

The Man Who Picked No SideKabir was born into a Muslim weaver family in Varanasi sometime around 1440, and he spent his life in a city where the Ganga and the call to prayer existed within earshot of each other. He was not a scholar. He did not write treatises.…

Times Life · Jul 12

Muslim personal law recognising puberty as age of marriage violates POCSO Act, PCMA: Allahabad HC

A bench of justices JJ Munir and Achal Sachdev observed that the age of marriage for every citizen of the country irrespective of religion is same as has been spelt out by the PCMA. The bench made these observations while dismissing a writ petition filed by Rubi and 18 others…

The Economic Times · Jul 8

One State Under Whose God?

Despite the grip of conservative Christianity on Texas politics, religion here has always contained multitudes, a new work of history shows.

Texas Observer · Jul 8

Quote of the day by Napoleon Bonaparte: ‘Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people…’ – Emperor of the French on power, politics and controlling society

Quote of the day: Napoleon Bonaparte, a French military genius, believed religion kept common people quiet. He suggested faith prevented the poor from harming the wealthy. This controversial observation highlights religion's role in maintaining social order. However, it ignores religion's many other positive societal functions. Powerful institutions can shape societal…

The Economic Times · Jul 8

What death doulas can teach us about dying well without religion

In most western societies, death has always been the church’s job. Nearly everyone wanted last rites, deathbed prayers and a faith leader at their bedside. But for a growing number of people, that template for dying is no longer the only option. The death doula, a different kind of caregiver,…

The Conversation · Jul 7

"Addiction to Constitutionally Protected Activity: Speech, Press, and Religion

This new article of mine has just been published by the Emory Law Journal. Here's the Abstract; readers might recall that… The post "Addiction to Constitutionally Protected Activity: Speech, Press, and Religion appeared first on Reason.com.

Reason · Jul 7

As South Korean Buddhism woos Gen Z, how hip is too hip?

In fast-secularising South Korea, Buddhism is regaining popularity thanks to a "hip" trend wooing Gen Z with festivals, fashion, robots and DJs, even as some fear for the fundamentals of the faith. "If Buddhism is consumed merely as a 'good image', its newfound hipness may prove to be little more…

The Economic Times · Jul 7

7 Indian Cities Where the Street Food, Chaat, and Snacks Justify Every Mile of Travel

Kolkata: The City That Invented the Kati RollKolkata's street food doesn't ask for your attention, it already has it. The kati roll, born at Nizam's restaurant on New Market Street sometime in the mid-20th century, is a paratha wrapped around egg and meat with raw onion and green chutney. Eat…

Times Life · Jul 7