The phrase ‘so help me God’ is believed to be a part of the presidential oath ever since George Washington is said to have used it 236 years ago. Except, says a historian - there is no evidence of it.
Ethics + Religion – Articles, Analysis, Opinion
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The point of mindfulness is not to be more productive at work or just to relax − it is inner transformation.
Historians may not know much about Silvester’s life, but the era he lived in was pivotal for Christianity.
At a moment of soul-searching about health care in the US, an expert on global health puts the American system in perspective.
The fall of the Assad regime marks a turning point in Syria’s history. But it also opens a ‘chapter fraught with peril’ for the country’s minorities, an expert on religious minorities writes.
Francis’ vision for a ‘synodal’ church was built on trust and relationships − a dance where partners work together.
‘Black Nativity’ may be different each time you see it − and that’s exactly what the playwright had in mind.
The Hanukkah story centers on rekindling the eternal light in the Temple, a symbol of God’s presence. Similarly, the Ner Tamid above the ark in synagogues is never supposed to go out.
The custom of mailing printed Christmas cards in the 19th century was a product of the industrial revolution. It was influenced by older British holiday traditions − some entirely fictional.
Charles Schulz’s TV special survived the skepticism of network executives to become a holiday classic.
You may call him Santa Claus, but the bearded guy in the red suit is a man known by many names. That doesn’t make him disreputable, just a reflection of changing American culture.
Being presented with facts doesn’t do much good if you don’t feel like your core values are respected. That’s especially true when it comes to health care decisions.
Hegseth’s Christian views have been shaped by a 20th-century movement, Christian Reconstruction, which seeks to make America a Christian nation built on biblical law, writes a religion scholar.
Mindfulness – meant to support health and detachment – is becoming a tool to support the corporate bottom line.
The study of martial arts involves physical training − but also raises larger questions about ethics and what justifies the use of force.
Many philosophers cast doubt on ‘doxastic voluntarism’: the idea that we can control what we believe, just like that. So can people be held to account for their beliefs?
The characterization of Latter-day Saints on shows like ‘Heretic’ and ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ says more about the rest of America than the church itself.
In the future, a program like AI Jesus could be used to hear confessions around the clock. But with no experience of having a human body, it cannot engage or absolve human sins.
Despite the controversy surrounding them, presidential pardons can provide a service – the question is how they are used.
Where are the limits to using AI honestly and transparently? 3 philosophies can help the debate: deontological ethics, consequentialism and virtue ethics.
For Buddhists, Bodhi Day represents hope and the potential to overcome suffering.
A course explores how ancient apocalypses find their way into movies and TV shows.
Research on artificial intelligence in marketing overwhelmingly neglects its potential negative consequences, a new study finds.
Puritans and Pilgrims came out of the same religious culture of 1570s England. Pilgrims hosted the first American Thanksgiving, and Puritans arrived later.
Movements like the Journey of Nishiyuu walk the land to reclaim culture and push for Indigenous nations’ rights.