Religion and society
The financial dilemma that wound up helping US churches thrive
American churches could not rely on the state for financial support. Private philanthropy helped them survive – and shaped the country’s religious diversity today.
Texas approves mandatory Bible readings in public schools, reigniting a century‑long debate
American courts have heard cases over the Bible’s role in classrooms for more than a century. Whether lessons are constitutional depends on their purpose.
How tourism, a booming wellness culture and social media are transforming the age‑old Japanese tea ceremony
Social media has turned traditional Japanese matcha into a commercial trend, though its roots lie in Zen Buddhism. A scholar of premodern Japanese literature unpacks that history.
Trump’s framing of Nigeria insurgency as a war on Christians risks undermining interfaith peacebuilding
President Donald Trump described a Dec. 25 airstrike on suspected insurgent camps as a ‘Christmas present’ from the US. Many in Nigeria are not viewing it as such.
Texas proposes Bible readings for K‑12 students, reigniting century‑old legal battle over their place in public schools
American courts have legislated the Bible’s role in classrooms for more than a century. Whether it’s constitutional depends on the aims of teachers’ lessons.