Hacking the Vatican
Do Italian hackers truly hold the Vatican responsible for events that look place 500 years ago?
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Nicki Minaj Called ‘Possessed’ After Grammy Performance
Shockingly, the Catholic League’s Bill Donohue is angry about the Minaj’s Grammy performance; but why did she go with the “Roman Zolanski” bit?
Read MoreRough Week for Scientology
Even when a religion deserves criticism how much is too much?
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Rethinking Religion After Latest Holistic Death
A participant at a holistic spa was, it turns out, “cooked to death.” Instead of another wave of panic, maybe we need to rethink our categories.
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Death of an Occult Crime Expert Reawakens Controversy
Rimer’s passing has led to an lively online conversation among Pagan and vampire groups. Many of these groups regarded Rimer as a political enemy and some individuals expressed relief that Rimer will not be holding any more seminars. However, important leaders of these communities have called for respect. One community member invoked Proverbs 24:17, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls.”
Read MoreJesus v. Religion Rap-Off
Why I hate religion, but love Jesus, a YouTube sensation, claims that Jesus hated Religion.
Read MoreMissing the Forest for the Witches
Eager to note that a witch story involved a Glenda in Salem, many seem to have missed what’s actually disturbing about it.
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Defining “Cult,” Defining “Christian”
Generally, sociologists do not use the word “cult.” Those that do, such as William Bainbridge and Rodney Stark, use it in a highly specialized way to indicate groups that are innovative (unlike churches) but open to everyone (unlike sects). Religion scholars who study “new religious movements” (or NRMs) are the first to admit that “cult,” in its modern usage, has always been a theological term used by Protestants to label religions they do not like.
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Austrian Court Okays Head-Colander in Driver’s License: Is Pastafarianism Becoming a Religion?
After three years of waiting, an Austrian atheist has won the right to wear a colander on his head for a driver’s license photo. But are Flying Spaghetti Monster communities themselves religious?
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Controversial Mary Statue Weeps Because ‘We’re Killing This World’
For three months, the city of Windsor, Ontario was abuzz with the story of a Virgin Mary statue that wept tears of oil. Ensconced in a small shrine built on Fadia Ibrahim’s front lawn, the statue attracted hundreds of pilgrims, though it caused havoc for neighbors, city officials, and…
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