CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom — People who believe in God fared better mentally and emotionally during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study reports. Researchers from the University of Cambridge found individuals with religious faith in the United Kingdom reported experiencing lower levels of unhappiness and stress compared to those without religious affiliations during…

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Let’s face it — most of us stay very busy with life’s many demands. Sitting down to read a book for entertainment or information can be very time-consuming, and that’s where podcasts can come to the rescue. The great thing about listening to a podcast is that you can multitask while it plays. Cooking dinner?…

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Shared testimonies, collective singing, silent meditation and baptism rituals – these are all activities you might find at a Christian church service on a Sunday morning in the United States. But what would it look like if atheists were gathering to do these rituals instead? Today, almost 30% of adults in the United States say…

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ST. LOUIS — Beneath the modern-day streets of Italy, hidden under a parking lot, lies a discovery that challenges our understanding of one of history’s pivotal transitions: the Roman Empire’s shift from paganism to Christianity. This revelation, made by American researchers, uncovers an ancient temple dating back to the era of Constantine the Great, Rome’s…

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Growing up Jewish, it used to be hard to find a good Hanukkah movie. But times have changed, and while there aren’t a ton, there are more movies you can dive into during the holiday’s eight nights. The best Hanukkah movies are mixed with old-school gems and fresh new takes. We even discovered a brand…

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If you observe the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, you likely have the annual tradition of retrieving a menorah from a cabinet and cleaning off the wax. However, today’s menorahs, or “Hanukkiot,” have evolved beyond seasonal use. The best Hannukah menorahs are so aesthetically pleasing that they can be showcased as decorative items on your shelves…

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The TikTok profile Daily Believer (@believerdaily) has 70 videos with computer-generated Jesuses looking directly at the viewer, beseeching them to stop scrolling and watch the next minute’s worth of content. All these Jesuses are long-haired and bearded, recalling artist Warner Sallman’s ubiquitous 1940 painting “Head of Christ.” Some wear the crown of thorns, some look…

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PROVO, Utah — One’s religious faith helps bolster family hope and unity, according to researchers from Brigham Young University. Their study analyzed in-depth interviews with nearly 200 religious families representing various religions and demographic backgrounds. They found how religious faith serves as a catalyst for hope, contributing to family resilience and unity. The study reveals that…

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More and more surveys point to decreasing membership in religious institutions and a corresponding rise of “nones.” Many people might assume that this indicates the absence of belief or a lack of spirituality. Particularly in the West, people tend to think about religion in terms of belief in a higher power, such as God. For…

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In this time of year, Jewish people observe the High Holy Days in the month of Tishrei in the Jewish calendar, usually in September and October. These holidays commemorate concepts such as renewal, forgiveness, freedom and joy. As a scholar of the Bible and the ancient world, I am continually impressed with how the history…

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CHICAGO — Who knew the word of God would one day be delivered by artificial intelligence. They say the Lord works in mysterious ways, but futuristic new findings suggest congregations far and wide just aren’t ready to hear sermons from robot preachers. Researchers working with the American Psychological Association report that while robot preachers and AI…

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As a scholar of modern Jewish history, religion and politics, I am often asked to explain the differences between Judaism’s major denominations. Here is a very brief overview: Rabbinic roots Two thousand years ago, Jews were divided between competing sects all based on the Jewish scriptures, but with different interpretations. After the Romans destroyed the…

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WARSAW, Poland — If you’ve been looking for a sign from heaven, you might just have to get up a little earlier. Researchers from the University of Warsaw suggest that early birds tend to be more religious than those who stay up late at night. Their study found being religious also displayed an association with…

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CHICAGO — Do differences in religion keep people from being kind to each other? Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago examined if people who are part of specific religions engage in altruistic behavior that only benefits other people of their religion or if they are willing to treat people of other religions the same…

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In the days after Elon Musk took over Twitter in October 2022, the social media platform saw a “surge in hateful conduct,” which its then safety chief put down to a “focused, short-term trolling campaign.” New research suggests that when it comes to antisemitism, it was anything but. Rather, antisemitic tweets have more than doubled…

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We are about to witness the birth of a new kind of religion. In the next few years, or perhaps even months, we will see the emergence of sects devoted to the worship of artificial intelligence (AI). The latest generation of AI-powered chatbots, trained on large language models, have left their early users awestruck —and…

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It isn’t just artists and teachers who are losing sleep over advances in automation and artificial intelligence. Robots are being brought into Hinduism’s holiest rituals – and not all worshippers are happy about it. In 2017, a technology firm in India introduced a robotic arm to perform “aarti,” a ritual in which a devotee offers…

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CINCINNATI — Jewish men who wear tefillin while praying may be receiving an added benefit from the practice — better heart health! Researchers from the University of Cincinnati explain that those who tightly wrap the leather bands around their arm during prayer may protect themselves against severe cardiovascular damage after a heart attack. “Tefillin is…

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Is religion creating an awkward tension between teens and parents? Free will is an essential aspect of many religions but try explaining that to mom and dad this holiday season. In a poll conducted by University of Michigan researchers, close to half (48%) of parents who plan to attend religious services this…

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The latest data from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging suggests the majority of older adults support separating church and state — when it comes to their hospital care. Most respondents told researchers they prefer to keep their health care and their spiritual or religious lives detached. However, older…

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By Orit Avishai, Fordham University Yeshiva University, the storied modern Orthodox Jewish university in New York City, is in the midst of a legal battle over its refusal to recognize the YU Pride Alliance, an undergraduate club. While YU does not object to LGBTQ students’ presence, it claims that the club is inconsistent with Jewish…

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CHIANG MAI, Thailand — Could becoming a Buddhist be the secret to avoiding depression and mental health issues? A new study finds that those who follow the five precepts of Buddhism are less likely to develop depressive symptoms — even if they’re under high levels of stress. Researchers from Chiang Mai University say that people displaying…

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By Dov Waxman, University of California, Los Angeles Antisemitism has been in the news a lot lately. Hip-hop megastar Ye – formerly known as Kanye West – tweeted Oct. 8, 2022 that he would “go death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE,” and then made antisemitic comments during a series of interviews. Basketball star Kyrie Irving…

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CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom — Reviving the Catholic tradition of meat-free Fridays could cut thousands of tons of carbon emissions each year, according to researchers from the University of Cambridge. In 2011, Catholic bishops urged the faithful to return to the traditional habit, but only around one in four did so. However, this still saved more…

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By Ryan Burge, Eastern Illinois University, via The Conversation It’s hard to remember now, given the attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, but the day after votes were cast, one theme stood out: voter turnout. Every state in the nation saw higher turnout in 2020 than 2016, according to an analysis from the Pew Research…

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Tens of millions of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa believe God controls their economic decisions. However, a majority have languished in extreme poverty and unproductiveness for decades, according to a new study. University of Copenhagen researchers say over one-quarter (26%) of Ethiopia’s 90 million rural farmers believe that God is an omniscient power…

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DALLAS — Through community goals and a strong shared sense of faith, African American adults who regularly attend religious events or believe in spirituality are more likely to have good heart health, a new cardiovascular study finds. Researchers with the American Heart Association found that African Americans who reported more frequent church attendance, “feeling God’s…

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New study also shows that highly educated people have sex less frequently, are more likely to be dissatisfied in the romance department. EXETER, United Kingdom — People who go to church are more likely to have a very satisfying sex life, a new study reveals. Researchers in the United Kingdom found that strongly religious individuals are…

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WATERLOO, Ontario — Digital religion is leading to a “spiritual revolution” among many young adults, according to a new study. Although it may sound like it, this isn’t a worship of technology and social media. Instead, researchers from the University of Waterloo say religious communities are using these tools to reach millennials who are looking to…

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BOSTON — A high level of spirituality is associated with better health outcomes, according to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Scientists report that spirituality helps in reference to both serious illness and overall health. In light of their findings, the authors posit spirituality should be incorporated…

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WACO, Texas — Feeling in sync with a higher power may be the secret to happiness for some in their later years. Research concludes that praying regularly — and holding a strong belief in God — improves the well-being of seniors. Scientists at Baylor University in Texas analyzed data from more than 1,000 respondents who…

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SHEFFIELD, United Kingdom — Is there really an afterlife? While most people think humans will never be able to prove what happens after death, half of adults still believe their spirit lives on — somewhere. The new survey of over 1,000 people in the United Kingdom, commissioned by SpiritShack Ltd, finds 50 percent of respondents…

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WASHINGTON — Spirituality may be the best medicine for people with heart problems, a new study finds. Researchers at Duke University say it can improve the quality of life for heart failure patients. Numerous studies have shown that spirituality can help improve quality of life for people with chronic diseases such as cancer. The new…

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HOUSTON, Texas — New research is revealing just how common religious discrimination is in the workplace. A team from Rice University says two-thirds of Muslims, half of Jews, and over a third of evangelical Protestant Christians all report dealing with some form of discrimination linked to their religious beliefs while on the job. While discriminatory…

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BERLIN, Germany — Religious texts provide the faithful with the guiding principles to live, what their cultures consider, the best lives. Some of these ancient texts, however, come from times when violence against non-believers was an accepted practice. Although these spiritual scriptures are typically a motivating force for good, a new study finds verses which legitimize…

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GRONINGEN, Netherlands — There are still many unanswered questions about the world in biblical times. While many find their answers in faith, science is shedding fresh light on one of the most famous ancient texts. Researchers at the University of Groningen are using artificial intelligence to crack the code of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Using…

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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Religion has been a source of comfort and support among believers for a long, long time. It’s often said that faith provides something to fall back on when everything else in life fails us. Now, a new study has investigated the complex relationship between religious experiences and mental health. Researchers from Westmont…

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TEL AVIV, Israel — A 3,000-year-old dyed thread has been discovered matching the description of royal purple from the Bible. A team in Israel says the ancient find offers a glimpse into the wardrobe of King David and King Solomon of Jerusalem from around 1,000 BC. This marks the first time researchers have unearthed evidence…

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DALLAS, Texas — For many people, the power of faith can be just as important to their health as the most potent medication. For stroke victims and their caregivers, a study finds being spiritual can improve their every day life as well. The American Heart Association (AHA) released a study using an analysis of 200…

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WASHINGTON — Attempting to use science as a means of understanding faith and religion sounds like a fool’s errand at first consideration. But, a new study just released by Georgetown University offers up a fascinating take on why certain people tend to hold stronger religious beliefs than others. The study finds that people who are naturally…

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WASHINGTON — During times of struggle, it’s no secret that people will turn to religion for strength. Now, a new study on religion has come to some encouraging conclusions regarding how people view their religious obligations to help others of different faiths. Regardless of religious differences, studied individuals from Fiji and Israel said that God would…

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WASHINGTON — The single most important date on the Christian calendar is upon us, but Easter Sunday 2020 is sure to be different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Americans all over the country have been told to stay home, and over half of all states have officially decreed a state of lockdown. Christians of…

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JOENSUU, Finland — The passing down of religion from one generation to the next is a complicated topic. While new mothers and fathers usually have a set idea in their heads of how their kids will turn out, that vision rarely works out exactly as planned. Now, a fascinating new study examines the progression of religious…

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WACO, Texas — The number of Americans with tattoos continues to grow, as more people see body art as another form of self-expression. More than a fourth of all adults and nearly half of all millennials in the U.S. now have tattoos. Now, new research from Baylor and Texas Tech universities reveals that faith-based tattoos differ…

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LINCOLN, Neb. — When it comes to the blending of religion and politics, conservatives have long been seen as staunch believers in organized religion, while liberals are largely expected to take a more secular approach. However, a new study conducted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is proclaiming that was then, and this is now. Researchers say…

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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Porn addiction is a very real condition that can develop if an individual allows their habit to spiral out of control. That being said, a fascinating new set of research has concluded that certain people may falsely believe they have a porn problem due to their religious and moral beliefs. In reality,…

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PRINCETON, N. J. — Dispelling someone’s personal beliefs is always difficult, even if that belief is something that has no basis in science or reality. However, a new study claims to have uncovered the secret to doing away with false beliefs. Researchers at Princeton University say that an individual can be convinced that their belief…

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First-of-its-kind study reveals that six in ten surrogates believe a miracle may save their loved one from a terminal ailment. INDIANAPOLIS — In the event an individual is unable to make decisions for themselves due to a medical condition, it’s common for a close family member, friend, or loved one to serve as their surrogate. In…

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EAST LANSING, Mich. — A prevailing belief across today’s society is that deeply religious individuals are unwilling to make sacrifices to protect the Earth, while secular-minded citizens are more motivated to take action against environmental pollution. Interestingly, a new study conducted at Michigan State University is challenging this notion. Researchers say the stout religious beliefs of…

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