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Was Jesus’ crucified body wrapped in the Shroud of Turin? A newly discovered Medieval document is the earliest written evidence to suggest not

A newly discovered medieval document suggests the Shroud of Turin was not authentic, with a Norman theologian claiming it was a 'clear' and 'patent' fake. The document, published in the Journal of Medieval History, provides historical evidence that even in the Middle Ages, people questioned the Shroud's genuineness.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Medieval History·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 28, 2025

Ottoman Empire’s religious ‘tolerance’ another form of control

The Ottoman Empire's recognition of diverse religions was a means to monitor and control non-Muslim populations. Research by Osaka Metropolitan University Associate Professor Masayuki Ueno found that this 'tolerance' was actually a form of control, utilizing public presence of religious diversity to conduct surveillance.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComparative Studies in Society and History·TypeCase study·DateMar 28, 2025

Religion is not the factor that most influences rejection of evolutionary theory in schools, study says

A survey of 5,500 Brazilian and Italian students aged 14-16 found that nationality, social perceptions of science, and household income were more influential than religion in rejecting evolutionary theory. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals a significant gap in understanding geological time between Italian and Brazilian Catholics.

Increased religious competition worsens armed conflict in Colombia

A new study by the University of Kent's School of Economics found that religious competition substantially increases the probability of conflict-related violence in Colombia. The presence of a new religion group makes potential contributors or soldiers more scared, leading to violent action from armed groups.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2021

Publication of 500-year-old manuscript exposes medieval beliefs and religious cults

A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the British Archaeological Association·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

SHSU study examines death penalty support in Mexico

A recent study by Sam Houston State University researchers found that Mexican citizens are more likely to support the death penalty than previously thought. Contrary to U.S. studies, Catholics in Mexico were found to be more likely to support capital punishment, while older Mexicans and those living in states bordering the U.S. were le...

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalCrime & Delinquency·DateMar 28, 2017

Mixtec evangelicals

UCSB scholar Mary I. O'Connor's new book highlights how economic migration and religious conversion have changed the social and cultural makeup of predominantly folk-Catholic communities in rural Mexico. Globalization is at the heart of this process, affecting the home communities of Mixtecs who travel to northern Mexico and the U.S.

Revealing the 'taboo' of retirement for Catholic priests; declining population, burnout

A study by Florida Atlantic University researcher Michael N. Kane finds that Catholic priests are struggling with retirement due to a declining population and increasing burnout. The priests' limited financial options and lack of clear retirement policies make it difficult for them to retire without facing significant challenges.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling·DateJul 7, 2016

The secret to a better shopping trip

Researchers found that shoppers who brought lists of familiar items relied on memory, while those with uncommon items benefited from walking through aisles to trigger memories. The study suggests bringing a list is key to successful shopping trips, regardless of item familiarity.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMar 28, 2016

Sunday school teachers as 'culture warriors': Lay leaders wield political clout, Baylor

A Baylor University study found that volunteer lay leaders serve as powerful cultural opinion leaders within churches, shaping congregation attitudes on politics and religion. Lay leaders in Evangelical traditions exhibit more moral conservatism and party affiliation than their counterparts in Mainline Protestant and Catholic traditions.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateMay 19, 2014

Study gives Catholic schools poor marks

Catholic schools do not offer superior academic performance compared to public schools, according to a national study led by Michigan State University. The study found that math scores for Catholic students dropped between kindergarten and eighth grade, while public school students showed slight improvements.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Urban Economics·DateOct 31, 2013

Religious leaders can be key to biological diversity

A new study suggests that religious leaders, particularly those from Christianity, have the potential to guide conservation efforts and promote biodiversity preservation. The research highlights the importance of involving religious groups in the conservation debate, as they often shape people's ethical attitudes towards nature.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalOryx·DateSep 5, 2013