Catholicism
Articles tagged with Catholicism
Dragon-slaying saints performed green-fingered medieval miracles, new study reveals
A new study published by the University of Cambridge reveals that medieval Augustinian saints performed 'green-fingered' miracles, such as restoring swampy areas to fertility and healing diseased livestock. The research challenges major assumptions about the Catholic Church's forgotten early history.
First ‘Bible map’ published 500 years ago still influences how we think about borders
A 1525 Bible map, printed in the wrong orientation, transformed the biblical narrative and influenced modern border thinking. The study suggests that maps of the Holy Land, rather than early modern territorial divisions, led to the development of political borders.
Nursing faculties of Catholic universities in Japan instill unique values of compassion, dignity, and service
Japanese Catholic universities' nursing faculties emphasize core values like loving all people, wholeness, and resilience, which shape patient care. These values are actively embedded in education and align with Catholic social doctrine.
What does Nicaea mean for relations with Judaism and Islam?
Researchers from nine countries will examine Nicaea's ecumenical, interreligious, and intercultural significance, including its impact on Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The conference aims to clarify how the Council of Nicaea situates Christianity within monotheism and what other monotheistic religions have to say about this.
Theologian Seewald takes over editorship of church magisterial texts
Michael Seewald has taken over as editor of the 'Denzinger' compendium, which brings together the most important decisions made by the Church's magisterium. The new edition aims to include texts from recent pontificates and historical documents that have received little attention in dogmatics.
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.
Goethe University acquires two new DFG research groups
The university has approved two new research units: one focusing on power and abuse in the Roman Catholic Church, and another exploring premodern Christian diversity. These initiatives will intensify research on topics such as vulnerability, systemic conditions, and theological foundations of power imbalances.
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.
Council of Nicaea 1700 years ago: ‘Images of God turned upside down’
The Council of Nicaea formulated a fundamental creed that unites Christian denominations today. Key historical research on the council's political and theological significance will be presented in an interdisciplinary conference focused on its ongoing impact.
‘Altar tent’ discovery puts Islamic art at the heart of medieval Christianity
A 13th-century fresco in Ferrara, Italy, depicts an Islamic tent used in medieval Christian mass practices. The artist's use of precious textiles and intricate designs provides evidence of a unique cultural exchange between Christianity and Islam during this period.
Searching for hidden medieval stories from the island of the Sagas
Icelandic researchers are searching for forgotten pieces of history in ancient, reused parchments. The study focuses on palimpsests, texts written over old manuscripts, which were common in the Middle Ages across Europe and particularly widespread in Iceland.
Religious people are not more generous – with one exception
A study published in Judgment and Decision Making found that religious believers give more to those of the same faith, while atheists also favor their own group. In follow-up studies in the USA and Egypt/Lebanon, Muslims were more generous towards their own kind than Christians or atheists.
Decoding the language of cells: Unveiling the proteins behind cellular organelle communication
Emerging from a need to understand organelle interactions, researchers have developed OrthoID, a novel strategy that refines protein identification at organelle contact sites. This method uses mutually orthogonal binding pairs to label and isolate proteins involved in cellular communication.
Faith primary schools admitting fewer children with special educational needs
Research by Dr Tammy Campbell reveals that faith primary schools in England are admitting fewer children with special educational needs (SEND) than local authority community primaries. The study found significant disparities in admission rates for children with SEND, including those with higher-level SEND funded by local authorities.
New ‘verbal treasure trove’ dictionary captures nuances and uses of Shakespeare’s words
A new dictionary provides a comprehensive overview of Shakespeare's language, revealing words with reduced mental ability and plant hybrids. The Arden Encyclopedia of Shakespeare's Language offers insights into the linguistic thumbprints of plays and characters, as well as the networks of character interaction.
Codebreakers crack secrets of Mary Queen of Scots’ lost letters
A team of international codebreakers has deciphered 57 previously unknown letters written by Mary Queen of Scots while imprisoned in England. The letters provide insights into her captivity and communication with French ambassador Michel de Castelnau, including complaints about poor health and negotiations for release.
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.
Tubal ligation half as likely for moms who deliver at Catholic hospitals
A new study found that women who deliver babies at Catholic hospitals are about half as likely to have undergone a sterilization procedure to prevent unwanted pregnancies after the birth. This difference is attributed to factors such as age, marital status, education level, and insurance status.
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.
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.
Thomas Cromwell's Tudor London mansion revealed in unprecedented detail
The article reveals Thomas Cromwell's Tudor London mansion for the first time in unprecedented detail. The mansion had 58 rooms plus servants' garrets and a large garden, and was a hub of entertainment, administration, and personal space.
Multiracial congregations in US have nearly tripled, Baylor University study finds
Racially diverse congregations have more than tripled in the United States over the past 20 years, with approximately a quarter of evangelical and Catholic churches now multiracial. However, despite these increases, difficulties persist in achieving racial desegregation within American religion.
Catholic OB-GYNs can face moral dilemmas in issues of family planning
A study reveals that Catholic obstetrician-gynecologists experience moral dilemmas when dealing with family planning and abortion, with some providing natural methods only and others offering full ranges of services. The findings highlight the complex relationship between religion and medicine.
Study: Women want more info on reproductive care restrictions from religious hospitals
Patients value clear information about religious hospital policies and want early disclosure of potential restrictions. Women express frustration with lack of transparency, highlighting the need for more effort from healthcare institutions to inform patients.
Trump must contend with a mobilized religious left, new research finds
New research finds that progressive congregations have surged in their political activism, likely in response to Trump administration policies. Conservative churches trail behind Black Protestant churches in mobilizing efforts on issues like immigration and endorsing candidates.
Catholic hospital market share and reproductive care access
A new study found that Catholic hospitals have a significant market share in many US counties, but often limit reproductive health services. Despite this, Health Insurance Marketplace plans' provider networks include fewer Catholic hospitals than overall county markets.
Few people consider religious affiliation of hospital they choose
A recent study surveyed 1,446 adults and found that just 6.4% consider the religious affiliation of hospitals they choose, while 71.4% said their care should not be curtailed by religious dogma. The research highlights conflicts in care for women who are often denied certain reproductive healthcare at Catholic hospitals.
Growing minority of teachers in Northern Ireland working across sectarian divide
A study found that around 17% of teachers in Northern Ireland are currently working in schools outside their community of origin. This is a higher percentage than previous studies and suggests that efforts to foster reconciliation between Catholic and Protestant communities may be paying off.
Eleven new species of rain frogs discovered in the tropical Andes
Researchers describe 11 new species of rain frogs in the Ecuadorian Andes, showcasing remarkable genetic and morphological diversity. The discovery highlights pressing conservation issues due to habitat destruction and human activities.
People turn to consumerism to confront problems, grief and feelings
A new study reveals that consumers are actively choosing to visit certain places to confront their feelings, grief or worries in a safe space. Therapeutic Servicescapes like Lourdes' marketplace offer emotional expression and vulnerability acceptance, leading to improved well-being.
Study shows most Catholic hospitals don't advertise religious restrictions on health care
A study by CU Anschutz researchers found that 79% of Catholic hospitals reported their affiliation, but only 28% explained the impact on patient care. Greater transparency would allow for informed patient choices.
Disclosure of religious identity, health care practices on Catholic hospital websites
A study analyzing 646 Catholic hospital websites found that many do not disclose their religious identity and health care practices. Some patients may avoid these hospitals due to concerns over restrictive policies on reproductive and end-of-life care, according to the research letter.
Information on reproductive health outcomes lacking in Catholic hospitals
Researchers found that Catholic health care facilities often limit common women's health services like contraception and sterilization, and may only offer pills as a contraceptive method. The study highlights the need for further exploration of how institutional restrictions impact patient outcomes.
British Library extends project to digitize endangered colonial documents in Cuba
The British Library Endangered Archives Programme has extended a UTA-led project to digitize colonial documents in Cuba by another six months. The project aims to capture over two million documents, shedding light on the African diaspora in Cuba between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Multiracial congregations have nearly doubled in the United States
A Baylor University study found multiracial US congregations have nearly doubled, with 12% of all congregations now racially mixed. African-Americans are increasingly leading these churches, and the percentage of black members has risen to nearly a quarter.
Many US women don't realize they're seeking reproductive care at Catholic hospitals
A study found that 15.6% of US women incorrectly identify Catholic hospitals as secular when asked about their primary OB/GYN hospital, highlighting the need for greater transparency in hospital affiliations and religious restrictions on reproductive care.
Infant mortality rates higher in areas with more Christian fundamentalists, study finds
A new Portland State University study found that infant mortality rates are higher in counties with greater proportions of conservative Protestants, especially fundamentalists. The research suggests that the insular culture of fundamentalists can lead to poorer health outcomes.
Self-compassion may protect people from the harmful effects of perfectionism
A study found that self-compassion can weaken the link between perfectionism and depression in both adolescents and adults. The research suggests that self-compassion interventions could help mitigate the negative effects of perfectionism, paving the way for future experimental studies.
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...
Students who enjoy or take pride in math have better long-term math achievement
A longitudinal study of 3,425 German students found that emotions influenced math achievement over time. Students with higher intelligence and those who enjoyed math had better grades and test scores. In contrast, students experiencing negative emotions like anxiety and shame suffered from lower achievement.
Catholics more committed to workplace than evangelicals are, study finds
A Baylor University study found that Catholics are more emotionally attached to their workplaces than Evangelicals, with people having strong attachments to God also showing higher job commitment. In contrast, those without a faith tradition are the least likely to be attached to God and their workplaces.
Women in developed nations with strong Catholic heritage less likely to breastfeed
A study published in BMJ Global Health found that women living in developed Western nations with a strong Catholic heritage are less likely to breastfeed. The research suggests that breastfeeding promotion policies should be adapted to better fit prevailing cultural and religious norms.
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.
Despite papal letter, Catholics and the public politically divided on climate change
A national survey found that awareness of Laudato Si' did not increase concern over climate change, but rather polarized views among Catholics and non-Catholics. Liberals who knew about the encyclical were more concerned about climate change than those who didn't.
Some Catholic hospitals make it hard for physicians to provide referrals for reproductive services
A new study reveals that some Catholic hospitals hinder clinicians from providing referrals for reproductive services such as sterilization and abortion. The study found that in some hospitals, administrators encouraged or tolerated referrals, while others discouraged them or kept them hidden.
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.
Hybrid hydrostatic transmission enables robots with human-like grace and precision
A new type of hydrostatic transmission combines hydraulic and pneumatic lines to drive robot arms with extreme precision, enabling delicate tasks like picking up an egg. This technology enables robots to interact with people in a life-like manner, making them ideal for human-robot interaction research.
Faith-based health promotion program successful with older Latinas
A faith-based health promotion program, Abuelas en Acción, successfully motivated older Latinas to adopt healthier lifestyles by integrating spiritual and family values. Participants showed significant improvements in physical activity, nutrition, and stress management.
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.
Catholic schools that fail to serve fast-growing Hispanic population put futures at risk
A Boston College study reveals that Catholic schools are inadequately prepared to educate the growing Hispanic Catholic population in the US. The study highlights disparities in recruitment, training, and cultural sensitivity among school leaders and teachers, which stifle school vitality and the Church's engagement with this young gen...
Brain boost: ONR Global sponsors research to improve memory through electricity
A breakthrough study sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global has significantly boosted the memory and mental performance of laboratory mice through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). The researchers observed improved performance in navigating a water maze and distinguishing between known and unknown objects,...
New survey on Americans' views on papal encyclical on climate change
A recent survey found that fewer than 1 in 3 Americans are aware of Pope Francis's efforts to publicize global warming as a priority issue for the Catholic Church. Most Americans support the pope's stance on the issue, despite few considering it a religious or social justice concern.
NASA Goddard scientist wins Harold C. Urey Prize
Dr. Geronimo Luis Villanueva, a NASA Goddard scientist, has been awarded the 2015 Harold C. Urey Prize for his exceptional work in planetary research and spectroscopy. He is recognized for his contributions to understanding comets and Mars's atmosphere.
Forming school networks to educate 'the new mainstream'
Researchers found educators connecting within and between schools to focus on central goals as they shifted from monolingual to bilingual instruction. School leaders need to foster structures that support teachers embracing new practices.
Study examines religious affiliation and social class
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist found that younger evangelical Protestants are closing the social-class gap with mainline Protestants. Younger working-class Americans are increasingly unaffiliated with any particular denomination, a shift that could impact conservative Christian groups' role in U.S. society and politics.
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.
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.
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.
Religious, nonreligious organizations may have similar impact on immigrants
A new study from Rice University reveals that religious and nonreligious organizations in the US have a comparable impact on immigrants' ability to acclimate to American society. Despite differences in motivations, both types of organizations provide similar services and outreach to their communities.