Articles tagged with Religion
A recent study by Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund found that religion is often viewed as a workplace problem to manage rather than an important part of employees' identities. The research suggests that conversations about faith can reveal broader questions about ethics, belonging, and inclusion that affect everyone in...
Researchers found that meaning in life and healthy digital habits are strong predictors of better mental health outcomes. These factors can be strengthened through interventions, regardless of religious affiliation.
Researchers investigated how individuals interpret nonordinary experiences, finding that most people view them as neutral or positive. The study's findings suggest that how a person interprets an unusual experience matters more than the experience itself in determining its impact on wellbeing.
A new study by Bar-Ilan University suggests that a 2,700-year-old standing stone found at Tel 'Eton may shed light on King Hezekiah's religious reforms. The discovery reveals a rare glimpse into the domestic cult practices of ancient Judah during the First Temple period.
A new study by Colorado State University reveals that Latin America and southern Europe favor 'mutualism' while the US and Canada prioritize 'domination'. This divergence in views is linked to European colonization centuries ago. The research emphasizes the importance of considering cultural differences in wildlife management policies.
A study published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion found that over 40% of Japanese respondents identified as nonreligious or atheist yet still participated in rituals and believed in gods and the afterlife. The researchers highlighted the need for flexible tools to capture diverse forms of religiosity, particularly i...
Atimiaphobia is a culturally specific psychological concept tied to honor cultures and shame societies, manifesting as intrusive thoughts and compulsive conformity to social norms. Researchers validated the Atimiaphobia Scale, revealing positive correlations between atimiaphobia and anxiety, as well as lower social intelligence.
A new study found that Catholic men are the most likely group to engage in sports gambling in the US, contradicting the long-held assumption that religion discourages such behavior. Researchers also discovered that people who infrequently attend religious services are more likely to gamble on sports than those who attend regularly.
A recent study by University of Eastern Finland researchers highlights a growing interest in Christianity among young Finnish men as a response to societal uncertainties. Young men find meaning in Christianity through its moral compass and guidance, offering an alternative to superficial individualism.
A new study found that male, married Canadians with social support, healthy habits, and excellent health are more likely to experience high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Social support was a key factor associated with flourishing mental health among older adults.
A new book by sociologist Amy McDowell examines how small talk can be used to block meaningful conversation in evangelical churches, leaving members feeling isolated and alienated. The study reveals that enforced 'biblical sameness' stifles diverse discourse and convinces minorities to conform to a restrictive majority view.
Patients with neurological diseases face profound questions about identity, purpose, and meaning, but neurologists often lack training and tools to address these concerns. A new paper offers practical strategies for incorporating spiritual assessment into routine neurological care.
A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that broad spiritual practices, such as attending religious services and meditation, were associated with a 13% reduced risk of hazardous drug and alcohol use. This reduction was greater (18%) among individuals attending religious services at least once per week.
Sini Mikkola, appointed Professor of Church History at the University of Eastern Finland, researches Christianity's significance in global politics and its effects on Finnish society. She emphasizes critical reflection and methodological approaches to church history research.
A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel found that God-believing religious nones are more likely to hold conservative views than other nones. They tend to support school prayer, the death penalty, and anti-abortion laws, while opposing increased spending on welfare and education.
The new book, Promise the Earth: A safe planet in good faith, calls for a rethink on how we live, hope, lead, and take responsibility to solve the climate crisis. Authors Professor Julian Allwood and Professor Andrew Davison argue that individual action, especially from comfortable lives, is crucial now.
A new study suggests that spiritual or religious affiliation can buffer against major depressive disorder symptoms in young adult online gamers. Gamers who struggled to control internet activity were 35% more likely to experience symptoms of MDD, while those with a spiritual affiliation were 62% less likely.
A decline in churchgoing among middle-aged, less educated white Americans is linked to increased mortality rates from drug overdoses, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease. The study found that states with the largest declines in churchgoing experienced larger increases in deaths of despair, starting years before the opioid crisis began.
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.
A researcher warns that AI can distort our perceptions of death and existence by blurring presence and absence. He suggests that embracing selfless selves, or interconnectedness, can help us accept impermanence and the inevitability of death.
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.
Researchers investigate how ideas about Scandinavian paganism originated in the Middle Ages and evolved over time. They argue that the 'pagan North' stereotype has been exploited for political purposes and has a limited basis in historical records.
Researchers warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, with potential serious ethical consequences. A better understanding of consciousness could have major implications for AI, prenatal policy, animal welfare, medicine, mental health, law, and emerging neurotechnologies.
Researchers Prof Axel Cleeremans, Prof Anil Seth, and Prof Liad Mudrik warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness. They emphasize the need for theory-driven research and innovative methods to advance consciousness science.
A new research project led by Cambridge University reveals that hundreds of 'pundits' kept Sanskrit scholarship alive in remote settlements as British control swept across India. The pundits' works include erotic plays, legal treatises, and other forms of literature, which were largely neglected until now.
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.
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.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has been recognized for its successful initiatives promoting cultural humility and community connections. The First 5 Minutes: Cultural Humility training modules equip healthcare providers with tools to foster respect and empathy in patient interactions.
A recent study surveyed over 1,200 Jewish-Israeli university students during the Israel-Gaza war, finding that half reported changes in their religiosity and/or spirituality. The research reveals a striking picture of how war can both strengthen and weaken religious and spiritual beliefs.
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.
Researchers Dr. Sharday Mosurinjohn and Dr. Richard Ascough critique the 'psychedelic mysteries hypothesis' in a new article, arguing that it relies on circumstantial evidence rather than solid historical scholarship. They advocate for responsible curiosity and a focus on living traditions to unlock psychedelic wisdom.
The Seshat History of Moralizing Religion examines how societies across the world have answered ancient human questions about gods, morality, and the afterlife. The book reveals surprising insights into the development of religious traditions with a strong moral agenda, including Egypt's early adoption of divine punishment and reward.
A comprehensive analysis shows that sports fandom stems from evolutionarily ingrained tendencies which enhance social unity and therefore survival. The study highlights the role of cognitive biases, emotional connections, and heuristics in sustaining fans' beliefs.
A recent study by Prof. Dr. Detlef Pollack reveals a dramatic decline in religious ties across the world, with secularization being a major factor. The study examines various factors contributing to this decline, including growing prosperity and individualization.
A new study reveals that US Muslims show moderate openness to psychedelics in mental health therapy, with higher education correlating with favorable attitudes. Providing education about psychedelic therapies may help lower barriers to considering this treatment.
Dr. Deanna Kaplan's innovative voice-capture app, Fabla, captures unstructured voice narratives to study how clinical interventions influence daily life. The platform has found applications across diverse health domains, including veteran experiences and healthcare provider burnout.
A study published in PLOS One found that conservatives tend to rate their mental health higher than liberals, likely due to stigma surrounding the term. However, when respondents were asked to rate their overall mood instead, the gap disappeared, revealing a more nuanced picture of mental well-being.
A new study finds that large numbers of Americans are leaving organized religion to pursue spirituality in ways that align with their individual values. The research shows a decline in religious attendance and affiliation, but an increase in individual faith and meditation practice.
A new study by Boston College researchers found that nearly 90% of Christian leaders in the US believe in anthropogenic climate change, but most do not discuss it with their congregation. Informing Christians about this consensus can lead to increased willingness to address climate change and align with church values.
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.
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.
A study analyzing 4 million Facebook posts found right-leaning outlets engaged more on politics, religion, and migration, while left-leaning groups focused on education, health, and technology. The research highlights the influence of social media on public opinion during a major election year.
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.
Researchers found greater phonetic markers among Pacific Islander teens in a more diverse school, indicating prominent ethnic boundaries. The study suggests that language shifts serve as subtle signals to establish identity and connect with cultural communities.
A new study highlights the critical role of chaplains in supporting family members of ICU patients. Chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support, facilitating conversations with medical teams and helping families process information.
A study found that conflict-reducing practices in teaching evolution increased acceptance among college students. Emphasizing compatibility between evolution and religion was particularly effective for highly religious Christian students. The study suggests that instructors can play a key role in bridging the divide by adopting strateg...
A study found that traditional paranormal beliefs are linked to increased stress and distress, while new age philosophy is not. The research used a new scale to measure paranormal belief and found that higher scores for traditional paranormal belief were associated with elevated distress and reduced coping abilities.
In Tech Agnostic, Greg Epstein explores how technology has become the world's most powerful religion, and why it desperately needs a reformation. The book argues for tech agnosticism as a way of life, encouraging readers to maintain critical distance from innovation.
A new study by Dr. Kate Goldie Townsend from the University of Exeter highlights the importance of prioritizing children's bodily integrity in protecting them against genital cutting and modification practices. The research emphasizes that children's interest in bodily autonomy should take priority over parental, community, or religiou...
A new study published in the Journal of Roman Archaeology argues that an ancient structure known as the 'Christian building' was not a domestic house church, but rather a space renovated for worship. The findings suggest significant differences between the building's features and those of other domestic structures in Dura-Europos.
A panel of experts has reached consensus on fasting terminology to enhance communication and cross-referencing in the field. The defined terms include 'fasting,' 'modified fasting,' and 'religious fasting,' among others, aiming to steer people away from unverified diets that can lead to unhealthy behaviors.
A meta-analysis of North American correspondence studies found that perceived warmth and competence ratings predicted callback differences between identities. Applicants with lower callback rates were often rated as less warm and competent, highlighting the role of social perceptions in hiring bias.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
462 medieval manuscripts from Speyer, Worms, and Mainz to be digitized for public access, providing new insights into cultural heritage of seven centuries. High-quality digital reproductions will facilitate exploration of historical textual traditions.
George Mason University Professor John Turner will receive $248,460 in funding from the Israel Institute to support a postdoctoral teaching fellow for three academic years. The grant aims to address a significant gap in curricula about modern Israel and its importance in contemporary politics and conflict.
A University of Washington study found that anti-Christian bias claims can be used to signal allyship with white Christian Americans, perpetuating implicit racialization. White Christians perceive politicians concerned about anti-Christian bias as more willing to fight for white people and less offensive than those concerned about anti...
A new study on the Etruscan bronze lamp of Cortona reveals it is a cult object linked to the mystery cult of Dionysus, dating back to 480 BCE. The lamp's decorations depict the Dionysian thiasus, an ecstatic retinue of revelers, challenging earlier interpretations.
A study of 62 Swedish children's books found that most depict death through metaphors, making it difficult for children to understand. Rakel Eklund's research highlights the need for more books that openly discuss death and grief from the child's perspective.
A study of human-animal co-burials from ancient Italy suggests that the practice may have been related to enduring companion relationships or religious beliefs. Researchers found that the people buried with animals did not share common traits, leaving multiple interpretations for this phenomenon.
The UCF PRINT project has received national funding to digitize migrant communication networks and explore the history of early modern migration in the Atlantic world. The project will map the connections between European religious minorities and their influence on migration patterns.