The hottest Faith & Spirituality Substack posts right now

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A Buddhist Sun Miracle?

Astral Codex Ten • 10323 implied HN points • 27 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Miracles Buddhism Catholicism Meditation Comparative Religion
  1. Large mass “sun miracle” events — like Fatima — involved huge crowds who reported the sun spinning, changing colors, and behaving oddly, and these accounts are often cited as strong empirical proof by believers.
  2. A very similar episode happened at Dhammakaya Temple in 1998, where thousands described the sun shifting colors, rotating, and even forming an image of a revered monk, showing the same phenomenon appeared in a non‑Catholic context.
  3. The pattern suggests a psychological or perceptual cause rather than supernatural intervention: focused light‑meditation practices (like kasina) and sungazing can produce comparable visual effects, though more primary reporting and research are needed to confirm this explanation.

Listen

Silentium • 159 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Mindfulness Silence Community Wellness
  1. Listening carefully helps you understand what is truly around you. When you really listen, you might discover new insights.
  2. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and understanding. Taking time to be silent allows us to connect with our thoughts and feelings.
  3. Joining a community for shared silence can enhance the experience. Being together in silence can create a supportive environment for everyone.

'Do You Believe Jesus Died for Our Sins?’ Richard Dawkins Confronts Jordan Peterson

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins • 933 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Religion Existentialism Cultural Studies
  1. Richard Dawkins challenges Jordan Peterson about his beliefs on the Bible and whether Jesus died for our sins.
  2. Peterson compares the truths of Christianity to the complexities of quantum physics in a recent conversation.
  3. They discuss how Christianity has influenced human progress and what it means to believe in its truths.

Dear Pastors

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3816 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Church Politics Community Leadership
  1. Pastors should focus on their local congregations and their real needs rather than seeking attention on social media. The people in their communities need spiritual guidance more than viral posts.
  2. It's important for pastors to lead people toward Jesus instead of political idols. Encouraging love and prayer for neighbors and leaders can help foster unity rather than division in challenging times.
  3. While voting is a civic duty, true hope and redemption come from faith in Jesus, not political outcomes. The Kingdom of God is everlasting, and that's what should matter most to Christians.

In the Desert of the Heart

The Abbey of Misrule • 523 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Mysticism Prayer Contemplation Monasticism Theology
  1. Inner silence matters more than external quiet. Calming the inner noise is what allows the Holy Spirit to dwell in the heart.
  2. Our identities, words, and stories become cages that block spiritual growth. Letting go of self-made opinions and returning to simple, childlike openness creates space for real transformation.
  3. Spiritual change is quiet, hidden work that grows through stillness and prayer. Even amid outer chaos, trusting God and deliberately making room for silence lets the soul be purified.
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Candace Owens and the Catholic ‘Monster Mash’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 561 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Catholicism Antisemitism Religious politics Public Figures
  1. A major Catholic gala is featuring Candace Owens, a public figure known for spreading antisemitic claims and conspiracy theories.
  2. What looks like an innocuous religious event is giving a platform to people who peddle Jew-hating rhetoric, which risks normalizing antisemitism in faith and political spaces.
  3. Owens has promoted specific falsehoods such as minimizing Nazi medical experiments, alleging Jews or Israel were behind 9/11, and claiming a small group of political Jews control U.S. policy.

"Predictive History" and the Second Coming

What's Important? • 20 implied HN points • 27 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mysticism Esotericism Christianity Consciousness Community Spiritual Practice
  1. Conspiracy-style doom stories might grab attention but usually lower your agency; ask whether an idea actually increases your consciousness or capacity to act before you invest energy in it.
  2. Building communities that balance material and spiritual values—combining left-brain analysis with right-brain intuition—can reduce unnecessary suffering and help people co-create a better future.
  3. People with resources and influence should freely share wisdom and form networks that empower free will instead of manipulating attention, and act generously and promptly to support that shift.

The alms round

Silentium • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Community Support Personal Growth Mindfulness
  1. The writer is asking for support to help cover the costs of running their work, including internet and equipment, as they prepare to move to a new location.
  2. They have experienced unexpected financial strains due to the relocation and the need for a new internet setup, among other things.
  3. The writer encourages readers to consider supporting their work through subscriptions, donations, or participating in their courses, emphasizing that even small contributions are appreciated.

This is the work

Silentium • 419 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mysticism Meditation Spirituality Mindfulness
  1. The essence of the work is about finding stillness and emptiness within ourselves. It's like stepping into a quiet room where you can feel a strong presence.
  2. This path is not limited to one specific faith or belief; it is a shared journey among all mystics. Everyone can connect with this work, regardless of their background.
  3. To truly understand our place and existence, we need to look within ourselves and recognize our connection to everything. Silence and stillness are key to discovering this deeper truth.

Becoming prayer

Silentium • 659 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Silence Meditation Spiritual Practices Personal Growth
  1. Being in silence can help deepen our connection to prayer. It's a good way to focus and reflect on our thoughts.
  2. Taking time for quiet moments can lead to peace and clarity in our lives. It's worth making it a regular practice.
  3. Inviting silence into our daily routine can transform how we think and feel. It allows us to slow down and appreciate the moment.

Bishop Barron: The Problem with ‘Sinners’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 524 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Ethics Apologetics
  1. Many award-winning films get celebrated because they fit current progressive or "woke" cultural expectations, and awards often reward those themes rather than deeper moral insight.
  2. Some films frame morality as a strict split between "good people" and "bad people," and then present Christianity mainly as a remedy for the bad people instead of addressing the universal capacity for wrongdoing.
  3. The theory of cultural appropriation can be overly simplistic and may miss the complex realities of cultural exchange and artistic influence, so it needs a more nuanced approach.

The God Hypothesis as a Claim about Invariants

apxhard • 94 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Practice Belief Psychology Ethics Epistemology
  1. The God hypothesis can be understood as a claim that there’s an invariant link between your present attitude and the emotional tone of your future experiences, so adopting a certain mental posture should predictably shift what you feel later.
  2. The recommended mental posture is twofold: total acceptance of the present and a deliberate choice to love others, and small, repeated attitude changes compound over time via neuroplasticity and social reciprocity to change your life.
  3. This idea is testable—try adopting the orientation and track your emotional distribution (or try the opposite and compare)—but most people treat it as a mere heuristic rather than committing to sustained practice, which is why it’s hard to see the effect.

Secrets of the ancient memelords

Experimental History • 26115 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Belief systems Cultural Studies Sociology Philosophy
  1. The biggest religions combine brainy thinkers with everyday believers. This mix helps keep faith relevant and strong for everyone, whether they're deeply knowledgeable or just practicing traditions.
  2. There’s a divide in today's world between those who think deeply about issues and those who don’t. We need to find ways to bridge this gap so that we can work together and understand each other better.
  3. Successful ideologies adapt and communicate well. They should be easy for everyone to grasp, whether they're scholars or casual followers, to keep people engaged and united.

The Christian Conservatives Who Don’t Want Prayer Time in Schools

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 384 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Church-state Religious freedom Education Local Politics Conservatism
  1. Most Texas school boards have rejected creating official prayer periods during the school day, even though they were required to vote on the question.
  2. Some conservative Christians say personal faith should stay private and not be turned into a formal part of the school schedule.
  3. Religious practices still happen informally in communities—like student-led prayers at football games—even when boards decline to add prayer time to the school day.

Dennis Prager: Right and Wrong Are Not a Matter of Personal Opinion

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2276 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Ethics Morality Apologetics Biblical Studies Spirituality
  1. Right and wrong are presented as objective truths, not just personal opinions, and people should live as if there is a real moral order behind our judgments.
  2. Teaching children clear moral limits—telling them “that’s wrong”—is essential for raising good people, but fewer adults are doing this today.
  3. The existence of extreme evil shows why we must study why people hurt others and deliberately teach moral responsibility to prevent harm.

Walk Away From The Sea

The Abbey of Misrule • 324 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Saints Christianity Mysticism Monasticism Spirituality Medieval
  1. A life spent chasing wealth and the sea can be answered by a deeper call to leave it all and live simply in the woods.
  2. Dreams and quiet visions can push a person to change course, acting like a summons to a new vocation and a kind of rebirth.
  3. The wild—its trees, animals, and simple food—becomes a sacred home where humility, song, and transformation are possible.

The sacred pause

Silentium • 859 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Silence Mindfulness Spirituality Inner peace
  1. Taking a moment of silence can help clear your mind and bring peace. It’s like a reset button for your thoughts.
  2. Pausing can improve your focus and creativity. When you stop and breathe, new ideas often come to you.
  3. Embracing quiet moments in your daily life is important for your mental well-being. It allows you to connect more deeply with yourself.

The call of spiritual life

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Meditation Silence Religion Philosophy
  1. Spiritual life often invites us to find moments of silence and stillness. Taking time for quiet can help us connect deeper with ourselves.
  2. Engaging in spiritual practices can foster a sense of peace and clarity. These practices can be anything from meditation to nature walks.
  3. Embracing silence can lead to personal growth and understanding. It's a chance to hear our thoughts and feelings without distractions.

Not The Re-Enchantment We Ordered

Reactionary Feminist • 21 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religious history Theology
  1. Digital media is overturning the print-shaped mind: it favors short, hyperlinked, emotive attention and weakens the habits of deep, reflective reading that supported modern objectivity and deliberation.
  2. That cognitive shift is driving a broad re-enchantment where ritual, charismatic religion, online fandoms and conspiracy patterns grow, which can revive genuine faith but also sharpen tribalism, political volatility, and the risk of violence tied to apocalyptic thinking.
  3. The right response is cultural formation not coercion: rebuild practices that train memory, attention, and disciplined study (monastery-like institutions), refuse exclusive Christian nationalism, and offer an inclusive, discipling Christianity as a stable centre in a tribal age.

Hillary Clinton Wrote a Hit Piece on Me. Here’s My Response.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2745 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Ethics Conservatism Media Culture
  1. A high-profile critique accused conservative influencers and policies of promoting a 'war on empathy,' tying that stance to harmful incidents and a perceived lack of compassion in policy.
  2. Those criticized insist this is a mischaracterization and say they do not view empathy as a sin, rejecting the claim that they oppose compassion.
  3. The clash highlights a deeper debate about how religious morality should shape public life and policy, with competing views on the role of compassion and responsibility in politics.

Shrine of the heart

Silentium • 559 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Silence Inner peace Mindfulness Spiritual growth
  1. Silence can be a powerful way to connect with yourself and your emotions. Taking time to be quiet allows for deeper reflection and understanding.
  2. Creating a personal space for silence, like a 'shrine of the heart', can help you cultivate peace and focus in your life.
  3. Embracing moments of stillness can lead to greater clarity and insights about your thoughts and feelings. It's important to prioritize time for silence in our busy lives.

A Special Day, and a Heartfelt Thanks

The Status Kuo • 40783 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Story Gratitude
  1. The author found support and strength from the online community during a difficult time of grief and loss.
  2. Despite the sadness and challenges, the author decided to adopt a new puppy named Windsor to start a new chapter in life.
  3. The author still cherishes the memory of their late dog Hudson and feels her presence in starting this new journey.

Silence of the heart

Silentium • 439 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Mindfulness Silence Inner peace Spiritual Practices
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and understanding. Taking time to be quiet helps us connect with our feelings.
  2. Embracing moments of silence allows us to find peace and clarity in our busy lives. It lets us step back and appreciate our thoughts.
  3. Listening to our inner voice in silence can lead to personal growth and insight. It encourages us to think deeply about our experiences and beliefs.

The Monthly Salon: February

The Abbey of Misrule • 291 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Orthodoxy Spirituality Lent Pilgrimage
  1. Lent is presented as a time to deepen faith by shedding unnecessary attachments and stepping away from worldly concerns. It’s more about growing closer to the divine than just giving things up.
  2. There’s a concerted effort to resist AI in writing, with essays, interviews, a dedicated website, and partnerships with like-minded publications; alongside this, people are pulling back from noisy social features and shutting down chat tools suspected of bot spam.
  3. Reconnecting with the real world and hand-made craft is central—nature, walking pilgrimages, and live festivals are prized over online noise. Writing is being offered freely while being supported by subscriptions and donations to keep that real-world focus alive.

Walking, Wittgenstein, and God

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 3835 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Spirituality Meaning Mortality Practice
  1. Daily, purposeful walking and simple routines can calm obsessive worries and give practical meaning to life, helping people stay grounded during uncertainty.
  2. Science and pure rationalism can’t answer every existential question, and insisting they can often strips life of mystery and leads to emptiness, so humility about limits matters.
  3. Accepting that you can’t control everything and cultivating inner independence—through humility, practices like walking or prayer, and belief in something beyond yourself—brings contentment and purpose.

How do I pray?

Silentium • 519 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Meditation Silence Spiritual growth Reflection
  1. Prayer can be a moment of silence and reflection. It's a chance to pause and connect with your feelings.
  2. Practicing prayer is personal and can look different for everyone. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it.
  3. Creating a quiet space for prayer can help enhance the experience. Finding a calm environment makes it easier to focus.

Inside the Christian Civil War over Antisemitism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 366 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Catholicism Antisemitism Zionism Religious politics
  1. American Catholicism is sharply divided over antisemitism, with older leaders insisting antisemitism is anti‑Christian while many younger Catholics treat that view as outdated.
  2. A growing Judeo‑Christian Zionist movement is uniting politicians and celebrities to cast support for Israel as part of a wider "civilizational struggle" against Islamist extremists and their backers.
  3. High‑profile expulsions and public fights over demonizing Jews show these disputes are reshaping faith communities and political alliances.

Tough Love: Can I Marry an Atheist?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1395 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Marriage Relationships Conversion Parenting Spirituality Religious practice
  1. Deep differences about God and faith can shape your whole marriage and how you raise kids, so they matter more than many other disagreements.
  2. Don’t treat religion as a small compromise — fundamental beliefs often determine the first principles of a shared life, so you should honestly assess whether you can reconcile those views.
  3. Having the same goals now (home, roles, kids) doesn’t prove you’ll handle future stress; test how you’ll navigate faith differences before making a permanent commitment.

The Pope Offers Wisdom

Don't Worry About the Vase • 4749 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Ethics Philosophy Leadership
  1. The Pope emphasizes that technological innovation should consider ethical and spiritual values. This means that when creating new technologies, we should think about how they can benefit humanity.
  2. There is a need for honesty and responsibility in business and technology. People in these fields should care about how their work impacts society and strive to make the world a better place.
  3. The backlash against Marc Andreessen for mocking the Pope shows that there's growing concern about the negative trends in tech culture. Many are now questioning the approach of prioritizing innovation without considering moral implications.

My Spiritual Evolution

Tao Lin • 679 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual growth Religious Studies Cultural perspectives
  1. Materialism is a viewpoint that says only physical things exist and this idea has become quite common, often dismissing spiritual beliefs as outdated or silly.
  2. The author describes a childhood filled with fear of death, shaped by their family's materialist beliefs and a lack of spiritual discussions.
  3. After experiencing personal struggles and exploring altered states of consciousness, the author began to believe in a spiritual reality beyond physical existence.

Cairo Smith

Patti Smith • 28342 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Death Companionship Legacy Connection Love
  1. Cairo Smith was a unique and special cat who lived to nearly 22 years, showing unwavering love and courage.
  2. Cairo had a deep bond with Patti Smith, being her guardian, friend, and companion throughout their time together.
  3. Cairo's gentle and loving nature touched the lives of many, bringing comfort, affection, and joy to those around her.

How to build a Goddess

The Abbey of Misrule • 569 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Saints Religious history Spirituality
  1. St Brigid was a sixth‑century Christian abbess and founder of Kildare, celebrated for radical charity, miraculous stories, and leadership of a female monastic community rooted in devotion to Christ.
  2. The modern image of a pre‑Christian 'goddess Brigid' is largely a later construction influenced by Victorian romanticism and contemporary politics, and it often lacks solid historical evidence.
  3. The remaking of Brigid reflects a culture hungry for saints and spiritual symbols, and it suggests that a more fruitful response is to live out her example of charity and care for creation rather than simply reclaiming a fictional past.

Days of Awe

davidabell • 257 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Science Mysticism
  1. Many people today struggle to feel awe due to busy lives and technology that makes us feel in control. It’s important to take moments to reflect and appreciate the greater universe around us.
  2. Science has revealed how vast and complex the universe is, but this should inspire awe rather than diminish it. We still have much to learn about the world, and the mysteries of nature can be humbling.
  3. There is a balance between questioning everything and accepting that some things are beyond our understanding. Accepting our limits and feeling awe can lead to a deeper appreciation of life.

Charlie Kirk’s Final Message to America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2550 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Spirituality Worship Theology Community Ethics
  1. Set aside one day each week as a true Sabbath by putting away your smartphone and work, and focus on rest, family, and spiritual renewal.
  2. Regularly observing rest can help heal personal and national freneticism by restoring attention to what really matters and reducing constant distraction.
  3. The core message is a hopeful, practical call to change: even if the practice helps just one person, that small change is meaningful.

Arthur Brooks: Suffer Like a Marine

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 537 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Buddhism Mindfulness Prayer Suffering Well-being Meaning
  1. Pain is a natural signal and often important for growth, so trying to erase all pain is both impossible and undesirable. Suffering comes from how strongly you resist pain, so lowering resistance is a better goal than eliminating pain.
  2. Nonresistance means accepting pain without fear, anger, or self-pity, which lets you feel pain without multiplying your suffering. When you stop railing against pain, its power over you weakens.
  3. You can build nonresistance by deliberately facing hardship (like tough training) and by practices such as prayer or mental preparation that help you accept what comes. The real skill is applying these habits when pain is unwanted, not just when you choose it.

My Enneagram: 3, 6, 9

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 3018 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personality Spirituality Self-help Psychology Personal Growth Christianity
  1. Types 3, 6, and 9 form an "attachment" trio that cope by clinging to reassuring roles: 6s are pragmatic, vigilant, and loyal but anxious, 3s are driven, image-conscious achievers, and 9s are peaceful harmonizers who merge to avoid conflict.
  2. These types often mirror their surroundings, so they can look very different outwardly; to recognize them, notice their underlying "navigational style" (how they handle stress, group dynamics, and decision‑making) rather than just surface traits.
  3. Each type has clear strengths and pitfalls, and growth means shifting toward healthier patterns: 6s finding inner authority and spontaneity, 3s embracing authenticity and rest, and 9s asserting preferences and engaging anger constructively.