The hottest Faith & Spirituality Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

Rise and Fall

The Abbey of Misrule • 502 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Christianity Orthodoxy Cultural Trends Spiritual Practice
  1. Orthodox Christianity is gaining popularity, especially among young men, as it offers traditional teachings and a spiritual challenge that many find refreshing compared to modern churches.
  2. The decline of liberalism in the West is leading to a search for new ideologies, but there currently is no clear replacement, which creates uncertainty about the future.
  3. As Orthodox Christianity grows, it may attract both support and criticism, highlighting the importance of staying true to its teachings amidst a changing cultural landscape.

The Tuesday Edition

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History Rituals Traditions
  1. The seven-day week we use has been unchanged since at least 311 C.E., despite many calendar changes over the years.
  2. More than 625,000 days have passed without interrupting the sequence of days, showing consistency in how we mark time.
  3. Even with holidays that confuse us about what day it is, the schedule of the week keeps moving forward as normal.

I Had to Say Something at My Son's Wedding

The Honest Broker • 17819 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection Marriage Literature Emotions Family
  1. The author struggled to find the right passage to read at his son's wedding and ultimately turned to a Kierkegaard text he had read at his own wedding many years ago.
  2. The author found sentimental value in the passage, realizing its deeper meaning as he read it in 2024, bringing a new perspective to his understanding of marriage.
  3. By revisiting a piece of paper he saved from years ago, the author was able to share a touching and meaningful passage with the wedding guests, connecting past and present moments.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

A morning message

Patti Smith • 19458 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Loss Comfort Journey
  1. The author shares thoughts and emotions on a chilly autumn morning.
  2. The author reminisces about a beloved companion, Cairo, who has passed away.
  3. The author will continue to write and travel, sharing personal reflections along the way.

Gnosticism: Convergences

Secretum Secretorum • 606 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Buddhism Esotericism Mysticism
  1. Gnosticism and Buddhism share ideas that material existence is less real and that ignorance is the root of suffering. Both traditions emphasize the importance of mystical knowledge for liberation.
  2. Both Gnosticism and Tantric practices in Buddhism involve a focus on transgressions and a move beyond traditional religious laws. This shows they both seek deeper truths through breaking societal taboos.
  3. Gnostic communities, like some Tantric traditions, allowed more freedom for women and looked beyond social status for spiritual attainment. This highlights a common theme of valuing inner character over external labels.

Be a Miracle Maker, and Don't Let Anyone Scare You

Tessa Fights Robots • 28 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Love Healing Fear Ancestry
  1. Don’t let fear control you. Stay focused on your true self and the positive things in life, no matter what the news says.
  2. Love and compassion are powerful tools. Instead of engaging with negativity or enemies, choose to feel love and understanding.
  3. Healing and personal growth are essential. Focus on spiritual connection and understanding your roots, as this can guide you towards a more loving and fulfilled life.

A Merry Little Chrismukkah

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Tradition Community Identity Belief
  1. For the first time in many years, Hanukkah and Christmas are overlapping, creating a unique celebration called 'Chrismukkah.' This blending shows a connection between Jewish and Christian communities this year.
  2. People from different backgrounds gathered to share their faith and values, highlighting the importance of family and community. The spirit of togetherness felt stronger during challenging times.
  3. The current environment has changed how many view their identities, especially for those who were once in the majority. There's a new awareness of what it feels like to be part of a minority group.

Why rabbits?

Noahpinion • 34118 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Pets Morality Power Protection Hierarchy
  1. Rabbits make great pets because they are low maintenance and playful.
  2. Taking care of a pet rabbit can be a rewarding experience, creating a special bond.
  3. It is important to use our strength and power to protect and uplift those who are weaker, promoting a more equal and gentle world.

My Mormon Obsession

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religious history Theology Cultural Studies Personal narrative Community Dynamics
  1. Joseph Smith had unique and complex beliefs about God and spirituality that diverged from the mainstream ideas of his followers. He believed that humans could become like God and that creativity was a path to divinity.
  2. Smith faced opposition and challenges from both within and outside his community, including issues arising from his controversial practices like plural marriage. This led to tensions among his followers and eventually to his downfall.
  3. After Smith's death, the Mormon community experienced a significant shift as leadership changed hands. Brigham Young led the migration to Utah, where the community adopted a more structured approach, moving away from the free-spirited culture that characterized Smith's time.

Sunday caption contest: pray

Robert Reich • 5817 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality
  1. The post is about a Sunday caption contest where people submit captions.
  2. Last week's winner was Rita Fuller with the caption 'Too many good people did nothing.'
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive content and support the work being done.

The Moses Option

The Abbey of Misrule • 998 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Activism Philosophy Cultural Commentary Spiritual growth
  1. Activism is about trying to fix the world, but it often leads to thinking in a narrow way. Instead, we need to focus on personal change and spiritual growth.
  2. The true path to making a difference might be through sacrifice and self-emptying, rather than fighting against the problems we see around us.
  3. To really connect with the world and each other, we should start by looking inward and understanding our own flaws, like the story of Moses who carried his past while seeking transformation.

Heart Centered Writing

The Forgotten Side of Medicine • 6289 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Writing Communication Holistic Medicine Life purpose
  1. Writing from the heart is important in creating connections with readers and conveying the intended message effectively.
  2. Prioritizing quality over quantity in any work can lead to deeper satisfaction and better outcomes.
  3. Clear and relatable communication is key in teaching and writing, ensuring the audience understands and engages with the content.

Your highlights of 2023, and overcoming helplessness in 2024

Granted • 7427 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Empathy Compassion Self-Improvement Personal Growth
  1. Compassion involves acknowledging distress even if you can't solve it, helping people feel seen.
  2. Top 10 links of 2023 included topics like the effective use of language, email etiquette, and cultural communication differences.
  3. Podcasts on bringing out positivity in kids, unlocking hidden potential, recharging on weekends, and building leadership skills.

Gnosticism: Origins

Secretum Secretorum • 631 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religious history Philosophy Spiritual beliefs Religious practices
  1. Gnosticism emphasizes knowledge ('gnosis') as the key to understanding the universe, viewing it as flawed and created by a lesser god.
  2. Gnostics believe our true essence is divine, and our task is to reconnect with this lost origin and escape the physical world's traps.
  3. The belief system is seen as a reaction to the oppressive religious and political contexts of the time, offering a radical alternative to traditional spirituality.

Hearing the language of Christ on the road to Damascus

Wrong Side of History • 351 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Culture History Travel Philosophy
  1. Maaloula is a small town in Syria where people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. It's like a time capsule for ancient culture.
  2. The town has historical sites, including the Convent of St Thecla and a 2,000-year-old church. These places show the rich history and faith of the people.
  3. Maaloula is also a meeting point for different cultures, with locals and Iranian pilgrims mingling together. This creates a unique atmosphere of shared beliefs.

Why I Am A Pagan

Castalia • 1119 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Religious Studies
  1. Paganism views divinity as a connection to nature and different energies in life, rather than just a single god. It's about listening to nature and aligning with its various forces.
  2. In paganism, people can embody different roles like lover, fighter, or craftsman, and their value is based on how they act in each role. This differs from monotheistic views where morality is more binary.
  3. Paganism offers a richer understanding of our experiences and the complexity of human life. It encourages seeing divinity as a form of art that reflects our relationship to the world.

Flying After Our Wings Have Been Cut Bleeding Off

Tessa Fights Robots • 30 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Healing Ancestry Consciousness Personal Growth Freedom
  1. Healing from our past pain helps us regain control of our lives. When we carry unprocessed hurt, it makes us more vulnerable to outside influences.
  2. Recognizing that everyone struggles with their own pain can help us be more understanding. Instead of judging others, we can see them as people trying to navigate their challenges.
  3. It's time for us to remember our strength and take back our freedom. By focusing on healing ourselves and our past, we can rise above what holds us down.

Curating your unique inner imaginarium

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 3394 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Myth Imagination Archetypes Soul
  1. The concept of an 'inner imaginarium' suggests that our imaginations are influenced by external sources and have an independent existence, impacting soul-making.
  2. The imaginal world is seen as a realm of psyche and soul, where archetypes, stories, and creative insights thrive, connecting us to a deeper reality.
  3. Developing a 'mythic sensibility' involves embracing and working with the unique collection of images, stories, and archetypes that resonate with us, contributing to soul-making.

About the Asbury Revival

Tipping Point Prophecy Update by Jimmy Evans • 8058 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Revival Awakening Christianity Prayer
  1. The Asbury Revival started at a small Christian college in Kentucky and quickly spread through prayer and worship.
  2. The student-led revival prompted repentance, action, and love, contrasting with the anger seen at other universities.
  3. Revival may not be a sign of the end times, but it brings hope for spiritual awakening and positive change in society.

Why I Am A (Medieval) Catholic

Castalia • 699 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Psychology Tradition Healing
  1. Medieval Catholicism offers a unique way to understand psychological states using the idea of demons and possession. This approach can help explain behaviors and emotions in a way that modern labels sometimes fail to capture.
  2. The Catholic tradition emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and redemption. This is shown through stories, like Dante's, which illustrate that even the worst actions can lead to healing through understanding and acceptance of one's sins.
  3. Religious language and belief systems can provide powerful support in overcoming struggles, like addiction. Many people find that embracing a higher power helps them in their journey towards recovery and self-acceptance.

On longing and the Asbury Revival.

The Corners by Nadia Bolz-Weber • 7645 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Prayer Worship Spirit
  1. The Asbury Revival in a small town in Kentucky is characterized by simplicity and humility, focusing on prayer and singing led by young college students.
  2. Critiques and analyses of the revival on social media highlight exhaustion from culture wars and the idolatry of ideology, detracting from the open-hearted awe and curiosity it aims to inspire.
  3. Despite past discomfort, the author longs for the authenticity and connection seen in the Asbury Revival, desiring to be un-self-conscious in devotion to God.

The Heroine's Journey

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2855 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Archetypes Personal Development
  1. The concept of the Heroine's Journey offers a new perspective that differs from the traditional Hero's Journey, focusing on women's experiences and acknowledging their diverse roles beyond stereotypes.
  2. Exploring narrative psychology through fairy tales provides a more relatable and inclusive framework for personal growth, as fairy tales represent the tales of ordinary people and offer a wide range of characters and situations.
  3. The Heroine's Journey encourages individuals to delve deeper into their own journey through life, reflecting on women's archetypes, personal mythmaking, and other narrative processes for self-discovery and understanding.