The hottest Religion Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Evangelicals for Trump? It's Not About Religion

Steady • 28774 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Religion Society Polling Media
  1. Evangelicals support Trump not necessarily because of religion but for reasons like opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
  2. Despite Trump's personal controversies, many white evangelical Christians see him as a savior figure saving the country from perceived threats.
  3. There is a shift in evangelical priorities, with church attendance declining and political identity becoming more significant.

The Rise of Western Individualism

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4431 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology History Society Religion Economics
  1. Western individualism stems from historical factors like the power of the Western Church and its unique taboos on family structures.
  2. WEIRD societies have distinct characteristics: hyper-individualism, focus on intentions, patience for delayed gratification, and a willingness to adhere to rules even without enforcement.
  3. The rise of Western individualism influenced laws, innovation, and economic prosperity, with key factors like belief in moralizing gods, influence of formal institutions, and the impact of impersonal markets.

Social Conservatism as 4D Chess

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2048 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Culture Policy Religion
  1. Social conservatives make claims about higher-order effects to justify their positions on issues like abortion and euthanasia, but these claims often lack evidence or are disproven by cross-national comparisons.
  2. Slippery slope arguments can be valid in limited contexts, but broad claims like legalizing prostitution affecting overall societal values need substantial evidence, which is often lacking.
  3. Government policies in free countries have limited influence on shaping culture predictably; the impact is often chaotic and hard to plan for, as seen by historical examples of social policies not aligning with expected cultural changes.

Genocidal Psychopaths Celebrate International Day To Combat Islamophobia

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1625 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
📰 News Politics Religion Social Issues Ethics Human Rights
  1. International Day to Combat Islamophobia led to hypocritical statements by political figures condemning Islamophobia while engaged in actions that fuel it.
  2. The Democratic party is characterized as masking the violent actions of the US empire with proclamations of love and support for marginalized groups, while continuing to engage in harmful policies globally.
  3. The post criticizes Democrats for outwardly condemning Islamophobia while being complicit in atrocities against Muslim populations, highlighting the disconnect between their words and actions.
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WATCH: Douglas Murray Meets the Son of Hamas

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4187 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Terrorism Religion Radicalization Middle East
  1. Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of one of Hamas's founders, became an Israeli informant and helped prevent terror attacks, later converting to Christianity.
  2. Yousef has been vocal about the damage Hamas has caused to Palestinian society and the extreme hate-filled beliefs that fuel radical Islamic terrorism.
  3. Yousef's unique perspective, moral clarity, and firsthand experience make his insights important in understanding and combatting terrorist groups.

Jen Gerson: Where have all the New Atheists gone?

The Line • 2731 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Society Secularism
  1. The trend of declining religious affiliation is noticeable, with Christianity on the decline while irreligiosity is on the rise in Western societies.
  2. A shift in perspectives is observed, with some former atheists converting to Christianity due to the moral void left by secularism.
  3. The atheist community, including New Atheists, is facing challenges and division, with some aligning with social justice movements and others critiquing them.

UK's chief rabbi gives his blessing to war crimes in Gaza

Jonathan Cook • 3557 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Religion Genocide Media Ethics
  1. The UK's chief rabbi has given approval to war crimes in Gaza, praising Israeli soldiers for their actions.
  2. His statements potentially incite dehumanization of Palestinians and could inspire war crimes against them.
  3. By conflating Jewish identity with Israeli actions, the rabbi risks stoking anti-Semitic sentiments and overlooking the atrocities committed in Gaza.

The Bones of a Dark Age Academy

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 2437 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Community Society Education Politics
  1. The Dark Age Academy should focus on mutual aid, lobbying, security, and relief organizations to support the community's basic needs and economic security.
  2. The Academy should also include organizations that support education, family life, and community quality, like homeschooling and family support groups.
  3. In addition, the Dark Age Academy should incorporate fraternal organizations, business associations, and political parties to organize and direct power for the good of the community.
  4. Arts and intellectual publications, journals, and communities are essential for understanding the world, providing higher thinking, and capturing the truth, beauty, and good in society.

#TradWife Life as Self-Annihilation

Culture Study • 11656 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Society Gender Religion Family Politics
  1. The concept of #TradWife encompasses different categories, like evangelical Christians and stay-at-home-girlfriends, each with unique beliefs and practices.
  2. The #TradWife content on social media may seem harmless on the surface, but it often aligns with regressive and anti-choice ideologies.
  3. There's a common theme of self-annihilation among women subscribing to #TradWife ideals, where their identity and desires are overshadowed by serving others.

Bishop Álvarez freed in Nicaragua, exiled to Vatican

The Pillar • 1906 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Diplomacy Religion Oppression
  1. The Nicaraguan regime freed Bishop Rolando José Álvarez and expelled him from the country after he was sentenced to 26 years in prison along with other priests and seminarians.
  2. The release was secured through diplomacy involving Vatican agreements, leading to the deportation of numerous clerics, including Bishop Álvarez and others from various dioceses.
  3. The deportation represents the third major expulsion of Nicaraguan priests within a year, contributing to a significant exodus of priests from the country and potentially challenging the Church's presence in Nicaragua.

In response to those who are concerned about my general criticism of the counter-culture movement...

Through A Glass Darkly • 1356 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Philosophy Therapy
  1. The author discusses the origins and influences of the counter-culture movement.
  2. There is a caution against blindly following teachings without critical thinking.
  3. The importance of discerning between healthy and destructive approaches to spirituality and mental well-being is highlighted.

Links to Consider, 3/14

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Reading Sociology Religion Politics
  1. Reading is a skill that needs practice; reading long-form text is important for success in education and work.
  2. There's a need to understand trade-offs in policy-making; some argue for stronger social norms against alcohol and drug use.
  3. The shift towards morality and self-discipline in religions coincided with an increase in affluence and a focus on delayed gratification.

Angels, Dragons, And That Spiritual Monster Truck Rally At The End Of The Opera

The Corners by Nadia Bolz-Weber • 5522 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Beliefs Teachings Community
  1. Revel in the complexity and symbolism of spiritual narratives like the battle between angels and dragons in the book of Revelation.
  2. Reflect on how deception can touch us all, prompting self-reflection on personal biases and misconceptions.
  3. Embrace humility to navigate the battle between good and evil, acknowledging that certainty in righteousness can be more dangerous than blatant evil.

Of Secret Tunnels and Fake Lists

donaldjeffries • 1572 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandals Conspiracy Theories Sexual Abuse Law enforcement Religion
  1. There are allegations of a secret tunnel under a synagogue in New York, sparking conspiracy theories and concerns about child abuse.
  2. The discovery of the tunnels has led to speculation and questions about what was happening down there, including the presence of high chairs and stained mattresses.
  3. The reactions to the tunnel discovery raise issues about religious privilege and how different scenarios involving different religious groups might be perceived and treated by the public and media.

The New Calendar of Saints

Wrong Side of History • 422 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History Religion Social Issues
  1. The modern secular calendar is filled with numerous celebrations and awareness days throughout the year, highlighting important social and cultural themes.
  2. Different countries observe different history months, like Women's History Month and Black History Month, leading to variety in cultural commemorations globally.
  3. There is an ongoing trend of reinterpretation in modern society, where historical figures and events are reexamined and sometimes redefined to fit contemporary values and narratives.

A march on Washington, a death in Venezuela, and a watch on the German border

The Pillar • 1395 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Activism Leadership Corruption Religion Legal issues
  1. Today, Jan. 19, is the March for Life in Washington, DC, which remains significant despite shifts in activism focus.
  2. The death of Kenyan priest Fr. Josiah K’Okal in Venezuela raises suspicions of foul play due to his advocacy for indigenous rights.
  3. Pope Francis issued new financial regulations for the Vatican, showing a response to past scandals and a shift in authority.

Tipping Point Quick Hits (10.12.23): Israel

Tipping Point Prophecy Update by Jimmy Evans • 4795 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Terrorism International relations Religion
  1. Israel is Ground Zero for the end times with recent conflict and escalating tensions.
  2. Hamas attack on Israel leads to significant casualties and hostages, with Israel declaring war in response.
  3. Global leaders, including the US, Russia, and Turkey, are involved in the conflict, raising concerns of a regional war.

St. Petroc Returns To Devonshire

Daily Dreher • 1670 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Symbols Christianity Theology
  1. St. Petroc, an early medieval missionary saint, returned to Devonshire, spreading the message of God through miracles and missionary work.
  2. Christopher Rufo advocates for a new activism on the Right to challenge prevailing ideologies and institutions, emphasizing the need for meaningful change and principles.
  3. Changes in sacramental practices in the Catholic Church, such as baptizing transsexuals without repentance, can signify deeper shifts in symbolic meanings and belief systems, impacting the faithful.

Latinos Are Flocking to Evangelical Christianity

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 306 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Religion Church
  1. Latino voters are shifting rightward, with a recent poll showing Donald Trump leading Joe Biden among them, impacting future voting patterns.
  2. The Latino population is increasingly driving America's evangelical movement, with projections indicating that by 2030, half of U.S. Latinos will identify as Protestant evangelicals.
  3. Latino immigrants are turning to evangelical churches for support and upward mobility, with the promise of economic advancement and a more conservative doctrine appealing to many.

The “Mostly Peaceful” Days of Jihad Arrive In America

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 4363 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Religion Migration Terrorism Security
  1. Millions of Muslims came to Western countries, posing a challenge to the existing culture.
  2. Some influential figures have admitted to a mistake in allowing in people of diverse cultures and religions.
  3. There is a growing concern about the impacts of terrorist activities and the response of Christian communities in the West.

Teach us to Care and not to Care

The Joyous Struggle • 632 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Spirituality Faith Beliefs Philosophy
  1. On Ash Wednesday, the reminder of mortality through rituals like smudging ash can help us embrace the impermanence of life
  2. It's important to reflect on what truly matters in life, learning to care deeply about important things while also letting go of what is not worth our attention
  3. Exploring different spiritual paths and beliefs can be a lifelong journey of self-discovery and understanding

Capitol Hillsong

The Pillar • 943 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Religion Germany United States Crime
  1. Advancements in AI technology, like deepfake videos, have the potential to manipulate information and create chaos.
  2. Concerns about the rise of far-right movements in German politics are being raised by the German bishops.
  3. The unauthorized celebration of traditional Latin Masses, marked by transgressive elements, reveals underlying tensions within the Catholic Church.

Love in the medieval world

Wrong Side of History • 612 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💾 History Medieval Marriage Love Religion Culture
  1. Medieval ideas of love were heavily tied to social status and arranged marriages; noble marriages were often for financial or dynastic reasons, not love.
  2. The Catholic Church's emphasis on consent in marriage was revolutionary, allowing individuals to marry by choice rather than parental arrangement.
  3. The Church's rules on cousin marriage and restrictions on marrying relatives promoted individualism by breaking down extended family structures, paving the way for modern ideas of romantic freedom.