The hottest Religion Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Guest Post: Gbenga Adewoyin: Fighting superstition in Africa

Critical Mass • 5 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Superstitions in Sub-Saharan Africa can have dangerous effects, like accusing people of witchcraft or performing harmful rituals. These beliefs lead to serious crimes and injustices, which are often overlooked.
  2. Efforts to combat these superstitions have been gaining some traction, with increased public discussions and investigations into frauds who exploit these beliefs. More people are starting to question and challenge traditional views about the supernatural.
  3. There are serious societal issues linked to belief in the supernatural, like tribalism and stigmatization of those accused of witchcraft. Many innocent individuals face lifelong consequences due to these superstitions, emphasizing the need for societal change.

how we die

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jun 21
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Death is a natural part of life, with birth and death forming a perfect equation.
  2. Accepting death and being familiar with our own mortality can help us navigate the inevitable.
  3. Growing old is a process of regression, preparing us for the final destination without pause or rehearsal.

February 22, 2024

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion
  1. The Alabama Supreme Court's decision on embryos for in vitro fertilization as children affects popular IVF programs.
  2. There's a growing intersection of religion and government, with calls for a biblically sanctioned government by some Republican leaders.
  3. Historically, the US defended democracy by separating religion from government, but there are current concerns about a minority imposing religious views on the majority.

The Pro-Life Enigma

Taboo Topic • 14 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion
  1. Lack of support for banning or restricting abortion on state and federal levels, even among Republican voters.
  2. Secularism is on the rise, with fewer Americans identifying as Christian and believing in the inerrancy of the Bible.
  3. Debate over personhood is a major challenge in the Pro-Life movement, with differing views on when life begins and what defines a person.
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Francisco Ayala, March 12, 1934-March 3, 2023, Scientist, Scholar, and Religious Defender of Science

Critical Mass • 20 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Francisco Ayala was a respected scientist, scholar, and defender of science and evolution.
  2. He showcased that belief in God can coexist with an acceptance of Darwinian evolution.
  3. Ayala played a key role in ensuring that the Catholic Church continued to stand by the statement on evolution made by Pope John Paul II.

[Book Review] Russia: A Short History

JoeWrote • 10 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📚 Literature Religion
  1. Abraham Ascher's book 'Russia: A Short History' effectively highlights the connection between religion, autocracy, and the shaping of Russian history, including the acceptance of autocracy in greater Russia.
  2. The book distinguishes between dictatorship and autocracy, showcasing how autocratic societies like Russia function with input from key public institutions.
  3. The author's analysis of Soviet-style communism is critiqued within the context of the historical narrative presented in the book.

Faith

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 21
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Rejecting one idea of God doesn't mean you can't create your own idea of God. It's important to find a belief that feels right for you.
  2. Faith can be seen differently in religious and scientific communities. While faith is a virtue in religion, science values doubt and questioning.
  3. Even in math and logic, there’s a level of faith that better explanations exist. This shows that faith isn’t just for the religious, but important in every field of exploration.

Why smoke shows marry bags of dirty socks among church folk

Sex and the State • 19 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Men in Evangelical churches have leverage in choosing partners due to gender imbalances.
  2. Conservative church culture often prioritizes traditional beauty standards for women and financial stability for men in relationships.
  3. Church teachings on marriage and social circles play a role in the phenomenon of 'smokeshow' women marrying 'bags of dirty socks' men within church communities.

We Have Never Seen Jesus

Square Circle • 18 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Jesus was a significant figure with diverse impacts on society and culture over 2000 years.
  2. Depictions of Jesus in art often omit certain aspects of his character, such as smiling or laughing.
  3. The story of Jesus challenges traditional views and rules, emphasizing the limitations of words and rules in understanding spirituality.

Astrology is Real: Part 4

Bit Personality • 11 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Astrology interpretation should be avoided with young children.
  2. Archetypes like Astrology can be as harmful as other forms of labeling and categorizing people.
  3. Understanding the implications of language and psychological structures can help navigate societal pressures and misconceptions.

Bodies Bodies [2]

The Author Is Dumb • 3 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Life can feel difficult and uncertain, much like wandering in a wilderness. It's normal to experience doubts and feel lost at times.
  2. Faith sometimes grows in silence and struggle. Even when we don't have clear answers, we can choose to keep moving forward.
  3. We're not alone in our challenges. Many people face their own wilderness moments, and finding the strength to carry on can help build our faith.

Will Ems Read the Bible?

a newsletter for infovores. • 13 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The discussion explores the potential moral responsibilities towards AI and ems.
  2. There is a consideration about the influence of the Bible on future ems and the possibility of them developing alternative belief systems.
  3. The importance of considering ethical guidelines for the treatment and support of AI and ems is highlighted.

Addendum to Letter #4

Charles Eisenstein • 1 implied HN point • 21 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The author has revised their previous letter to share a more polished version with subscribers. This new version focuses on clarity and connection with the readers.
  2. The title of this essay will be 'Peace,' suggesting a theme centered around finding harmony and understanding.
  3. The author invites engagement by sharing new material instead of requiring readers to revisit the entire letter, making it more convenient for subscribers.

The Loss of Faith

The Permanent Problem • 10 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The decline in organized religion is not just about weakening belief in the supernatural, but also about a loss of trust and belonging in society.
  2. The romantic heresy, believing humans are naturally good and all constraints are oppressive, has influenced the erosion of faith and confidence in society.
  3. The current spiritual crisis reflects a broader crisis of confidence in institutions and norms, affecting how we engage with the world around us.

Apocalyptic AI

The Convivial Society • 9 HN points • 07 Apr 23
🔬 Science Religion
  1. Thinking cogently and insightfully about AI is a challenge due to its evolving nature and broad use.
  2. AI researchers often feel a responsibility to usher in a new form of intelligence, reminiscent of historical testimonies on technological advancements.
  3. AI is revealing the end of a world as modernity expires and the culture of technological modernity becomes increasingly hostile to the human person.

The Mole

Square Circle • 7 implied HN points • 09 May 23
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. Moles adapt to live underground, losing some abilities in exchange. This can be compared to different beliefs about spirituality and religion.
  2. The contrast between science/reason and mysticism/spirituality is explored, questioning the idea of only affirming one over the other.
  3. The text encourages embracing both the 'sunshine' of reason and the 'moonshine' of spirituality, suggesting there is value in both perspectives.

I'm a "Bad Hindu"

The Next Chapter • 6 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The author feels disconnected from their Hindu culture and religion, despite its importance.
  2. Growing up, the author's exposure to Hinduism was more about obligations than personal curiosity.
  3. As an adult, the author is actively seeking to deepen their understanding of Hinduism and connect with their heritage.

Saying Yes

The Permanent Problem • 7 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Faith can be a choice, a fundamental relationship with the world around us, defined by saying yes to life despite challenges.
  2. Rediscovering faith in progress can lead to gratitude for past achievements and a sense of obligation to work towards future advancements.
  3. In American civil religion, acknowledging past flaws while embracing the country's founding ideals can help restore faith in the nation and its promise.

Do We "Resemble" God?

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 5 implied HN points • 27 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The original Hebrew texts portray God as more emotionally connected and present to ordinary people, seeking to comfort and connect with them.
  2. The relationship between God and humans in the Hebrew Bible is depicted as a passionate love story rather than just a set of rules.
  3. Humans are believed to resemble God, not just physically, but in qualities like the need for love, connection, creativity, and the drive to form relationships.

Middle East 201

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 1 implied HN point • 10 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Aziz Poonawalla writes about the Qur'an and uses his experiences as a Muslim in America to discuss identity and faith. He started his blog as a way to express himself after 9/11.
  2. He covers various topics like Ramadan, human rights, and different Muslim beliefs, while also acknowledging Judaism and Christianity. He aims to show that being American and Muslim can coexist without conflict.
  3. The upcoming class will focus on specific Surahs from the Qur'an, encouraging participants to share questions and thoughts about the readings. Everyone interested is welcome if they do the assigned reading first.

Glimpsing God

Monomythical • 3 HN points • 27 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. C.S. Lewis's journey from atheism to rediscovering Christianity was guided by the concept of 'Joy'.
  2. Staring into the abyss of the unknown can be both enlightening and unsettling.
  3. Finding peace in mundane moments and being present may lead to a deeper connection with the divine.

Black Iron Prisons

A blog. • 1 implied HN point • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. A black iron prison is like a distorted way of thinking. People in it can hold strong beliefs, but those beliefs may not be based on what’s really true.
  2. It's important to consider that we might all be in some sort of mental prison. A good way to check this is to stay open-minded about our own beliefs and how they shape our views of the world.
  3. When we face big challenges or losses, it can help us break free from these prisons. Sometimes, experiences like therapy or even spiritual practices can help us see things differently.

Secularization Comes for the Religion of Technology: Or, how to make sense of techno-optimist manifestos, the Open Ai/Altman affair, EA/e-acc movements, and the general sense of cultural stagnation

The Convivial Society • 2 HN points • 23 Feb 24
🔬 Science Religion
  1. Secularization has affected the dominant religion of technology, shifting cultural beliefs and values.
  2. The concept of the 'religion of technology' involves a deep entanglement of religious and techno-scientific elements over time.
  3. The religion of technology peaked in the 1939 New York World's Fair, exemplifying a moment of cultural dominance that has since waned.

A Protestant retirement ethic?

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💰 Finance Religion
  1. Max Weber's theory of the 'Protestant work ethic' suggests that religious beliefs can influence financial decisions
  2. Research shows countries with a higher share of Protestants tend to have better pension systems
  3. Better governance and focus on success in business among Protestants may contribute to well-funded pension funds

Jews and Communism

In My Tribe • 2 HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Religion
  1. American Jewish memory often overlooks the association between Jews and Communists, but for some, the entanglement holds significant personal history.
  2. Historically, as an ethnic group, Jews tend to lean toward leftist political movements due to urban living, progressive support of Jewish emancipation, and traditions that favored learning and commerce.
  3. Despite some historical ties, many Jews today are turning away from left-wing anti-capitalism, as they may feel alienated by the portrayal of Jewish entities by the left.

What Lawyers, Doctors and Priests Have in Common

Autonomy • 3 HN points • 26 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. In professions like law, medicine, and priesthood, the human role of a shepherd is irreplaceable.
  2. Lawyers, doctors, and priests not only provide information but also guide and support people in accepting and understanding the implications of rules and situations.
  3. The unique human aspect of professions like doctors, lawyers, and priests involves navigating the border between the physical body and the human mind, something that AI cannot fully replicate.

The Pull and the Slack

Square Circle • 3 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. Recognize the upward pull and downward slack in your life.
  2. The pull and the slack can lead to different choices and experiences.
  3. Strive for an overall sattvic tendency, balancing the pull and the slack.

Smiting the Pooch

American Dreaming • 1 HN point • 16 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The author discusses the idea that the God of the Bible kills dogs, presenting examples from biblical stories where dogs were harmed or killed.
  2. The post challenges readers to reconcile the portrayal of God in religious texts with concepts of morality and personal beliefs.
  3. It highlights the theme of divine actions in various religions that might conflict with modern ethical standards, prompting reflection on personal values and interpretation of ancient texts.

đi về

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jul 10
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Supporting each other along the journey can make difficulties easier to bear and lead to more joy.
  2. Reflecting on the sacrifices and challenges faced by others can bring about a deeper appreciation.
  3. Taking time to observe and appreciate the sensory experiences of everyday life can lead to moments of tranquility and gratitude.

Do We ‘Resemble’ God?

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 1 implied HN point • 29 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The original Hebrew Bible and the Geneva Bible present God as human-like and relatable.
  2. Subsequent translations and interpretations may have distorted God's character to be more distant and punitive.
  3. Questioning the impact of theological interpretations on people's understanding of their closeness to God.

On Milton's Paradise Lost

aquaflamingo • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
📚 Literature Religion
  1. Milton's Paradise Lost explores the fall of Satan and humankind, questioning God's will.
  2. The story presents philosophical motives challenging divine authority, leading to reflection on human rationality.
  3. The text delves into the concept of surrendering to authority and the complexities of Good and Evil in the context of divine rule.

Death as a consequence of living

(hector egbert) • 0 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. Death is a mystery observed since the beginning of life, with unknown aftermath.
  2. Science struggles to define concepts like death and consciousness.
  3. Many fear death due to the possibility of experiencing a real hell beyond our scientific understanding.