The hottest Religion Substack posts right now

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'Such were the works of Walsingham'

The Abbey of Misrule • 357 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Pilgrimage History Worship Devotion
  1. Walsingham used to be a major pilgrimage site in England where many people traveled to show their devotion to the Virgin Mary. The last mile of the journey was traditionally done barefoot to honor the holy ground.
  2. The Slipper Chapel at Walsingham has a rich history. After being damaged, it was restored and even became a minor basilica, showing the ongoing importance of the site for Catholic pilgrims.
  3. While large pilgrimage sites attract many visitors, some people prefer the peace and quiet of smaller parish churches. It's nice to connect with faith in a serene environment, away from crowds.

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.

Blood Feud

imetatronink • 1926 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East Military Religion
  1. The conflict in the Holy Land is deeply rooted and complex, potentially leading to a 'Blood Feud.'
  2. Proposed solutions like a Two-State Solution and Pre-1967 Borders are widely debated.
  3. Israel's military strength may face challenges in a significant conflict involving global powers.

A Defence of Hate

Becoming Noble • 2232 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Religion Identity Spirituality Morality
  1. Hatred, when directed at evil and not individuals, can be a powerful force for rejecting what is harmful.
  2. According to philosophers like Aquinas and Nietzsche, properly understanding and harnessing hatred involves recognizing its role in opposing evil.
  3. It's crucial to distinguish between hating evil actions and hating individuals, as the former is aligned with rejecting what is harmful while the latter can be destructive.
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When I say I believe in God

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 347 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Belief Religion Spirituality Personal Growth Self-discovery
  1. Believing in God can start suddenly and unexpectedly, sometimes triggered by self-discovery moments. It’s a personal journey that can evolve over time.
  2. Understanding oneself better, like through personality tests, can lead to deeper realizations about life and beliefs. Self-awareness is key to personal growth.
  3. Explaining spiritual beliefs can be challenging, as they are often complex and deeply personal. Everyone's experience with faith is unique.

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.

Ravings of a Christmas Hater

Handwaving Freakoutery • 611 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Consumerism Social Behavior Religion
  1. Gift-giving during Christmas can feel overwhelming and stressful for some people. It creates pressure to find the perfect gift while also considering social status and connections.
  2. The holiday has become heavily focused on consumerism and materialism, overshadowing its original spirit and purpose. People often feel rushed and distracted from enjoying the true meaning of the season.
  3. Some people prefer holidays like Thanksgiving that emphasize togetherness and gratitude without the burden of gift-giving. Simple celebrations can sometimes be more fulfilling than elaborate traditions.

Syria’s Christians: ‘We Have No Reason to Trust Al-Jolani’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 667 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Religion Conflict Human Rights International relations
  1. Syria's Christians feel uncertain about their future, especially after a new rebel group took control. They are worried about persecution due to the rebels' past actions.
  2. Many Christians in Syria have experienced violence and loss, which has left them fearful for their safety. They worry about what will happen next under the new leadership.
  3. Trust in the new rebel leader, Al-Jolani, is very low among the Christian community. They see him as a threat rather than a protector.

Sacrifice

Becoming Noble • 1654 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Sacrifice Leadership Service Religion Community
  1. True leadership involves making radical sacrifices, setting an example for others to follow, and fostering a culture of self-sacrifice and service.
  2. Service is an integral part of leadership, and true faith leads to authentic sacrifices.
  3. Demanding and authentic leadership can inspire profound acts of service and energize people to make meaningful sacrifices.

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.

Making Peace with God

The Reclamation Era • 179 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Nostalgia Self-discovery
  1. Revisiting childhood places can be a powerful way to find healing and connection. It helps you reconnect with your past and feel a sense of belonging.
  2. Not every church or place you remember will welcome you as you expect. Sometimes, you might face locked doors, but that doesn't stop the journey of self-discovery.
  3. Feeling emotions like peace and nostalgia is natural when you reflect on your past. These feelings can help you recognize how you've grown and found your own sense of spirituality.

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.

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.

Jews in the Roman Bathhouse

Classical Wisdom • 1670 implied HN points • 30 May 23
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Religion
  1. Public bathhouses in ancient Rome were a central part of life for people from all backgrounds.
  2. The interaction between Jews and Greco-Roman culture in places like the Roman bathhouse shaped Western civilization.
  3. Professor Yaron Eliav's new book 'A Jew in the Roman Bathhouse' explores this relationship and challenges perceptions.

The Abyss

Becoming Noble • 1514 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Belief Philosophy Ethics Nihilism
  1. The idea of forming a warrior religion may be exciting, but it is essential to consider the flawed approach to truth, belief, action, and divinity.
  2. Religion should originate from a genuine encounter with the divine, rather than being artificially constructed for practical purposes.
  3. Seeking spiritual guidance solely from nature without a foundation in absolute Truth can lead to nihilism and a lack of transcendent orientation.

Keeping it in the Family

Wrong Side of History • 508 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Marriage Society Health History Religion
  1. Cousin marriage was common among British nobility in the past, but its prevalence has declined due to health concerns and changing cultural norms. Many people were worried about its effects on children's health.
  2. The Catholic Church has historically opposed cousin marriages to promote social ties beyond the family, which helped shape modern democratic societies and reduce corruption.
  3. Despite health risks, cousin marriage remains popular in some communities, providing social and financial support. This can create strong networks but also lead to higher chances of genetic disorders in children.

Xeno-Religion

The J. Burden Show • 1138 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Beliefs Meaning Sacrifice
  1. Some discussions question whether progressivism is a religion due to its zealotry, external features similar to traditional faith, and enforcement of beliefs like saints and heretics.
  2. Every society has a form of religion, either obvious like Catholicism or subtle. There is a need for faith that will always be filled, even if it means replacing one religion with another.
  3. Wokeness is described as a Xeno-religion, lacking in essential features of true faith such as sacrifices, rewards beyond the immediate future, and providing a meaningful answer to the purpose of existence.

True Detective and the Challenge of Nihilism

The Bigger Picture • 679 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows Philosophy Religion Psychology History
  1. True Detective's first season remains relevant today, exploring the exhaustion of history and society's cyclical nature.
  2. The show delves into the themes of suicide and nihilism, reflecting on the prevalence of such ideas in contemporary culture.
  3. Christianity, nihilism, and the notion of a 'flat circle' universe are intertwined in the philosophical discourse of the series, challenging viewers to ponder human nature and spiritual ambiguity.

Group chats, AI girlfriends and algorithmic culture

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 838 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers History Religion Art
  1. Mormon women have had a significant impact on internet culture, particularly through the popularization of products like the Stanley tumbler.
  2. The shift in caffeine consumption among Mormons in 2012 led to the growth of a soda culture, influencing trends like 'dirty sodas' and impacting products like Stanley tumblers.
  3. Mormon women's strong emphasis on family, combined with the openness of the internet, allowed them to become influential mommy bloggers and shape internet content with a focus on lifestyle and family values.

Ghana's Concentration Camps For Witches

Grey Goose Chronicles • 1513 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🌐 International Culture Religion Gender Conflict Social Issues
  1. Witchcraft accusations and violence persist in African communities despite efforts to intervene and modernize.
  2. Ghana has concentration camps for accused witches, primarily housing older women who face persecution and violence.
  3. Efforts to close the witch camps have faced challenges, as the camps provide protection and livelihood for the residents.

'Ferrari' And Fascism

Daily Dreher • 864 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film History Religion
  1. The post discusses the movie 'Ferrari' and its portrayal of Enzo Ferrari's life crisis in 1957.
  2. The author praises the film for its clever utilization of Catholic sacramentalism.
  3. There is a mention of another person's reaction to the movie, showing different perspectives.

The Great Repaganization

Daily Dreher • 1493 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Religion Culture
  1. The author discusses how as post-Christians, we struggle with our vices and their cure.
  2. Louise Perry's article in First Things titled 'We Are Repaganizing' is recommended for reading.
  3. Perry, a non-Christian, has a positive view of Christianity but observes a trend towards repaganization in society.

Richard Dawkins's Nonsense Makes Me Miss the Not-Quite-New Atheism of Quentin Smith

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 399 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Media
  1. Public atheism could have focused more on atheism itself rather than being a part of the culture war.
  2. Richard Dawkins was once a prominent figure in popular culture, featured in TV shows like South Park and The Simpsons.
  3. The author misses the approach to atheism presented by Quentin Smith, different from the politicized anti-theism seen in public discourse.

Syria

backstory • 436 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏝 Travel History Food Religion Personal narratives
  1. Syria has a rich and complex history with many layers, from ancient Roman influences to the modern political unrest. The country has beautiful places that tell stories of its past.
  2. People in Syria have a unique way of life, filled with vibrant markets, traditional crafts, and warm hospitality. Even in tough times, the culture shines through.
  3. The personal experiences of individuals show how life in Syria has changed dramatically over the years, with many living in fear or facing loss. It's important to remember the people behind the headlines.

Links to Consider, 11/16/2024

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Media Consumption Activism Religion Gambling
  1. Higher education has shifted to favor activism over scholarship, which affects true learning. Students should adopt a curious mindset to promote a better educational environment.
  2. Christianity has influenced social changes for centuries, but now its traditional role seems to be diminishing as society embraces these values without the Church.
  3. Political parties are evolving based on media usage, which may blur their ideological lines. Democrats focus on controlling legacy media, whereas Republicans thrive in digital spaces, leading to possible changes in party identities.

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

What Is Truth

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3077 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Religion Spiritual beliefs Truth
  1. Truth, embodied in Jesus, prevailed over death according to both religious and secular history.
  2. Believers' unwavering faith in Jesus's resurrection has transformed history and shaped religion over two millennia.
  3. The message of Christ calling for repentance suggests a need to acknowledge and overcome modern societal idols.

From Many, One

Cosmographia • 738 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Theology History Monotheism
  1. The concept of monotheism, the belief in one supreme deity, is a relatively recent development in human history, with many cultures historically believing in multiple gods and spirits.
  2. Monotheism marked a significant shift in theological traditions, particularly when the Israelites proclaimed the existence of only one God, breaking away from millennia of polytheistic beliefs.
  3. The idea of 'From Many, One' reflects the evolution from diverse beliefs in multiple gods to the concept of a singular, all-powerful deity, which has shaped major religious doctrines and scriptures.