The hottest Religion Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

If you want to increase fertility, look at how religions do it

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Different groups want to increase fertility for various reasons, such as economic sustainability or religious beliefs. This shows that many people see the importance of having more children.
  2. State policies aimed at increasing fertility often don't work well. In some cases, countries invest a lot but still have low birth rates.
  3. Religious groups have a strong influence on fertility rates, often more so than governments. Understanding how these groups encourage larger families could teach us valuable lessons.

The Audiobook Is Out!

Injecting Freedom • 33 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
📚 Literature Religion
  1. The audiobook Vaccines, Amen! is now available on Audible/Amazon.
  2. There are 25 free US and 25 free UK promo codes up for grabs — comment with your preferred marketplace to request one, and eligible readers will receive a private Substack message; codes are first come, first served.
  3. Readers are asked to leave quick, honest reviews and to share or post about the book, and a few trolls have already posted negative reviews.

Skepticism or Imperfection?

Fake Noûs • 117 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. Fine-tuning is the strongest argument for an intelligent designer, while the problem of evil is the strongest argument against a perfect God; skeptical theism replies that our limited minds can’t see God’s reasons.
  2. Skeptical theism uses a chess-master analogy: when an expert makes a move you don’t understand, assume there’s a good reason you can’t see; but that analogy is weak because in chess you already know the expert exists and is superior, whereas we don’t have that secure background for God.
  3. A simpler explanation for apparent gratuitous evils is that the creator is imperfect—less than all-powerful or all-knowing—since claiming God is less than all-good doesn’t explain why obvious horrors wouldn’t be prevented.

Blood Feud

imetatronink • 1926 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics 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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Why These Christmas Songs Could Only Be Written in America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3348 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Many famous Christmas songs, like 'Let It Snow!' and 'The Christmas Song', are not about religious themes but focus on winter, romance, and festive activities.
  2. These beloved songs were often written by Jewish Americans, blending their cultural influences into the music that celebrates Christmas in America.
  3. Even if someone doesn't celebrate Christmas, the music can still be enjoyed as a part of the holiday spirit and tradition.

A Defence of Hate

Becoming Noble • 2232 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Religion
  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.

His positions all sounded so much less stable than I had remembered

The Common Reader • 1488 implied HN points • 25 May 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Max's views on life and religion have become less certain over time. He feels lost and questions his beliefs, especially about God and the world.
  2. The author feels regret for not being present during an important moment in Max's life. Listening to their past conversation, they realize they misjudged Max's struggles.
  3. The book by Lamorna Ash explores why many people are turning to religion. She spends time with evangelical groups and attends events to understand their beliefs better.

February 17, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion
  1. The administration’s turn toward white Christian nationalism and protectionist trade policies is pushing traditional allies to deepen their own defense and trade ties without the U.S., leaving America more isolated on the world stage.
  2. The U.S. economy shows signs of strain: job growth collapsed in 2025, manufacturing and commercial real estate face big losses, immigration rules are causing labor shortages, and deficits are ballooning after recent tax cuts and increased military spending.
  3. The government is expanding military and enforcement actions while rolling back or reshaping regulations in ways that benefit allies and family interests, and moves to influence media and federal agencies raise alarms about concentrated power and potential abuses.

#TradWife Life as Self-Annihilation

Culture Study • 11657 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Religion
  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.

I Took Religion Out of Christmas. I Regret It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3218 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Taking religion out of Christmas can remove a sense of beauty and structure from the holiday. People often miss the special traditions and feelings that religion brings to the celebration.
  2. The nativity set symbolizes the importance of heritage and memories tied to Christmas. Items like this serve as reminders of cherished moments during childhood.
  3. Many people may not realize how much spiritual elements contribute to the overall joy and meaning of Christmas until they're absent from the celebration. Reflecting on these aspects can lead to feelings of regret.

Don Lemon Indicted

The Reactionary • 57 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion
  1. Don Lemon was indicted for being a central, high-profile participant in planning and promoting a coordinated disruption of a church service.
  2. The action was part of wider protests against a large federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. That operation and a recent deadly confrontation had already raised tensions in the community.
  3. Prosecutors say organizers kept the church target secret and used a two-wave infiltration plan, with undercover entrants seating themselves first and a second wave entering to disrupt services and draw publicity.

Watching the dead

Kvetch • 178 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📰 News Religion
  1. Ordinary community members — fathers, elders, and local leaders — were killed, and many bystanders showed remarkable bravery and self-sacrifice to stop the attackers.
  2. The violence has left deep grief and trauma, abruptly orphaning children and filling families with fear, guilt, and uncertainty about the future.
  3. Official political responses felt inadequate and evasive, while neighbours, strangers, and non-Jewish teachers offered powerful, spontaneous solidarity and practical support.

What Is Evil? (A Philosophical Perspective)

Ethics Under Construction • 41 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. Evil is a willful, unjustified attack that destroys another person’s freedom and rejects reason; it’s more than mere wrongdoing.
  2. Evil differs from ordinary immorality or illegality because it repudiates the moral contract. An evildoer can be treated as unfit for society and legally incapacitated.
  3. Philosophy and clear, objective standards help us detect and define evil. This lets societies respond through law and reason instead of emotional or arbitrary punishment.

Sacrifice

Becoming Noble • 1654 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  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.

Ross Douthat: Everyone Should Believe in God

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2179 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Many people are feeling drawn back to religion after a period of being more secular. It's like there’s a little spark in the younger generations wanting to explore faith again.
  2. High-profile figures are converting to religion, suggesting a trend where even the educated elite are rethinking their beliefs. This shows that curiosity about spirituality is growing, even among the skeptics.
  3. However, there’s a worry about why people are turning to religion. It's important to think about the reasons behind this interest in faith to ensure it’s meaningful and genuine.

Making Peace with God

The Reclamation Era • 179 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  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.

Capitol Hillsong

The Pillar • 943 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Religion
  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.

The Radical Jewish Philosopher

Classical Wisdom • 1690 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
💾 History Religion
  1. Philo of Alexandria was a Jewish philosopher who blended biblical teachings with Hellenistic philosophy.
  2. His works had a significant impact on later Christian thinkers.
  3. Philo was born in Alexandria, Egypt, came from an influential family, and studied the Bible and Jewish scholarly works.

Jews in the Roman Bathhouse

Classical Wisdom • 1670 implied HN points • 30 May 23
💾 History 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
  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.

SANTERIA MON AMOUR

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 1592 implied HN points • 03 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Santeria is a blend of African religion and Catholicism, adapting African Gods into the Catholic saint system.
  2. Personal experiences with Santeria rituals, like divination, protection against harm, and initiation ceremonies.
  3. Santeria provided support and guidance during challenging life events, but personal boundaries are important to maintain.

Xeno-Religion

The J. Burden Show • 1138 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  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 Religion
  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 Religion
  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 Religion
  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 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 Religion
  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.

The paradox of forgiveness

Egg Report • 1474 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Freedom and free will are only possible through Christ.
  2. Forgiveness breaks the chain of revenge and allows for personal growth.
  3. The doctrine of forgiveness is about transcending instinctual reactions and choosing vulnerability and trust.

The Pagan King

KERFUFFLE • 87 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion
  1. Many Christian conservatives are breaking with Trump because his support for things like Israel’s war in Gaza clashes with their basic moral beliefs, and younger believers seeing images on social media deepen that divide.
  2. He has failed to deliver for working Americans while cozying up to tech elites and indulging in lavish personal projects, which undercuts his populist image and alienates parts of his base.
  3. Trump operates more as a self-interested, pragmatic figure than a moral leader, and that lack of moral authority means religious supporters can eventually see through him and withdraw their loyalty.

Does IQ alone explain Jewish success?

ideassleepfuriously • 864 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Jewish success cannot be solely explained by high IQ, other factors play a role.
  2. Differences in Jewish values, Protestant Work Ethic, personality traits, and in-group favoritism may contribute to success.
  3. Studies show that Jews exhibit unique socio-psychological traits that may enhance their achievements in various domains.

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
  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.

The Messy Thicket of Change

Culture Study • 2436 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. It's important to let everyday people create their own solutions for social change, instead of just following easy steps set by others. This helps them feel more connected and invested in the process.
  2. The journey towards racial justice is messy and often includes mistakes, but the willingness to work through those challenges together is crucial for real progress.
  3. Building a supportive community where everyone feels they belong encourages deeper conversations about tough topics like racism, making it easier for people to come together and act for change.

Teach us to Care and not to Care

The Joyous Struggle • 632 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  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