The hottest Religion Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Is God Off-duty?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 171 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Doubt Belief God Religion
  1. God's presence can feel distant, especially in tough times. Many people struggle to understand why bad things happen when God is supposed to be watching over us.
  2. Faith can be challenging when people see injustice in the world. It leads to doubts about whether God is really in control or even paying attention.
  3. It's okay to question and express doubts about God. Many believers go through phases of uncertainty, which is a normal part of their spiritual journey.

Smith of Heaven

Becoming Noble • 817 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Religion History Christianity
  1. The medieval Icelandic hymn 'Hear, Smith of the Heavens' reflects a blend of Christian and pagan elements, showing the process of inculturation.
  2. Catholic doctrine encourages the transformation of cultures without destroying them, aiming to purify and restore in Christ.
  3. Figures like Bishop Guðmundur Arason in Icelandic history embody the transition from pagan to Christian beliefs, showcasing the superiority of Christian spiritual power.

Trying To Make Sense Of The Venus Figurines?

Grey Goose Chronicles • 805 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Archaeology Symbolism Interpretation Religion Feminism
  1. The interpretation of Venus figurines has evolved over time with theories ranging from race and primitivism to goddess worship and fertility magic.
  2. Scholars have debated whether the figurines are realistic representations of Palaeolithic people or symbolic artifacts with functions related to protection, fertility, or ancestoral worship.
  3. Recent studies have explored the possibility of the figurines being dressed, connected to clothing, and even representing maternal figures based on archaeological evidence.

Feverish enthusiasm, no pleasing some people, and being Batman

The Pillar • 786 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Society History
  1. The editor took a vacation and had to deal with being sick, but found a silver lining in being away from work and off his phone.
  2. Pope Francis is making a significant trip to Mongolia and there's an interesting article about Catholicism in the country.
  3. There is an impactful story about sexual assault charges being dropped against Theodore McCarrick due to mental incompetence.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Relevance Realization, Cerebral Hemispheres, and the Reconciliation of Science and Mythology

Intimations of a New Worldview • 766 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Culture Science Mythology Religion Worldview
  1. The left and right hemispheres of the brain are involved in different cognitive styles, such as precision and generalization.
  2. There is evidence for the significant and systematic differences between the cerebral hemispheres, influencing how attention is allocated and relevance is realized.
  3. The conflict between science and mythology can be seen as analogous to the differences in cognitive styles between the left and right hemispheres, emphasizing the importance of integrating different approaches.

Judaism, Atheism, and the Language of the Sacred: A Religious Mini-Memoir (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 599 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Ethics Beliefs
  1. The author reflects on their journey from Judaism to atheism, highlighting the conflict between personal beliefs and traditional religious views.
  2. The philosophical debate on the existence of God played a significant role in the author's transition to atheism, questioning the concept of a deity in the face of suffering and evil.
  3. Despite identifying as an atheist, recent events have rekindled a desire for religious language to articulate deep emotions and moral outrage in response to tragic events.

Take me to church

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Community Tradition Religion Fundraising Food
  1. The community comes together to support each other, especially in times of need, like fundraising for church improvements and medical expenses.
  2. People in the village prioritize their connection to the land and family, working hard to grow their own food, even without modern machinery.
  3. Unlike in many places, the concept of a village in this community truly embodies teamwork and collective responsibility, creating a strong support system for everyone.

Douglas Groothuis Joins The Worldview Bulletin

The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter • 353 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Apologetics Philosophy Religion
  1. Renowned Christian philosopher and apologist Douglas Groothuis joins The Worldview Bulletin as a regular contributor.
  2. In his first article, Groothuis discusses the 'oddness' of Jesus and how it challenges common perceptions.
  3. Jesus' actions and teachings in the Bible often display a level of complexity and depth that challenge traditional understanding.

The Prophet — the Archetype of Societal Renaissance

The Living Philosophy • 314 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Life Doctrine Ethics
  1. The Prophet archetype emerged as a new way of being religious, challenging the traditional roles of priests and magicians.
  2. Prophets were outsiders but not rebels, called into their roles by a higher power and providing a vantage point to critique the existing system.
  3. The Exemplary Prophets emphasized how life should be lived, while the Ethical Prophets focused more on transcendent doctrine, leading to varying prophetic traditions.

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.

Hatching the Cosmic Egg (Hymn to Dionysus) (BOP #4)

Secretum Secretorum • 681 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Philosophy Religion Beliefs
  1. In the beginning was the Egg: The Orphic Egg contains the primordial deity Phanes, from whom other gods emerged.
  2. A future with AI: Consider the potential dangers and benefits of creating a superintelligent AI.
  3. Balancing Apollo and Dionysus: Avoid the pitfalls of controlling what cannot be controlled, like a god-inspired AI.

The Spirit of the Empire and the Manufacturing of Tyrant-Slaves

Tessa Fights Robots • 24 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Heritage Identity Arts History Religion
  1. We are not slaves, but instead are loved and supported by our ancestors. It’s important to remember that we’re meant for joy, not just pain.
  2. The pain from our ancestors can lead people to suppress their true selves. Many parents, trying to protect their children, unintentionally continue this cycle by promoting fear of pursuing dreams.
  3. True freedom starts from within. We must choose not to engage with negative patterns in our lives and embrace our natural state of being free and joyful.

No Self, No Politics

Everything Is Bullshit • 511 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Buddhism Ethics Mindfulness Spirituality Religion
  1. The author discusses how combining spirituality with evolutionary psychology can be beneficial for personal growth.
  2. The text highlights the idea that political beliefs are often shaped by alliances and power dynamics rather than truth or personal values.
  3. It suggests that it's okay to prioritize personal growth and non-political actions over being deeply involved in political discourse.

(The Divine) 1. Voracious Life (Khepri)

Microanimism • 79 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Religion Microbiology Nature Philosophy
  1. The sun has a profound connection to humanity and microbial life, influencing circadian rhythms and photosynthesis.
  2. Khepri, the scarab-headed god in Ancient Egyptian religion, symbolizes the life-giving and renewing qualities of the sun through resurrection.
  3. Bacteria can enter a state of suspended animation by forming tough spores, demonstrating voracious life deriving seemingly from nothing.

The Rosicrucian Enlightenment

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💾 History Occult Philosophy Science Literature Religion Politics
  1. The Rosicrucian movement was influential in shaping modern science, linking spiritual beliefs with the pursuit of knowledge and experimentation.
  2. Prominent figures like John Dee played key roles in merging different ideas of science and magic while promoting natural knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
  3. Despite its initially hopeful visions, the Rosicrucian adventure faced challenges, leading to disappointment and a shift in focus towards reforming society through science and brotherly love.

A response to Michael Huemer on why progressives like Islam

The Good blog • 39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion Identity Sociology Civil Rights Progressivism
  1. Many progressives oppose Islamophobia because they see it as a form of prejudice against outsiders in society. They believe it's important for all groups, including Muslims, to be treated fairly and equally.
  2. Critics might argue against certain religious practices, but the goal should be to allow diverse beliefs without discrimination. The focus should be on ensuring everyone can participate in society without facing exclusion based on their religion.
  3. Religious views can be strongly held and difficult to change, much like race or sexuality. In a liberal society, people should be allowed to hold their beliefs, as long as they respect the rules of public life.

The Distant Sun

Becoming Noble • 478 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Religion Investigation Legal Community Freedom
  1. The protection of space and claimed faith allowed a community to operate in secrecy and avoid legal intervention.
  2. Owning a large swath of land provided a secretive community with distance from scrutiny and protection from outside interference.
  3. Lessons from secretive communities can be applied to identify opportunities for invoking similar protective measures.

Jews, the first modern people

Yasha Levine • 471 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Religion History Literature Identity
  1. Jews have been successful in the modern world because they historically valued text and learning, being ahead of the game when it comes to worshipping the written word.
  2. The Jews were seen as the first modern people by embracing modernization traits such as urbanization, literacy, and intellectual pursuits.
  3. The Jewish specialties like commerce, law, medicine, textual interpretation, and cultural mediation have become core pursuits in modern society, making Jews exemplary ancients and model moderns.

Essay Club: In Praise of the Gods by Simon Sarris

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Religion Literature Mythology Tradition
  1. We rely too much on rational thinking and it makes us feel disconnected from the world. This over-focus on logic can take away our ability to feel, experience, and connect.
  2. To regain a sense of wholeness, we should trust our intuition, celebrate the process of learning, and embrace the wonder around us. Engaging with stories, rituals, and experiences can help build a richer understanding of life.
  3. Our experiences and feelings, including gratitude and wonder, are important. They remind us that there is more to life than just logic and reasoning, and that beauty and meaning can be found all around us.

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.

An Introduction to Spengler’s Decline

The Oswald Spengler Project • 459 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
📚 Literature Philosophy Religion History Cultures Civilizations
  1. The Spenglerian Theory views cultures as living organisms with predictable life cycles of growth, decay, and ultimate demise.
  2. Spengler critiques the conventional classification of history and introduces a Copernican system that treats all cultures as equal, focusing on eight distinct high cultures.
  3. In each culture's life cycle, distinct stages emerge such as youth, maturity, decline, and the transition to civilization, marked by shifts in power, philosophy, religion, and societal structures.

Origins of debt: Michael Hudson reveals how financial oligarchies in Greece & Rome shaped our world

Geopolitical Economy Report • 458 implied HN points • 25 May 23
💾 History Debt Religion Global South Economic Systems
  1. Debt has a long history in shaping societies, from ancient Mesopotamia to Rome, and understanding this history can provide insights into modern debt-based economies.
  2. There have always been alternatives to the debt-centric economic models, with concepts like debt forgiveness and economic balance being seen as sacred in many ancient civilizations.
  3. US and other first-world countries should consider the moral implications of collecting debt from struggling Global South countries, especially when it's used to fuel conflicts and harm society.

Creating Our Own Commandments?

The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter • 275 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Morality Religion Ethics Apologetics Christianity
  1. Different perspectives on creating moral commandments were shared, some based on utilitarianism while others emphasized faithfulness and love.
  2. The Ten Commandments focus on relationship with God and others, setting a higher moral standard.
  3. The idea that moral laws must come from a transcendent, objective source like the Ten Commandments was highlighted.