The hottest Religion Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Links to Consider, 11/16/2024

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion
  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.

The Probability of God

Fake Noûs • 200 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The existence of God is debated, especially around traditional views of a perfect being like an all-knowing, all-powerful entity. Many people question if such a being can even exist at all.
  2. There are arguments that challenge the idea of an all-powerful God, like how can someone be truly powerful if they can’t do everything or know everything. This raises doubts about the traditional definition of God.
  3. Determining how likely it is that God exists is tricky. People often struggle to assign initial probabilities to such beliefs before looking at evidence.

The Westboro Baptist Solution to the Problem of Evil

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 319 implied HN points • 07 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The Westboro Baptist Church has a controversial approach to the problem of evil, but it is logically consistent in its own way.
  2. Some theodicies that appear less offensive may actually have logical inconsistencies compared to the Westboro Baptist approach.
  3. Megan Phelps-Roper's memoir 'Unfollow' provides insight into the early exposure to religious concepts in the Westboro Baptist Church.

Do You See What I See?

The Better Letter • 235 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Our brains actively construct reality, leading to different perceptions of the same thing.
  2. People tend to hold steadfast beliefs about the world, even when faced with uncertainty.
  3. Christmas represents the idea of God coming to Earth in vulnerability to redeem a broken world.

A Techno-Trad Take on Fertility

Shakos Metaheuristics • 176 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. We need modern incentives to encourage women to have more children.
  2. Childcare workers are undervalued and underpaid, affecting the childcare infrastructure.
  3. Economic solutions, such as better wages and government support, can help increase fertility rates among women.
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When I say I believe in God

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 347 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  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.

Casting the First Stone

Thinking about... • 475 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Many people misunderstand the themes and messages in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' often blaming one religion while ignoring the complexities of the story.
  2. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following ideologies that can lead to oppressive regimes, just like the fictional Gilead.
  3. It's important to reflect on our own beliefs and behaviors, especially when they can lead to harmful actions against others, as seen in the novel.

Syria

backstory • 436 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Religion
  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.

Wisdom Of The Prophet

Weekly Wisdom • 119 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Reading out loud can be a powerful and ancient practice, bringing words on a page to life with the breath and voice of the reader.
  2. Before silent reading became the norm, reading aloud was a communal activity performed in groups.
  3. Resurrecting the tradition of reading out loud to yourself can offer a unique and enriching experience, allowing you to savor the words and feel their impact.

God's an Infinity, Not a Trinity

Going Awol • 79 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. The Love Argument for the Trinity suggests that God's triune nature can be logically supported by the concept of perfect love, which would require more than one divine person.
  2. The Love Argument overlooks the idea of love for large groups, like football teams or countries, which could indicate the need for an infinite number of divine persons in God's being.
  3. Considering the Love Argument, it may make more sense to view God as an Infinity of divine persons rather than strictly a Trinity, as the concept of love can extend beyond three persons.

Hitch and the Philosopher: A Look Back at Christopher Hitchens's Debate with William Lane Craig

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 379 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. Christopher Hitchens had a compelling humanistic critique of Christianity and was skilled in debates, but struggled when debating with a philosopher of religion.
  2. William Lane Craig proved to be a challenge for Hitchens during their debate.
  3. The encounter between Hitchens and Craig highlighted the difference between moral critique and philosophical debate.

Beyond The Appearances.

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. Thinking that an ideal model must be true and then forcing facts to fit it is a common and damaging habit across religion, science, and politics. That approach suppresses evidence and treats reality as an inconvenience to be reshaped.
  2. Mathematical economics and technocratic policy can become detached from material limits like production, supply chains, and everyday human experience. Redefining metrics or relying on models instead of practical judgement leads to bad policy and misleading claims.
  3. A pragmatic, evidence-first attitude that respects messy appearances and practical constraints works better in medicine, policy and conflict than grand, a priori systems. Humility and readiness to revise theories when facts disagree are essential to avoid ideological error.

The Everlasting Man

The Abbey of Misrule • 460 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Humans are more than just another animal species. We have a unique role on Earth that sets us apart.
  2. Christianity is different from other religions because its founding story is about God becoming human and actively engaging in our world.
  3. The Church is important because it represents a revolution against worldly values, and history shows that Christianity has survived and reborn many times.

The Domus Mindset

Pacification • 255 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
💾 History Religion
  1. Early settled agricultural societies may have taken the form of prison camps, with enslaved people and rulers extracting wealth.
  2. Hunter-gatherer societies had better food, health, and likely less compulsion and slavery than early civilizations founded on forced agriculture.
  3. The domus mindset, rooted in lordship and obedience, continues to shape societies, stories, and concepts of freedom today, even in modern urban contexts.

Hearing the language of Christ on the road to Damascus

Wrong Side of History • 351 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Maaloula is a small town in Syria where people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. It's like a time capsule for ancient culture.
  2. The town has historical sites, including the Convent of St Thecla and a 2,000-year-old church. These places show the rich history and faith of the people.
  3. Maaloula is also a meeting point for different cultures, with locals and Iranian pilgrims mingling together. This creates a unique atmosphere of shared beliefs.

2025 Update - Part 1

Devansh’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. A spur-of-the-moment trip to the Kumbh Mela turned into a chaotic, risky adventure—navigating huge crowds, closed roads, and a 20-hour journey home—but it delivered a thrilling sense of being alive.
  2. Teaching three cohorts in spring noticeably improved teaching skills, and conversations with a friend from San Francisco deepened understanding of LLMs, prompting integration of AI into personal tools and writing about its effects on education and entry-level software jobs.
  3. Began serious fitness with a personal trainer and got hooked on golf—playing weekly, entering a tournament, and starting a golf channel—while also hosting a large birthday celebration centered on movement, learning, community, and play.

(11.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - CONCEPT OF CONSCIENCE IN THE WORK and SOME THOUGHTS ON THE WAR - pp.40-46

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Consciousness and Conscience are similar but belong to different spheres - one is intellectual and the other emotional.
  2. Real Conscience is the same in all individuals and speaks a consistent language, unlike False Conscience which varies based on personal beliefs and upbringing.
  3. Humanity is influenced by numerous laws and external forces, leading to events like wars; the practice of self-observation and isolating oneself from collective events can aid in personal development and awakening.

Divine immanence & the binding of a people

Becoming Noble • 259 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Radical faith can unite and empower a minority group against oppressive forces.
  2. A metaphysically powerful belief system can enable a physically weaker force to overcome stronger opponents.
  3. The integration of sacrifice, pain, ecstasy, and divine transcendence were key elements in uniting a people for a common cause.

Dogmatism Is A Bigger Problem Than Religion, I Think, Maybe, Possibly

Singal-Minded • 428 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Dogmatism can be a bigger issue than religion. It's not just beliefs that cause harm, but the stubbornness to hold onto those beliefs.
  2. Both religious and secular ideologies have led to terrible events in history. It's important to see that these problems aren't limited to just one belief system.
  3. A more complex view of faith and rationality is needed. It's not always clear that less religion will automatically make the world better.

How many first-generation students were not the first?

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Family history can be complex and full of mysteries, especially when it comes to understanding the generations before us.
  2. Sometimes, the silence in family stories, like what is not told or shared, can hold significant meaning and impact on our own lives and identities.
  3. The choices our ancestors made and the paths they walked can influence our own paths in unexpected ways, shaping our sense of belonging and the journey we take in life.

The most powerful woman you can see

Men Yell at Me • 155 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Living in Iowa has brought a deep sense of meaning and fulfillment to teaching and community engagement. The connection with students and the supportive environment feels more impactful than in bigger cities like New York.
  2. A year of celibacy taught a lot about self-connection and feeling comfortable in one's own body. It shifted the focus from being seen by others to truly experiencing life and one's own desires.
  3. Everything in life is connected, from relationships to personal values. By recognizing these connections, there's a chance to bring passion and presence into all areas of life, including friendships and activism.

Popular Ruins

Restoring Truth • 137 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Being popular is not the most important thing in the world.
  2. Society is facing decline due to a lack of pursuit of the most important thing.
  3. Glorifying and enjoying God is the most important thing in the world.

Insights from 2,961 First Dates

Dan's Stack • 692 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Religion
  1. Women tend to rate 72% of men as below average in physical attractiveness.
  2. People value their partner's politics more than their religion, and religion more than ethnicity, with women placing slightly higher importance on these factors compared to men.
  3. Attractive men have more sexual partners, but the number of partners doesn't seem to be influenced by attractiveness for women.

The Egregore to Baptism Pipeline

Reactionary Feminist • 11 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. Influencers publicly adopting religious rituals blur the line between genuine belief and performance, making it hard to tell if a conversion is sincere or an attention grab.
  2. Online audience dynamics and meme-driven culture create incentives to mix spiritual signals with monetized content, so faith often becomes entangled with branding and engagement strategies.
  3. Public and media reactions are largely cynical and suspect fakery, and the presence of AI fakes makes trust harder, highlighting how people can appear both sincere and performative at once.

Dave

Nice Try • 319 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Dave worked at a grocery store and believed he could heal people through faith. He started giving 'healings' to women but was not as successful with men.
  2. His girlfriend became seriously ill because he didn't let her get medical help, believing his powers were enough.
  3. Thankfully, a wise co-worker advised him to take her to a doctor, and that saved her life, showing that sometimes real help comes from professionals, not just faith.

Responding to Asbury

Come Aside • 196 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. Revival is about revealing Jesus and responding with awe and worship
  2. Revival is an act of God's mercy, revealing Jesus to the younger generation
  3. Respond to a move of God with humility, lean in, bless it, align your heart with it, and partner with God

The Australian Liberal Party and Religion

Syncretica • 196 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Religion
  1. There is discussion about religious groups' influence in the Australian Liberal Party.
  2. Religious groups thrive by promoting extreme behavior to create commitment among members.
  3. Effective control of the Liberal Party by a cohesive minority may lead to significant changes or downfall.

Putin's Altar Boy

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion
  1. Ukraine is taking strong action against churches and clergy linked to Russia. They are banning and sanctioning those who support Russian beliefs.
  2. Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church has backed the war against Ukraine and has significant wealth. His actions and rhetoric have drawn criticism from many, even within the church.
  3. There is a divide in the Orthodox Church due to Kirill's support for Russia. Many clergy feel he should be held accountable for his support of violence and war.

The Cathedral

The Commonplace • 1089 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion
  1. When facing challenges, it's important to remain constructive and positive.
  2. Visiting historic places like cathedrals can provide perspective and inspiration.
  3. Endurance, sacrifice, and contributing to something greater than oneself can bring meaning and solace.

Jordan Peterson, Revisited: Is Peterson the Most Interesting Thinker of Our Time?

Mind & Mythos • 259 implied HN points • 30 May 23
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. Jordan Peterson's ideas have resonated with many young men during a time when traditional masculinity was criticized. His practical advice encourages personal growth in a relatable way.
  2. Peterson emphasizes the importance of understanding the world through both scientific facts and the stories we tell. These narratives can help us navigate life by showing us how to act and what is significant.
  3. He suggests that traditional beliefs and rituals have value because they offer guidance that empirical reasoning alone can't provide. Many past ideologies, despite their flaws, aimed to create a better society but often resulted in disaster.

Dune 3: Planetary Regeneration?

Surfing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. The Kynes family in 'Dune' is crucial, with Pardot, Liet-Kynes, and Chani playing significant roles in planetary regeneration.
  2. The complex characters and the family business of planetary regeneration add depth and memorability to the 'Dune' story.
  3. Herbert's ecological themes in 'Dune' explore the aim of all life to maintain coordinated patterns of greater diversity, emphasizing the importance of sustaining life.

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part I: Mjollnir’s True Power

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 119 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Religion
  1. Mjollnir from Norse mythology might not be as heavy as commonly believed, and doesn't require a strength-girdle to wield.
  2. There is no requirement of worthiness to lift Mjollnir, and it can be used by characters other than Thor.
  3. Iron gloves are mentioned in only one story, hinting they might not be necessary for using Mjollnir, despite Snorri's assertion.

Five Books on China

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 28 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. China's rapid economic growth is shaped by strong government support for industries, which contrasts with the U.S. approach to free trade. Learning from China's industrial policy could be important for America's future.
  2. Literature can provide a deep insight into China's past and present, highlighting how individual stories reflect broader historical trends and challenges faced by the country.
  3. Understanding China's history helps explain its current policies and attitudes, especially concerning foreign influence and internal stability, as shown through key events like the Taiping Rebellion.

Many Worlds and the Fine-Tuning Argument: A Reader's Dissent

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 179 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Religion
  1. The post discusses the debate between cosmic designer and multiverse theories regarding fine-tuning in the universe.
  2. A subscriber named Gareth Morley argues in favor of the multiverse theory in response to the author's objections.
  3. The author highlights the complexity and nuances of the Fine-Tuning Argument and its implications for atheism.

War's Mid-Week Status

Pieter’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Religion
  1. Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza raises questions on the need for a ceasefire.
  2. A southern front in Yemen poses a new threat to Israel, supported by Iran.
  3. Understanding the historical and religious context is crucial in interpreting current world conflicts.

Private thread: Can the humanities save cities and companies money?

The Recovering Academic • 178 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Religion
  1. One way to address water shortages in the American Southwest is through interdisciplinary approaches, such as investing in research, conservation initiatives, and public education rather than just focusing on increasing water supply.
  2. The aesthetic preferences and perceptions of beauty, particularly influenced by imported European ideals, play a significant role in creating water problems in regions like Arizona, highlighting the potential impact of humanities like art and literature in reshaping these views.
  3. Considering humanities expertise, including art, religion, philosophy, and history, could potentially offer valuable solutions to economic challenges faced by cities and companies beyond just water shortages.