Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
Caodaism, which originated in Vietnam, is a religion which reconciles all religious beliefs. It’s been criticized by writers in the past, their temple described in a novel as “a Walt Disney fantasia of the East, dragons and snakes in technicolor.”
In today’s top story, contributor James Thompson takes readers along on his visit to Tây Ninh, home of Caodaism, and paints the religion in a new lens. He shares the history of the religion, insights from its modern practice and how public perception of the religion is changing.
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Another Holy See: Visiting The Center Of Caodaism in Southern Vietnam
Caodaist beliefs and practices are a similar blend — although these seem to be skewed more towards traditionally Asian spiritualities. Reincarnation, karma, ancestor worship and divination are all central elements, while the most apparent contribution of the Abrahamic religions is monotheism. by James Thompson
7 Little-Known Faith Facts About Thanksgiving Day
(EXPLAINER) Thanksgiving Day isn’t just about parades, crowded airports, football games and a turkey dinner. The U.S. holiday also has roots in the Christianity of 16th century Europe. The celebration has been linked to the Pilgrims of 1621 and the harvest festival since the late 19th century. As the name implies, the theme of the holiday revolves around giving thanks. by Clemente Lisi
Are Faith And Free Will Compatible With One Another?
(ANALYSIS) Few questions have intrigued humanity more than the mystery of free will. Are we truly in control of our lives or are we following a script written by something greater? The debate over free will has raged for centuries, touching philosophy, science and religion. Which brings us to another age-old question: Can a belief in free will coexist with religious doctrine? by John Mac Ghlionn
The Role of Ethiopian Orthodox Priests in Promoting Vaccines
Ethiopia’s Amhara region, located in the north near Sudan, has benefited from measures that included pairing community medical workers with religious leaders on community health drives. Ethiopian Orthodox priests are respected for their collaboration with health organizations to spread awareness and immunization campaigns. by Calvin Manika
Why Does Violence Surge In India's Manipur Whenever Its Chief Minister Faces Crisis?
Manipur is burning yet again, marking its third major escalation since the violence began in May 2023. The initial outbreak and the three subsequent flare-ups have almost seemed predictable, each coinciding with challenges to the leadership of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Let’s start with the latest escalation, which is still ongoing. by Vishal Arora
Faith On The Frontlines Of Hurricane Helene Recovery
The tragedy that struck Appalachia has stirred up a profound emotional response within the local communities and throughout the country. Digging out mud, cleaning debris and donating are just a few contributions volunteers have made. In response, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association deployed chaplains from their Rapid Response Team to minister to homeowners. by Alexa Wandersee
The ‘Orange Economy’: How Religion and AI Are Shaping Innovation
(ANALYSIS) The creative economy is about translating the inspiration of culture and ideas into high-value businesses and enterprises. For billions of people around the world their faith is a big source of inspiration and creativity. Artificial intelligence will be a major disruptor of our economy. It will also allow many people to join the ranks of the creative economy like never before. In essence, faith has a role to play in the unfurling of the next chapter in humanity’s economic story. by Joseph Hammond
How Will The New Archbishop of Canterbury Be Chosen?
(ANALYSIS) The Archbishop of Canterbury, whose position has a 1,427-year history, is a major figure in world Christianity as head of the Church of England and, because of that, in modern times is also the spiritual leader of the international Anglican Communion. This branch of Christianity encompasses some 85 million members in churches across the world. by Richard Ostling
Crossroads Podcast: The Struggle To Cover The Sins Of Powerful Clergy
The scandals surrounding the life and work of the former (and now disgraced) cardinal Theodore McCarrick rumbled in the background of Roman Catholic life for decades — starting in the early 1980s. Insiders whispered, but nothing was done. by Terry Mattingly
What’s Wrong With Angel Studios And Its ‘Bonhoeffer’ Biopic About The German Pastor?
(ANALYSIS) Angel Studios can’t seem to catch a break from controversy. Its first big hit, the film “Sound of Freedom,” was heavily criticized by sex-trafficking survivors for its deceptive portrayal of the issue. They’ve also faced allegations of unsavory business practices and for partnering with a conservative media company for distribution. by Joseph Holmes
On Religion: Why Are Clergy So Timid When It Comes To The Smartphone Crisis?
(ANALYSIS) As the star of the scathing documentary "Religulous" — "religious" plus "ridiculous" — Bill Maher has never hidden his agnostic views about faith. But that doesn't mean the stand-up comic doubts the reality of evil. Consider his blistering comment on smartphones, drawn from his “Real Time” talk show earlier this year. by Terry Mattingly
Jordan Peterson’s New Book On The Bible Fails To Wrestle With God Enough
(REVIEW) “We Who Wrestle with God” is a solid compilation of Peterson’s views on the continuity between biblical testimony and the human condition. If he’d been more disciplined with his prose, the good in his work would have been more readable. And if he’d taken more seriously wrestling with the text itself, there would have been a lot more good to read. by Joseph Holmes
🇺🇦 Faith And Friendship: A Ukrainian-American Thanksgiving 🔌
David Duncan isn’t just a source for our Weekend Plug-in columnist. He’s a dear friend. Catch up on the inside details. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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Thanks again for reading!
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