🍟 Feeding the body and soul during Lent with fast food
Multiple chains cater to their religious customers worldwide
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
Did you know McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish was created for Catholics? In the 1960s, a manager realized his store was selling less on Fridays, a day when Catholics traditionally abstain from eating meat during Lent. He put the fish sandwich on the menu, and it never came off. For many Catholics, it remains a Friday Lent staple to this day.
That’s perhaps the most well-known example of religious-inspired food among fast food chains, but it’s hardly the only example.
In today’s top story, intern Matthew Peterson reports on more fast food chains who cater to religious buyers — including the Mormon-friendly Swig, beefless burgers in India and more.
Fast Food’s Quest To Feed Body And Soul During Lent And Beyond
Fast food aficionados and practicing Catholics alike are often familiar with the Filet-O-Fish story and how the sandwich was born as a result of Lent. Catholics aren’t the only religious group chain restaurants cater to because of faith and dietary restrictions. Here’s a look at some of the biggest menu options from around the world. by Matthew Peterson
Exploring The Spiritual Journey And Legacy Of Shirdi Sai Baba
(TRAVEL) In the 19th century, an ascetic known as Sai Baba settled in the village of Shirdi in central India. With his long hair and beard, flowing robe and unorthodox lifestyle, he attracted followers from different faiths to listen to his spiritual teachings emphasizing unity. by Suraj Santlani
Religious Objections To Vaccines In Africa Complicates Cholera Fight
As Zimbabwe and several other African countries fight a protracted cholera outbreak, Apostolic Christian sects opposed to Western medicine are being blamed for complicating the fight. Zimbabwe is one of the several countries in Southern Africa that are suffering from bouts of cholera outbreaks. Other places include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania and Malawi. by Cyril Zenda
Muslims Welcome Ramadan Amid Heightened Security And Concern For Gaza
Muslims around the world welcomed the holy month of Ramadan on Sunday with some trepidation given the war in Gaza and political and religious turmoil taking place across the Middle East. Ramadan — the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar — is a period observed by Muslims worldwide. by Clemente Lisi
‘Sacred Alaska’: Q&A With Film Director Simon Scionka On Native Culture and Orthodox Spirituality
“Sacred Alaska” is an award-winning, visually stunning documentary with compelling storytelling. The film explores the profound influence of Orthodoxy, brought by St. Herman and Russian monks in the late 18th century, on Native Alaskan society. It also highlights the unique fusion of Native Alaskan indigenous beliefs with Orthodox traditions. by Jovan Tripkovic
Kicking Down Barriers: Coach Champions Women’s Soccer Players in Kashmir
On a hazy morning with an aura of high spirit and enthusiasm, Mohammad Abdullah Dar, 84, wearing a tracksuit and a skull cap, starts jogging in the playground of the Amar Singh College in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. He’s been on a mission to teach soccer to women and help them excel at it in a part of the world not always enthusiastic about female sports. by Ashish Kumar Kataria and Moshina Malik
2024 Oscars: ‘Oppenheimer’ Cleans Up And The Night’s Other Big Winners
The Oscars were held on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. Jimmy Kimmel returned as host for the fourth time, joined onstage by an all-star list of presenters. Did any faith-based films win? Here’s a look at this year’s winners. by Religion Unplugged
‘Cabrini’ Biopic Visually Stunning (But Largely Boring) Toxic Outrage
(REVIEW) Angel Studios’ latest film “Cabrini” has haunting visuals and solid messages, but can’t seem to care about the real-life people the movie is based on beyond their status of victim or oppressor. The film follows Catholic nun Francesca Cabrini who, after witnessing poverty in the slums of New York, embarks on a daring journey to help hundreds of orphaned children. by Joseph Holmes
Why Popular Faith-Based Films Like ‘The Chosen’ Aren’t Nominated For Oscars
Are faith projects such as “The Chosen” not considered for secular awards because of anti-Christian bias? While there is plenty of bias in Hollywood, the reason is a much more complicated one. Film critic Joseph Holmes delves into the issue in time for this Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony. by Joseph Holmes
‘Everywhere Is Heaven’: The Art Of Stanley Spencer And Roger Wagner Join Forces
(REVIEW) For the first time in its 62-year history, the Stanley Spencer Gallery in England is collaborating with a living painter. The exhibition, Everywhere is Heaven, pairs Stanley Spencer’s visionary paintings with those of Roger Wagner, whose work transposes biblical events to contemporary settings. by David Trigg
A Look Back At ‘The Philadelphia Eleven’: A Profile In Courage And Change
At the time when women were first ordained in the Episcopal Church in the 1970s, it was considered the most critical event in the denomination’s history since its founding by English King Henry VIII when he broke away from Catholicism. Women’s equality in the church had been building for decades. by Brian Bromberger
5 Catholic Churches To Explore When Visiting Ireland
(TRAVEL) Ireland is a country that offers tourists a captivating blend of stunning landscapes and a rich history, making it an incredibly fun place to visit. The Emerald Isle’s many churches — some 4,000 in all — offers a captivating journey through Ireland's rich religious heritage dating back centuries. In time for St. Patrick’s Day, here are five Catholic houses of worship that stand out. by Clemente Lisi
Guide To The US Presidential Candidates And Their Faith
President Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump won more than a dozen states on Super Tuesday — all but cementing a November rematch. Their victories — including in delegate-rich states like California and Texas — left little doubt about the outcome of both the Democratic and Republican primaries. by Clemente Lisi
Religious Freedom Can Be About Recognizing Our Brokenness During Lent
(ANALYSIS) Despite the often polarized views on religious freedom, its essence remains timeless and profound, particularly for Christians. For believers, religious freedom finds its most profound expression in the image of a God baby born over two millennia ago to a virgin. This freedom is not just about the ability to practice one’s faith openly, but also about the freedom to cultivate a personal relationship with Christ and to navigate the intricate tapestry of His church and the world. It's about recognizing our brokenness. by Chelsea Langston Bombino
🤷🏻♀️ Are The Feds Still Investigating Southern Baptist Sex Abuse? That's A Good Question 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. delves into reports the U.S. Justice Department has ended its investigation of Southern Baptist sex abuse. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
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