Indigenous rituals in Mexico
Connecting with the land and the community
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
In today’s top story, contributor Magdalena Rojo writes on the rituals and daily practice of the Mixe people from Santiago Atitlan, Mexico. Mixe people “consider themselves never conquered,” writes Rojo, and their language thrives — though there aren’t many who still perform the spiritual rituals of the ancestors.
It’s important to note why these rituals have died down and perhaps even more important to celebrate where they are continued, and today’s story does both, painting a beautiful picture of these rituals in practice and showcasing the ways they accompany the Mixe people’s fight for more rights in their community.
Indigenous Rituals In Mexico: Connecting With The Land And Community
The Mixe language continues to thrive. The Mixe people consider themselves never conquered, and turkey — an animal native to the Americas before colonization — is served at all significant events. Asking Mother Earth for permission and for the well-being of the plants does not only accompany coffee producers of the Mixe group, but also other farmers in Oaxaca. by Magdalena Rojo
Christian Nationalism Equals ‘Spiritual Idolatry’: Q&A With Author Caleb Campbell
Throughout the United States, Christian nationalism has left in its wake broken communities and churches. Both those who subscribe to it and those who disagree are often left hurt and embarrassed. As the movement grew within his own church, Pastor Caleb Campbell set out to understand Christian nationalism’s appeal and how to help Christians minister to their friends and family committed to it. by Isabella Meibauer
When This Election Is Over, Time For Some Happiness
(ANALYSIS) For many Americans, it’s a challenge to focus on much news beyond the raucous national and local political campaigns till November 5. But late this year or early in 2025 we’ll get something completely different and fascinating — a batch of new findings from the Global Flourishing Study. Through 2026, this unprecedented academic project is investigating what factors create human happiness, well-being and life satisfaction in 22 widely varied countries, based upon surveys with 240,000 people. by Richard Ostling
‘God, I Need Help’: 9/11 Military Heroes With PTSD Still Fighting A War At Home
SOF Missions helps veterans who — like retired Air Force Lt. Col. Damon Friedman — struggle with PTSD and other challenges from military service. At the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, many of those who served their country overseas still fight a war at home. “I’m telling you, I was going to become a statistic,” Friedman said. by Bobby Ross Jr.
As Visitors Pack Rome, The Vatican Awaits Its ‘Moment For Evangelization’
The city is preparing for a Jubilee year, a time when the Catholic church invites pilgrims to Rome. The events, which will officially began on Christmas Eve this year and end on Dec. 28, 2025, is a special time dedicated to prayer and pilgrimage. Italy’s capital, which already draws an estimated 25 million visitors each year, could see that number increase to 32 million in 2025. by Clemente Lisi
Is The UK’s New Atheist Prime Minister Cause For Caution?
(ANALYSIS) Keir Starmer's ascent as the U.K.'s first openly atheist leader marks a significant milestone in British political history. This development prompts the question: Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Unsurprisingly, the answer is rather complicated. Today's U.K. is vastly different from the country of Starmer's childhood. by John Mac Ghlionn
Digging Deeper Into Spiritual Issues In Screens Culture
(ANALYSIS) In my “On Religion” column — “Jonathan Haidt: It's time for clergy to start worrying about smartphone culture” — I focused on what the author of “The Anxious Generation” had to say about the decisions faced by religious believers in the age of digital-screens culture. by Terry Mattingly
The Power Of Christ Compels Them: Why Hollywood Is Making So Many Exorcism Movies
(ANALYSIS) Exorcism movies are making a comeback — and the reasons are more interesting than you might think. The likely reasons actually say a lot about the present and the future of religion in America and its intersection with the future of mass media. Here's a deeper look at why Hollywood is going all in on the genre. by Joseph Holmes
Right To Food: Is Eating What The State Says A Religious Freedom Issue?
Illegal bans on nonvegetarian food are increasingly being introduced in towns that attract Hindu pilgrims, like Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Since it is perceived as a manifestation of tradition and culture, it is difficult to challenge it in a court of law. by AJ Philip
On Religion: Wading Into Doctrinal Debates — And Taking Heat From Both Sides
(ANALYSIS) In the heated environs of Catholic cyberspace, that kind of reporting being done by The Pillar has drawn fierce criticism from partisans on the other side of all doctrinal debates with political, moral and cultural implications. At the moment, The Pillar is taking heat from conservatives for coverage raising questions about remarks by Sen. J.D. Vance. by Terry Mattingly
📽️ ‘Reagan’ Movie: God’s Purpose In President’s Life Emerges As A Central Theme 🔌
The new "Reagan" biopic focuses on Ronald Reagan's role in the Cold War and the fight against Soviet communism. But faith emerges as a major storyline in the 135-minute biopic. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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