Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
Muslim Amna Kazi became a vegetarian at 17, and others have questioned her religion since.
In Islam, all foods beyond pork are considered halal, but meat is still an important factor both religiously and culturally — particularly because of animal sacrifices performed on holidays.
Beyond personal practice, this raises questions about animal sacrifices and the ways it can become more ethical.
“As Muslims, we should be the one leading the charge, saying, ‘If we want to eat meat, we need to be more mindful of factory farming, how animals are raised, the way they’re treated and transported,’” said Ustadha Zaynab Ansari, an instructor of Islamic sciences.
Contributor Anmol Irfan reports on the nuances of this discussion and some of the practical possibilities in today’s top story.
Muslim Vegetarians: Is The Lifestyle Compatible With Islam?
While assuming someone’s religion is an extremely personal question and often quite jarring in public settings, it’s also a common practice in Pakistan, a Muslim majority nation where religious questions are raised around vegetarian lifestyles. In recent years, the flip side to this debate has also arisen, with an increasing number of Muslims questioning the need to sacrifice animals on holidays such as Eid al-Adha. by Anmol Irfan
Hemingway, Qoheleth And Searching For The Meaning Of Life
(OPINION) The famed writer Ernest Hemingway was not necessarily a religious man — but he was a deep thinker and realized that human beings crave long-term satisfaction. In his famous book “The Sun Also Rises,” he understood that the pursuit of meaning in life is frustrating and intricate. by Rafa Oliveira
Interfaith Couples Overcome Challenges Thanks To ‘Dhanak of Humanity’ Initiative
Dhanak of Humanity was founded in 2004 by Asif Iqbal, who started it as a support group for interfaith couples in India, aimed at providing guidance and assistance to those facing challenges due to societal prejudices surrounding interreligious unions. by Shadab Farooq
Should Christians Avoid Horror Films Like ‘The Nun II’?
(REVIEW) “The Nun II” has little to show for itself except for its repetitive jump scares — but could it also be a danger to your soul? Christians have a complicated relationship with the horror genre. On the one hand, horror films are one of the few types of Hollywood films that unapologetically treat Christianity (particularly Catholicism) as good. by Joseph Holmes
Saints linebacker Demario Davis Places Spotlight On The Power Of Prayer After Daughter Suffers Seizure
The New Orleans Saints won their season opener in dramatic fashion — defeating the Tennessee Titans 16-15 — but it was linebacker Demario Davis who stole the spotlight after the game with an amazing story of faith. Instead of talking about Sunday’s win, Davis took the time to thank God after his 4-year-old daughter Carly-Faith had suffered a seizure two days earlier. by Clemente Lisi
9/11 Firefighter Tim Brown Talks About Loss, Healing and Faith
The horrific events of that day also reveal a story of heroism, hope, love and sacrifice. On that very day and the weeks that followed, New York became a city of quiet heroes. Tim Brown was one of them, though he doesn't consider himself a hero. Brown, a decorated 20-year FDNY firefighter, survived the attack on the World Trade Center and was also a first responder to the 1993 terrorist attack at the building complex. by Jovan Tripkovic
Deion Sanders Vocal About His Christian Faith As He Seeks Success at Colorado
These days, the 56-year-old Sanders is known less for what he did on the field and more for what he’s doing on the sidelines and what he’s saying in the locker room as coach of the University of Colorado’s football team. Sanders is also making headlines for his Christianity and how he’s used his faith to motivate himself and his players. by Clemente Lisi
The Search For Christ and Truth In The German City Of Freiburg
(TRAVEL) In addition to its charming architecture, close proximity to nature and signature miniature canals, the city is known for the well-respected University of Freiburg. During my exchange program, I spent quite a bit of time in the university’s energy-efficient, futuristic-looking library. by James Thompson
India Could Be Renamed ‘Bharat’: A History Of The Word And Its Hindu Ties
The Modi-led government is likely to bring a resolution for changing India’s official name during the special session of Parliament that’s scheduled for Sept. 18. Critics of the move have said the name change is in line with Modi’s Hindu nationalist messaging, while also stripping the country of names tied to colonialism. by Clemente Lisi
‘You’re So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah’ Strong on Faith, Weak On Enjoyability
(REVIEW) Adam Sandler’s latest comedy starring his daughters has some incredible conversations around faith and family — but is crushed under the weight of a mountain of painfully unfunny jokes and a thoroughly unlikable protagonist. “You’re So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah” features Sandler’s daughter Sadie as Stacy Friedman, a teenager who wants to have the best bat mitzvah ever and to kiss the boy of her dreams. by Joseph Holmes
Court Ruling Seeking Proof Of Adultery Sparks Debate Among Christians In Uganda
A recent ruling in Uganda that emphasizes proof of adultery in order for courts to grant a divorce has stirred a hot debate among Christians and lawyers. In the High Court ruling regarding a divorce case filed by a man against his wife, Justice John Eudes Keitirima noted that without proof of adultery, the court would not grant a divorce. by John Semakula
Kenyans Commemorate Life Of Slain Priest Whose Murder Remains Unsolved
Catholics in Kenya commemorated the life of American missionary John Anthony Kaiser, a Catholic priest and human rights defender. He was particularly vocal in condemning politically motivated tribal clashes during the 1990s and whose assassination in the year 2000 shocked the country. by Joseph Maina
5 Documentaries About Orthodox Christianity to Watch This Month
(REVIEW) Watching documentary films is never easy. Oftentimes, documentaries can be both intellectually challenging and culturally enriching — especially if they are about the church and faith. The majority of Orthodox Christian documentaries are produced in non-English speaking countries such as Russia, Greece and Serbia. With the growth of the Orthodox church around the globe, English-speaking countries are slowly catching up. by Jovan Tripkovic
🙏 Do Post-Pandemic Houses Of Worship Have A Prayer? New Reports Offer Insights 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights new survey findings concerning post-pandemic worship attendance and giving. 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!
Thanks again for reading!
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