Who built Europe’s religious monuments?
The forgotten craftsmen of Africa and the Middle East
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
Did Muslims influence the construction of Europe’s great religious structures? Researcher and author Diana Drake answers this question with a profound, complex yes in new book “Islamesque.”
Taking its title from the architectural term “Romanesque,” Drake argues that a switch to Islamesque would more accurately represent the cultural ties present between Islamic and Christian cultures — and more accurately credit Muslim craftsmen for their technological advancements.
In today’s top story, Angela Youngman reviews the book and explores the historical connection in architecture between Muslims and Christians as it stretches into the present day.
‘Islamesque’: The Story Of The Forgotten Craftsmen Who Built Europe’s Religious Monuments
(REVIEW) Researcher and author Diana Darke argues that the connections between Islamic and Christian cultures during the medieval period were much stronger than commonly believed. This cross-fertilization of cultures had a significant impact on society, religion and culture. Her extensive research, covering hundreds of buildings across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East led her to propose replacing the term "Romanesque" with "Islamesque." by Angela Youngman
2 Major US Religion Surveys Coincide, With Some Guarded Good News
(ANALYSIS) One of the most impactful cultural changes in 21st-century America has been the steady decline in Christian vitality, as measured by membership, baptisms versus funerals, worship attendance, practices, and perceptions. Two major new social science surveys suggest that this decline may have bottomed out — though statistics about secularizing youth give believers ample reason to worry about the future. by Richard Ostling
The Fight Against Sacred Heritage A War On Civilization Itself
(ANALYSIS) Pilgrims would journey across continents to light candles beneath their frescoed domes, whisper prayers into the cool stone walls, and gaze upon centuries-old icons bathed in flickering candlelight. These sites are much more than buildings. They are testaments to Greece’s spiritual, cultural and historical identity. Yet today, that serenity is under attack. In 2023, Greece recorded almost 600 incidents of theft, vandalism and desecration targeting Orthodox churches — the highest on record. by John Mac Ghlionn
Syrian Shia Refugees In Lebanon Battle Mounting Hardships
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that several regions in Syria have witnessed an escalating wave of targeted killings and individual acts of retribution. The organization noted that direct executions are being carried out through various methods, from field executions to surprise assassinations by unidentified gunmen. by Safaa Sallal
Disney’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Series Premiere Waters Down Hero’s Faith And Themes
(REVIEW) “Daredevil: Born Again” picks up years after the original show ended and a year after blind lawyer Matt Murdock stopped his activities as the masked vigilante "Daredevil" due to a tragic incident. Murdock continues his fight for justice as a lawyer while former crime boss Wilson Fisk is elected mayor of New York, putting the pair on a collision course. Some of the magic is definitely back. by Joseph Holmes
On Religion: Martin Marty Was The Original ‘Faith Influencer’
(OPINION) Marty died on Feb. 25 at the age of 97, a quarter of a century after retiring from teaching at the University of Chicago Divinity School. The research center he launched in 1979 was then rebranded as the Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion. He received numerous other awards, including more than 80 honorary degrees. by Terry Mattingly
UK Cathedral Dean Embarks on Camino Pilgrimage to Support The Homeless Through Music
Helping the homeless through music has inspired the dean of Sheffield Cathedral to undertake a 620-mile walk along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. Joining her on this journey, which started on March 1, are Tom Daggett, the cathedral's director of music, and Emily Cooper, the music and liturgy administrator and a member of the cathedral’s choir. by Angela Youngman
Churches In Eastern DRC Forced To Shelter Fighters As Violence Escalates
Pastors have reported that they have been forced to shelter rebels inside their churches as well as within their surrounding communities. The rebels are well aware that hiding in these sanctuaries guarantees them protection, given the government’s longstanding commitment to ensuring that attacks do not target civilians, churches or hospitals. by Vicky Abraham
Coming This Summer: Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum Announces Opening Date
From a contemporary marketing perspective, the centenary of the discovery of Pharaoh Tutankhamen’s 3,200-year-old tomb found on Nov. 26, 1922 would have been the ideal date for the inauguration of Cairo’s spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum. In contemporary Egypt, life crawls at the pace known as shuwaya, shuwaya (meaning little, little). Not surprisingly, the much-delayed GEM — more than two decades in the making — is set to have its grand opening on July 3. by Gil Zohar
⛪️ $171 Million For Better Sermons: National Program Blesses Preachers 🔌
In a California meeting, Compelling Preaching Initiative participants enjoyed how-to sessions on the content, crafting and delivery of sermons as well as one-on-one coaching and fellowship with other men — and women — of God. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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