TOK: Religious knowledge systems
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No greater love: the priest who gave his life
Is sacrificing one’s life the most powerful act of kindness? Reports say that an elderly priest in Italy gave up his respirator so that a younger man, a stranger, could survive the virus.
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Say hello to your new best friend: yourself
Could self-isolation be a blessing in disguise? In the coming days, we face sweeping new rules confining us to our homes. But across the ages, many people have found solitude beneficial.
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The book that answers the ultimate question
Does life have any meaning? A hugely important new book called Until the End of Time has just been published by leading physicist Brian Greene. Here are the key points he makes.
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Goodbye to tasty treats as Lent begins
Is giving things up a good idea? Today is the start of Lent, when Christians traditionally deprive themselves of something they enjoy. But the practice is common to other religions too.
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Trust is dying across the world, says survey
Whatever happened to good faith? People no longer believe that it is possible for institutions to do the right thing AND be competent. This is creating an unprecedented wave of cynicism.
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Protest sweeps India over ‘anti-Muslim law’
Is India becoming a racist state? A new citizenship law has sparked protest across India. The government says it protects persecuted minorities; opponents say it is racist and anti-Muslim.
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‘Why austere Advent beats cheesy Christmas’
Is Advent better than Christmas? The season of Advent has officially begun and will continue until midnight on Christmas Eve. Some say the anticipation is better than Christmas Day itself.
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ISIS leader ‘died like a dog’ in US raid
Does this also spell the death of ISIS? The world’s most wanted man was a powerful figurehead for the terror group. His death is a blow, but experts say ISIS operations will continue unabated.
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Health warning over ‘inverted hallucinations’
Is there a deadly new plague sweeping through rich societies? Tomorrow, a leading psychologist will warn of the public health threat caused by lack of awareness of what is before our eyes.
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We are built to believe, say scientists
Do humans need spirituality? An intriguing study has found that 71% of atheists believe in the supernatural. Why is belief so pervasive, even as we abandon traditional religion?
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Abortion, America and a history of #sexstrikes
Earlier this month, the movie star Alyssa Milano suggested that women go on a #sexstrike in response to new laws restricting abortion in Georgia. But is it really a good idea?
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Music, peace and a flicker of hope in Israel
Can Eurovision help solve the Israel-Palestine conflict? An absurd suggestion, perhaps. But, this weekend, all eyes are on Tel Aviv as it hosts the world’s biggest, glitziest talent contest.
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Isis says it was behind Easter Day massacre
Islamic State admitted responsibility yesterday for the Easter Day bombings of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that killed at least 321 people, including 45 children and eight Britons.
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Divorce on demand to make ending marriage easy
Yesterday, the UK announced a divorce law revolution that would make it easier for couples to split without a painful “blame game”. Is the world’s most revered institution on its last legs?
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‘Darkest day’ as world mourns mosque slaughter
Yesterday, the death toll in New Zealand rose to 50. In the UK, a man was arrested on suspicion of a copycat terrorist attack. Is divisive rhetoric and a climate of hate feeding extremism?