TOK: Religious knowledge systems
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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. A man was arrested in Surrey, suspected of a copycat terrorist attack. Is divisive rhetoric and a climate of hate feeding extremism?
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ISIS teen bride begs for return to Britain
Should she be allowed back? Four years ago, Shamima Begum fled Britain to join Islamic State. Now, with the caliphate in ruins, she wants to return. Her plea has caused division and uproar.
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Happy New Year! China welcomes Year of the Pig
Today, one fifth of the world’s population is celebrating the start of a new year — one that promises to bring prosperity, joy and relaxation. That is, if you believe in the Chinese zodiac…
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‘God wanted Trump to be president’
That is the incredible claim made by Donald Trump’s press secretary, Sarah Sanders. Whether divine intervention is at play or not, Trump is extremely popular among America’s evangelicals.
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The father and son who survived Auschwitz
This Sunday is Holocaust Memorial Day. A new book tells the story of two remarkable survivors: a father and son who stuck together in concentration camps for six horrific years…
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Racism still rampant as King is remembered
Tomorrow, exactly 90 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr was born. All around the world over the coming days, the great civil rights leader will be honoured. But has his dream come true?
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Asylum hope for Saudi teenager who fled death
An 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled her family at the weekend is in hiding in Thailand pleading for asylum. She fears that her father and brother may kill her for renouncing Islam.
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School tries (and fails) to ban Christmas
Has the meaning of Christmas been lost? Lady Lumley’s School reversed its decision to ban festivities after more than 500 pupils wrote letters arguing that the holiday is still valuable.
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Judges to decide if veganism is a religion
What should the verdict be? In a landmark anti-discrimination case, a charity worker who was sacked from his job is arguing that veganism should be recognised as a “religion or belief”.
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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 trumps Christmas Day.