Tag: Religion
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Sports rivals unite on hallowed turf
Four days after the terrorist attacks in Paris, England and France stood together in solidarity before playing a football match. What role can sport play in healing a nation’s wounds?
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Now we will destroy Islamic State, says France
A broad alliance including the US, France, Britain and even Russia believes war is the only way to deal with Islamic State. But others passionately argue this will only make matters worse.
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‘Halloween fun trivialises evil’ say Christians
Halloween spending in Britain this year will break all records. But there are still some, many of them devout Christians, who refuse to take part. Does the partying have sinister undertones?
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Europe: Ideas
Movements which go against the political and economic consensus have gained support in countries such as Greece, Spain and France in recent years. Should Europeans welcome the trend?
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Bomb and gun assault rocks Afghan parliament
Fighters opposed to the Afghan government have attacked the country’s parliament. As the Taliban insurgency seems to gain strength, is Afghanistan doomed to relive its tragic history?
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Film hints at life under ‘merciless’ militants
The BBC has obtained new, secretly-filmed footage of life inside the city of Mosul, a year after it was invaded by so-called ‘Islamic State’. How can such a brutal regime last this long?
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Prince and Irish rebel set old enmity aside
A brief meeting between Prince Charles and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has been seen as historic. Does it add to the chances of a lasting reconciliation in Northern Ireland?
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‘Jesus’s burial cloth’ back on display
The Shroud of Turin will return to public display until June. The piece of cloth is believed to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ, but some have cast doubts over its authenticity.
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Reformers rejoice for first female bishop
The Church of England has consecrated its first ever female bishop. It has been hailed as a landmark for progress and equality, but do religions fare better when they stick to tradition?
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Tudor drama savages the reputation of a saint
After nearly 500 years as a martyr, Thomas More will tonight be portrayed as a detestable villain in a BBC drama. It’s a controversial reading of history, but how can we judge its accuracy?
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Forecasters fuel hopes for a white Christmas
While the Met says it cannot be certain, there is a chance that Britain may see a relatively rare white Christmas this year. How and why is snow part of our Christmas tradition?
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‘Get real’ says Pope at family life meeting
Pope Francis yesterday made clear his irritation with priests and bishops who focus on ‘small-minded rules’ at the expense of human beings grappling with real-life dilemmas.
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Mecca modernises ahead of Haj pilgrimage
A new state-of-the-art sound system is being installed at Islam’s holiest mosque, as part of a controversial new redevelopment. Is the pace of change undermining the true meaning of the Haj?
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Panic as Islamists seize Iraq’s second city
An extreme Islamist group, ISIS, has captured a great stretch of Iraq and Syria, imposing harsh laws wherever it goes. With the Iraqi government now looking weak, will the rebels triumph?
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Rare ‘Thanksgivukkah’ kicks off festive season
Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fell on the same day last week – something that will not happen again for more than 70,000 years. The winter festival season is off to a unique start.