Tag: Religion
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Pakistan Quran scandal fires up blasphemy debate
In Islamabad, an 11-year-old girl has been accused of burning Islam’s holy book. If guilty, she could be sentenced to death. Why are symbolic objects so powerful?
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Atheism on the rise as millions reject religion
According to a new survey, record numbers of people are swapping religious belief for atheism. Could we be heading toward a godless world – and what might that society look like?
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So-called ‘heretics’ victims of greed, not religion
Eight hundred years ago, a nightmarish crusade burned and tortured its way across Southern France. Now, a new book suggests that the charge of heresy was simply a cover for grasping tyranny.
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Cardinal provokes fury with gay marriage attack
By describing gay marriage as an ‘aberration’, Cardinal Keith O’Brien has brought new ammunition to a raging culture war. But who has the right to define an institution?
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Philosopher’s book aims to end ‘God Wars’
In recent years, fierce debates have divided passionate atheists from firm believers. Now famous thinker Alain de Botton has provoked a storm of debate by suggesting a ‘middle way’.
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King James Bible celebrated in royal service
The Queen was among the congregation at a grand church ceremony to mark 400 years since the great Bible translation was finished. It was the culmination of a year of special events.
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Monks set themselves alight in Tibetan protest
Eleven Tibetan monks and nuns have set fire to themselves this year, in protest at Chinese rule over their homeland. They want independence – but is it worth the battle?
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Saudi women launch a peaceful revolution
Women in Saudi Arabia cannot vote or drive a car, and must get a man’s permission before they marry, travel, get a job or go to university. Now some are fighting back.
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Religion, football and violence: a toxic mix
Celtic and Rangers go head-to-head in a violent clash. 230 are arrested. Will bigotry, poverty and drink be the death of football in Glasgow?
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Scientology: faith under fire or ‘evil cult?’
A new magazine exposé has reopened debate over the controversial Church of Scientology. Some claim it's a proper religion, but there is evidence of a dangerous dark side.
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Holy bones - skeleton seized by Greek cops
A monk has been detained in Athens for trying to smuggle a nun’s remains out of the country. Why did he do it?
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Are Christmas superstitions super or stupid?
There are many superstitions around the 12th night of Christmas, as decorations come down. But does superstition have any place in our modern world?
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Political murder disrupts Pakistan.
A campaigner for Pakistan’s democracy has been shot dead by one of his own bodyguards, who thought the moderate politician was wrong to favour free speech over religion.