By Daniel Cox Ask someone born after 1980 whether they know anyone who has left his or her childhood religion and the answer will likely be yes. In fact, many Millennials, adults who are between the ages of eighteen and
Muslim Men: Please Shut Up about Women!
By Amanullah De Sondy A recent Pew Research Center study indicated how “people” in various Muslim countries “prefer” Muslim women to dress. The results are varied from fully veiled dress to no veil at all. There seems to be no
Why I Still Love Disney, or, Imagineering Religion
By S. Brent Plate This is the sign that hangs over the entrance to Disneyland, less than an hour from where I grew up in Southern California. I realize some people save up for years to drive the kids
Sanctifying the Senses: Thoughts on Beyoncé as Liberative Praxis
By Alexis S. Wells If accepting imperfections and eschewing insecurities are a female rite of passage, then in her self-titled visual album, Beyoncé establishes herself as one of pop culture’s preeminent guides. Since its surprise release through iTunes, the collection
Why Do Americans Seem So Religious?
By E. Brooks Holifield Many Western Europeans think of Americans as hopelessly, bafflingly, and dangerously religious. Many Americans think of Western Europeans as distressingly, inexplicably, and unrelentingly secular. In 2009, the German sociologist Hans Joas observed that “it is widely
Holy Smoke
By Shalom Goldman Since the 1960s many in America’s alternative religious communities have embraced the use of marijuana and other mind-altering substances in their religious rituals. By hearkening back to Native American rites, these religious practitioners can point to a
Sacred Matters.
By Louis A. Ruprecht Jr. I was delighted when I first heard of the possibility that this important new online journal was to be created. I was even more delighted when asked to participate in its creation, formation, and custodial
Sacred Social Media
The sacred is social. That means Sacred Matters wants to hear from our readers through social media. As with our letters, we want your feedback on our stories. We want to know what you think is sacred. We want
Letters Not Comments: Slowing Down the Conversation
What is more controversial than religion? What is more volatile than differences of opinion over the status and role and truth of religion? What causes more flare ups and flame outs than online commenting, usually anonymous, on the topic of
Surf’s Up at the American Academy of Religion!
Are you going to the American Academy of Religion meeting this November? Are you there right now? Are you bummed about being in Baltimore in the autumnal chill? We have something to bring a little sunshine to your weekend. Find