December, 2013
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The Origins of Christmas - December 17, 2013 09:00 AM
Since the mid-fourth century, Western Christians have celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 to honor the birth date of Jesus Christ. The date is not supported by Biblical evidence, however, and the true origins of the celebration may lie in secular festivals centered around the winter solstice.
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The Origins of Christmas - December 22, 2011 09:00 AM
Since the mid-fourth century, Western Christians have celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 to honor the birth date of Jesus Christ. The date is not supported by Biblical evidence, however, and the true origins of the celebration may lie in secular festivals centered around the winter solstice.
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The Shroud of Turin - December 01, 2011 11:00 AM
Many believe that the Shroud of Turin is Jesus Christ’s burial cloth and bears the image of his face and body, but skeptics call it a medieval forgery.
April, 2011
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6 Sites for Celebrating Passover - April 18, 2011 07:00 AM
Passover is the Jewish spring holiday that celebrates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, where they were slaves. Modern Jews often use the occasion to honor various types of individual, political and social freedoms. Create a Passover celebration that’s all your own with the help of these six links.
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Debate Over Jesus Christ’s Resurrection—Miracle or Metaphor? - April 02, 2010 07:00 AM
As Christians prepare to celebrate one of the religion’s most important holidays, debate persists over evidence of Jesus Christ's resurrection.
November, 2009
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Praying May Increase Brain Power - November 10, 2009 11:30 AM
A recent study found that intense prayer and meditation have a positive effect on mental ability, leading one researcher to suggest that it’s possible to reconcile science and religion.
October, 2009
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Catholic Church Welcomes Disgruntled Anglicans - October 22, 2009 12:00 PM
In response to Anglicans dissatisfied with their Church, the Vatican has opened its doors, highlighting the differences between the two denominations.
July, 2009
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Honor Killings in Canada Reignite Cultural Debate - July 28, 2009 09:00 AM
On June 30, four women were found dead inside a car submerged in the Rideau Canal near Kingston, Ontario. Family members who mourned the deaths are now chief suspects.
June, 2009
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Do Burkas Symbolize Freedom of Expression or Oppression? - June 24, 2009 06:30 PM
Earlier this week French President Nicolas Sarkozy denounced the practice of Muslim women wearing burkas—long loose garments that hide the faces and bodies of the wearer.
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Michigan Judges Can Ask Muslim Women to Remove Veils in Court - June 18, 2009 07:30 PM
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that judges may ask those testifying in court to remove niqabs, or Islamic facial veils, at their discretion. Where is the balance between religious rights and security?
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Chefs Add Flavor to Soup Kitchen Fare - June 18, 2009 06:00 PM
Chefs across America are donating their skills to homeless shelters, transforming donated food into gourmet meals.
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On This Day: Crusaders Launch Siege of Jerusalem - June 07, 2009 02:00 AM
On June 7, 1099, Christian knights launched an assault to free Jerusalem from Egyptian control as part of the first Crusade.
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Was Dr. George Tiller’s Murder an Isolated Incident, or Latest Example of Long History of Anti-Abortion Violence? - June 01, 2009 07:30 PM
This is the first slaying of an abortion provider since 1998, but clinics and doctors have experienced numerous violent incidents and threats over the years.
May, 2009
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Parents Agree to Chemotherapy for Teen With Hodgkin's Disease - May 27, 2009 10:30 AM
Daniel Hauser, who fled the state after a court ordered him to receive chemotherapy, is back home and scheduled to resume treatment today.
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Atheist and Unaffiliated Parents Forming Groups Nationwide - May 26, 2009 07:30 AM
As the number of people unaffiliated with any religious group grows faster than any organized religion, nonbelievers are finding it easier to go public with their views on faith.
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Police Search for Boy Who Needs Chemotherapy - May 20, 2009 07:30 PM
A 13-year-old Minnesota boy with cancer and his mother fled Monday, skipping a Tuesday court appearance and triggering a nationwide alert.
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Judge Rules Minnesota Boy Must Get Cancer Treatment - May 18, 2009 06:00 PM
A family who wants to treat their teenage son's Hodgkin's disease with alternative treatments must get him chemotherapy.
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Recession Has Serious Impact on Amish Way of Life - May 14, 2009 07:00 AM
The closure of factories, a prohibition on accepting unemployment benefits and lower prices for food are leading the tradition-steeped Amish to review their practices.
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As Expected, Pope Benedict XVI’s Visit to Israel Marked by Tension - May 12, 2009 07:00 PM
Pope Benedict has arrived in Israel for a long-anticipated visit. Opinions differ as to whether he is fostering peace or creating fresh conflict.
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Teacher Asks Students to Think Like a Terrorist - May 12, 2009 10:32 AM
A teacher at a Pueblo County high school in Colorado infuriated parents when she tasked students with inventing a terrorist plot by a foreign power.
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Minnesota Mom Makes Headlines for Vowing to Prevent Son’s Chemotherapy - May 12, 2009 07:30 AM
Colleen Hauser says a careful “traditional treatment” has greatly helped her son’s cancer, and that she will decline further chemotherapy treatment for him.
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Murder Trial in France a Reminder of Racial Unrest in the Banlieue - May 06, 2009 05:59 PM
The trial of a Muslim gang leader accused of kidnapping and murdering a young Jewish man has revived racial and religious tensions in the suburbs of France, reminiscent of the infamous 2005 riots.
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Al-Jazeera Accuses US Military of Proselytizing in Afghanistan - May 05, 2009 05:00 PM
Al-Jazeera has broadcast video of a sermon by a U.S. military chaplain stationed in Afghanistan, which some have interpreted as an attempt to convert local Muslims to Christianity.
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8-Year-Old Saudi Girl's Marriage Legally Annulled - May 04, 2009 07:20 AM
A Saudi court nullified the arranged marriage of an 8-year-old girl to a 58-year-old man. The case, which has been in the news for several months, had angered international rights groups and many Saudis alike.
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More Americans Are Losing Their Religion - May 01, 2009 07:00 AM
Young adults generally make the decision to change churches or stop attending services before the age of 24, according to a new report from the Pew Research Center.
April, 2009
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Ex-Vatican Ambassador Declines Notre Dame Honor Over Obama Invitation - April 27, 2009 07:30 PM
Mary Ann Glendon is declining Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal due to the university’s decision to name President Obama as its commencement speaker.
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Undercover Student Author Infiltrates Christian School for Book - April 24, 2009 11:00 AM
Kevin Roose took a semester off from Brown University to infiltrate Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University. His new book chronicles that experience.
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Debate Continues Over Jesus Christ’s Resurrection - April 11, 2009 08:00 AM
As Christians prepare to celebrate one of the religion’s most important holidays, debate persists over evidence of Jesus Christ's resurrection.
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Obama Fosters Religious Inclusion with White House Passover Seder - April 09, 2009 01:04 PM
Tonight Barack Obama is hosting what is believed to be the first Seder attended by a sitting president at the White House.
March, 2009
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Catholics Protest Obama’s Invitation to Notre Dame Commencement - March 26, 2009 04:00 PM
Notre Dame’s decision to invite President Obama as its commencement speaker has many debating whether Catholic universities should invite speakers who oppose the church’s stance on abortion rights and stem cells research.