Religion And Culture News

The latest religion and culture stories, summarized by AI

"Embracing Raunchy Christianity in the Trump-Era Conservatism"
religion-and-culture
2.02 min1 year ago

"Embracing Raunchy Christianity in the Trump-Era Conservatism"

In the Trump era, some evangelical conservatives are embracing a more risqué approach, as seen in the "Conservative Dad’s Real Women of America" calendar featuring influencers and aspiring politicians in provocative poses. This has sparked a debate within the conservative Christian community, with some condemning it as "soft porn" while others see it as a win for their side. The calendar blurs the lines between Christian and secular conservatism, with the cover model, Riley Gaines, also being an activist against transgender women's participation in sports who frequently speaks at church events and evangelical conferences.

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religion-and-culture1 year ago

"Argentina's First Female Saint and Church-State Clashes: A Meeting with Pope Francis"

María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, also known as "Mama Antula," will become Argentina's first female saint, recognized for her work with the Jesuits in 18th-century Argentina. Despite societal limitations for women at the time, she joined the Jesuits and dedicated herself to spiritual exercises, even after their expulsion from America. Her charity and perseverance in erasing social differences have been highlighted by Pope Francis, who will preside over her canonization at St. Peter’s Basilica. Mama Antula's beatification and canonization were authorized after the recognition of two miracles linked to her, and her recognition as a saint brings together two opposing figures in Argentina: Pope Francis and the newly elected president, Javier Milei.

religion-and-culture1 year ago

Controversial Poster of Jesus Sparks Outrage in Spain

A poster in Seville depicting a young, handsome Jesus has sparked controversy, with some criticizing it as inappropriate and others defending it as contemporary sacred art. The artist, Salustiano García Cruz, used his son as the model and dismissed critics as old-fashioned, stating that the elements used in the painting have been present in sacred art for centuries. The General Council of Brotherhoods, which commissioned the poster, has ignored calls to replace it before Holy Week, while the mayor of Seville labeled the controversy as "artificial."

religion-and-culture2 years ago

"Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir: From Construction to Consecration"

The Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, set to open on January 22, is the culmination of a 169-year-old history and a gargantuan construction effort that will continue till early 2025. The temple, located on a 2.77-acre plot in Ayodhya, is part of a larger 70-acre complex and is being constructed with symbolism and syncretic elements from across India. The temple's design, construction challenges, and the efforts of the workers and engineers involved in the project are highlighted, making it a significant religious and engineering feat in independent India.

religion-and-culture2 years ago

"High-Flying Devotees: Luxury Travel and Splurges as Ayodhya Temple Opens"

Wealthy devotees in India are splurging on private jets and gold idols as they prepare for the invite-only opening ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. The temple's inauguration, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business magnate Mukesh Ambani, fulfills a key campaign promise of Modi's Hindu nationalist party. The event is expected to draw 8,000 attendees, with private jet parking lots at nearby airports full and gold idols in high demand. The temple's construction has already sparked an economic boom in Ayodhya, with property prices soaring and Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan purchasing a plot for $1.7 million.

religion-and-culture2 years ago

"Swiss Filmmaker Arrested in Myanmar for Offending Buddhism"

A Swiss citizen, Didier Nusbaumer, has been arrested in Myanmar for allegedly creating a film that insulted Buddhism. Nusbaumer, along with 13 Myanmar nationals, was detained on August 8th. Insulting Buddhism is a punishable offense in Myanmar, where religious nationalism has been on the rise. The film, titled "Don't Expect Anything," was posted on YouTube and spread on social media, drawing criticism from Buddhist nationalists. This is not the first time a foreigner has been detained in Myanmar for insulting Buddhism.