All articles tagged with #religion and culture
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has redesigned its temple garments for women, introducing sleeveless tank tops to improve comfort and modernize modesty standards, sparking excitement among members and influencers, while also causing some controversy within the community.
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.
The crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of Ramadan for many Muslims, who will begin fasting on Monday. However, some Asia-Pacific countries will start fasting on Tuesday. This year's Ramadan comes amid the Israel-Hamas war, with concerns that the conflict may spark unrest beyond current borders. Muslims around the world are preparing for a month of religious reflection, family gatherings, and giving, while also facing challenges such as inflation and high food prices.
Muslims worldwide are welcoming the holy month of Ramadan with a mix of joy and concern. While observing traditions such as fasting, prayer, and feasting, many are mindful of the struggles faced by fellow Muslims, including war, starvation, and economic hardships. In Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, and the United States, people are preparing for Ramadan amidst economic challenges and global concerns, but they still look forward to the spiritual blessings and community connections that the holy month brings.
Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting, increased worship, and charity, starting around March 11 this year. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and bad deeds, and dedicate more time for religious contemplation and reading the Quran. Social and cultural traditions associated with Ramadan vary across different regions, including festive gatherings, decorations, communal meals, and TV shows. Muslims around the world observe Ramadan with diverse rituals and customs, while also considering ways to remain mindful of humanitarian crises, such as the situation in Palestine.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.