In her newly published book Theater in a Crowded Fire, Lee Gilmore tells the story of the infamous Burning Man Festival, reclaiming its reputation as a specifically spiritual event. Religion Dispatches interviews Gilmore.
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Announcements, events, and opportunities related to topics of interest to TIF readers are posted here. Additionally you may find round-ups of news items and brief commentary on current events.
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A gay veteran’s lament
by Jake AlterSerena Hayden, a veteran of the United States military, speaks of her experience serving as a gay soldier under "don't ask, don't tell," and of its ramifications with regard to American values.
June 17, 2010
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When the personal keeps on being political
by Penny EdgellSusan Jacoby's recent post is one of the best statements I've seen in opposition to the "mamma grizzly" feminism of Sarah Palin et alia. But no one riposte is going to settle a debate that taps into deep, and deeply felt, cultural contradictions. We may be in the post-feminist era, but questions about feminism and women's bodies and reproduction are far from "over."
June 18, 2010
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Israeli ultra-Orthodox protest school integration
by Amanda KaplanYesterday afternoon in Jerusalem, vast numbers of ultra-Orthodox Jews protested the court-mandated integration of a religious girls' school, raising provocative questions in the Israeli public about what constitutes racism, what defines religious adherence, and what enables effective learning.
June 18, 2010
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A Muslim prisoner’s story
by Jake AlterOn The Guardian's Belief page, a former prisoner documents the power of religion and faith to foster group solidarity and personal reform within the prison system.
June 18, 2010
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The dangers of spirituality?
by Charles GelmanCNN profiles the growing "spiritual but not religious" population, contrasting the views of some who fear that the spiritual turn is symptomatic of a decline in meaningful commitments with those of others who are more sanguine, if not enthusiastic, about its significance.
June 19, 2010
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Kinkade Studies comes of age
by John SchmalzbauerLast Friday mass market painter Thomas Kinkade was arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence. In light of previous allegations of "seamy personal conduct," he is destined to remain a controversial figure. [...]
June 19, 2010
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Religious cartoons: freedom of speech as well as religion
by Aaron WeinsteinIn a post at Religion Dispatches last month, Austin Dacey argues vehemently that religious satire is nothing new. Before the 2007 Danish cartoons depicting Mohammad stirred global controversy, another controversial image rocked European debate, one showing, crudely, the birth of the Pope---and that was back in the 16th century. Who commissioned the work? None other than Martin Luther.
June 21, 2010
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The World Cup and the sacred
by Grace YukichIn a recent article, the director of Religion Dispatches draws our attention to what might be the most significant religious display of the yea: the rituals, beliefs, and passions surrounding the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Unlike many commentators, he is not interested in condemning these displays for their supposedly misplaced allegiance.
June 22, 2010
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Louisiana prays for relief from spill
by Aaron WeinsteinAfter more than two months and 120 million barrels of oil, many Gulf Coast residents have lost faith in our ability to contain the BP oil spill. In the face of this terrible tragedy, the Louisiana State Senate unanimously voted to decree last Sunday, June 20th, a "Statewide Day of Prayer."
June 22, 2010