The Assumption of the Virgin does not just mark Mary's ascent to heaven but an annual pilgrimage to one of…
A fairy tale cathedral
ritual
An interdisciplinary exploration of death
This September 24th, historian, writer, and artist Dr. Paul Koudounaris will open the doors to his first exhibit and book signing…
“The Lady Twilight”
Over at Killing the Buddha, William Dalrymple is excerpting his new book, Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in…
Redeeming the Burning Man
In her newly published book Theater in a Crowded Fire, Lee Gilmore tells the story of the infamous Burning Man Festival,…
Colonialism and conflict
If the idea of purification is to retain broad currency across the colonial landscape, it may need to be defined…
Sacramental poetics
By its very nature, mystery is much more difficult to speak about, and certainly to track. But religious ritual claims…
Rethinking secularism and religion in the global age
Last September, I sat down at UC-Berkeley with the eminent sociologist of religion, Robert Bellah, for a discussion about religious…
Embedded religion in Asia
The secularity of modern Asian states has by no means led to widespread social secularity, Taylor's second secularity, a decline…
Presidential drinking games, and other secular devotions
I watched the last presidential debate in a crowded Manhattan restaurant with large-screen TVs and surround sound. By the end…
Mind sciences and religious change in America
Like others in this discussion, I'm not sure that recent neurological studies will dramatically change contemporary religious belief or practice,…