It is a blessing to have a Pope who sees a world of religious multiplication rather than religious division. Many of us grew up in an era of “We are right and the others are wrong.” Christian churches seemed to have high fences around them, and religions that were not Christian were often labelled “Heathen” Read more
Internationally renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli said his Catholic faith is “a reason for life” and comes from the very fact that God is the designer and creator of all life. The devout Catholic musician explained that “life, even if it lasts 100 years, is so insignificant when you compare it to eternity”. “If life Read more
One of the most consequential stories in American religion in recent years is the rapid and seemingly unceasing rise of “nones” – those who respond to questions about their religious affiliation by indicating that they are atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular.” According to some recent estimates, around 4 in 10 millennials and members of Read more
A Pew Research Center poll has found the coronavirus pandemic has strengthened the religious faith and family bonds in many parts of the world. The poll focused on 14 countries with what Pew calls “advanced economies”. It was released in late January. Of the Americans surveyed, 28 percent said the pandemic had strengthened their own Read more
Since around about 1970 in Australia, the trend of people stating they have “No Religion” on the census has been constantly, significantly, increasing – from 1966 when the sliver started to first appear in any noteworthy fashion, to the 2016 census where it had reached 29.6% of the total population. In fact, the “not stated or unclear” is a Read more
One of the world’s best soccer managers is crediting his Catholic upbringing and hard-working family values for his success. Former Arsenal manager, Arsen Wenger, told BBC Radio 4, “Desert Island Discs” that he was driven to succeed in the high-pressure world of football because of his family’s deep Catholic faith and a legendary work ethic. Read more
Young people — including those who are religious — do not see religious leaders as trusted adults, according to a new study. Only 8% of respondents ages 13-25 who are affiliated with a religious group say they have a trusted religious leader they could turn to if needed. In contrast, 45% said they could turn Read more
Sunday September 13 marked six months since the U.S. declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The reality that this pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint, has started to take a toll on people’s emotional and spiritual well-being, with more than half of adults reporting a decline in mental health due to worry and Read more
When Jimmy Macdonald found himself drowning in the waters of Lake George in New York next to his tipped kayak, he thought he might die. He had been enjoying a relaxing August day on the lake with his family, meditating and snapping pictures. He kept his lifejacket in the boat – he didn’t think he Read more
People living in the fulness of the Catholic Faith will have the light of Christ Jesus in them, and this can attract people who have no religious background. We remember how Malcolm Muggeridge, a proclaimed atheist, became a Catholic after meeting Mother Teresa. Curiosity about our Faith doesn’t usually have such a dramatic result. Still, Read more