It is widely acknowledged healthy spirituality is good for mental health. Can the same be said for religion, Graham Redding asks. Awareness of the contribution that spirituality can make to health has come a long way. Spiritual care Aotearoa’s healthcare system adopts a holistic approach, often encapsulated in the Māori model of health, te whare Read more
Seven cardinals called for forgiveness for seven sins during the penitential celebration at the opening of the Synod of Bishops’ second session last week. Sins against peace Cardinal Oswald Gracias sought forgiveness “for the lack of courage, the necessary courage in the pursuit of peace between peoples and nations. “Our sin is even graver if, Read more
“Jesus Christ was a sportsman.” Or so claimed a preacher at one of the regular sporting services that were held throughout the first half of the 20th century in Protestant churches all over Britain. Invitations were sent out to local organisations, and sportsmen and women would attend these services en masse. Churches would be decorated Read more
As Pope Francis concludes his 12-day tour of Southeast Asia, theologian and anthropologist Michel Chambon, based in Singapore, analysed the significance of this trip for the future of Sino-Vatican relations. How has China followed Pope Francis’ Asian tour, and what interests has it seen in it? Michel Chambon: Beijing has closely observed the entirety of Read more
An alluring young woman sporting a 1950s-style polka-dot halter dress leans toward the camera across the kitchen counter, the epitome of retro chic. In a soothing, gentle voice, she informs us that a relative is in town and has been craving bubble gum. Rather than doing what nine out of 10 people would do, which Read more
Savaged by fighting, atrocities, and famine, Sudan is descending into chaos, exacerbated by foreign interference, despite the Geneva negotiations. The deadlock has pushed Sudan into being a “forgotten” conflict. Sudan’s reality If this were a film, its script would be criticised for overusing every dramatic device. Looting, rape, executions, and bombings. The horrors of a Read more
Catholic Herald interviews John Cleese: How does it feel to give an interview to a Catholic publication? John Cleese (pictured): “The question slightly amuses me, but I see why I’m being asked that. “I do have a very mixed view of the Catholic Church, because I think what happens to most religions is that after Read more
Imagine a world where AI is omnipresent. It occupies your home, your car, your workplace, your pocket. Even your mind. Every aspect of your daily routine is seamlessly integrated with this sophisticated technology. It anticipates your needs, completes your thoughts, deciphers your emotions, plays your favorite songs, drafts your emails and even suggests your next Read more
Announcing the results of a new Global Flourishing Study, a consortium of scholars and pollsters led by Gallup said that they found links between religiosity and people’s satisfaction with their lives. Religious influences The study, a joint project of Harvard and Baylor universities, Gallup and the Center for Open Science, aims to uncover what influences Read more
When Josh Coates and Stephen Cranney wanted to learn more about members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), they had to strategise about the best ways to reach them. More and more people aren’t answering surveys, either by phone or online. Reaching a small minority population like Read more