Guest Blog: Jane Fitzpatrick, Contributing Writer for Religion Matters Ten Theories of Religion by Daniel L. Pals introduces several of the most commonly encountered themes in the study of religious traditions and a host of historically significant anthropological and philosophical attempts at defining religion. Pals originally published Seven Theories of Religion in 1996, and his […]
Book Review
Ramadan Book Recommendations for Kids in Schools
Guest Post: Vicki Garlock, founder World Religions 4 Kids Ramadan is a month-long Islamic holy period that begins with the sighting of the new moon. During the month, observant Muslims fast during daylight hours, read the entire Qur’an, connect with family and friends, share with those in need, and visit the mosque for prayers and […]
Soul Hunters: Siberia and the Spirit World
Guest Blog: Jane Fitzpatrick, Contributing Writer for Religion Matters Danish anthropologist Rane Willerslev documented his personal experiences with a group of Siberian hunters called the Upper Kolyma Yukaghirs in his book, Soul Hunters. He primarily studied their hunting practices, which demonstrated the group’s distinct views of the world: spirits, along with humans and animals, persistently […]
Hanukkah Book Recommendations for Kids in Schools
Guest Post: Vicki Garlock, Founder of World Religions 4 Kids Hanukkah, often called the Jewish festival of lights, lasts for eight days and nights. The most obvious ritual practice is lighting a menorah. According to tradition, a small band of Jewish rebels retook control of their temple after it had been trashed by the ruling […]
A Thousand Ships: The Unsung Heroes, Victims, and Villains of the Trojan War
Guest Blog: Jane Fitzpatrick, Contributing Writer for Religion Matters Review of A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes (Harper, 2021) From the schemes of the Goddess of Discord to the vicious revenge of Hecabe, queen of the fallen city of Troy, Natalie Haynes turns a familiar story into a brand new set of accounts. In the […]