Atheism & Agnosticism

New York City celebrates the 10th International Day of Yoga

By Richa Karmarkar — June 21, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — In bustling Times Square, hundreds of yoga practitioners gathered to celebrate International Day of Yoga: an initiative from the UN that marks a decade this year.
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Afro-Cuban drums, Muslim prayers, Buddhist mantras: Religious diversity blooms in once-atheist Cuba

By Luis Andres Henao — May 17, 2024
HAVANA (AP) — Today, diverse beliefs can be found mixed together on altars in homes, with the Virgin Mary sharing space with a ceramic Buddha and a warrior spirit from the Afro-Cuban faith.

Rastafarian whose locks were cut in prison appeals case to Supreme Court

By Fiona André — May 15, 2024
(RNS) — Damon Landor, who is backed in the case by a broad range of faith organizations, argues the prison infringed on his religious rights. 

Michigan man accused of making explosives to target Satanic Temple in Massachusetts

By Associated Press — May 9, 2024
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Luke Terpstra was charged in western Michigan with two felonies: transportation of an explosive and possession of an unregistered explosive.

The number of religious ‘nones’ has soared, but not the number of atheists – and as social scientists, we wanted to know why

By Katie Corcoran and Christopher P. Scheitle — May 6, 2024
(The Conversation) — Social factors, from wealth to politics, may shape whether people who do not believe in God identify as an atheist.

How ‘apocalypse’ became a secular as well as religious idea

By Erik Bleich and Christopher Star — May 3, 2024
(The Conversation) — Events that the media describe as ‘apocalyptic’ reflect changing anxieties about the future.

Katie Pruitt continues to probe life as a ‘recovering Catholic’ on new album

By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — April 3, 2024
(RNS) — ‘Mantras,’ Pruitt’s sophomore album, explores the fraught nature of leaving one’s childhood religion.

Religious affairs expert Thomas Bowen moves from city of Washington to White House

By Adelle M. Banks — March 22, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — While shifting to national and international issues, he will still be acting as a clergyperson in the city that he has long served.

African spiritualities are attracting Black Americans as a source of pride and identity

By Fiona André — March 21, 2024
(RNS) — Ancestral veneration, Haitian Vodou, Brazilian Candomblé, Cuban Santería and Ifá have gained attention among Black adults, who see it as an occasion to reconnect with their heritage and celebrate their Blackness.

Poll: Most Americans say religion’s influence is waning, and half think that’s bad

By Jack Jenkins — March 15, 2024
(RNS) — There is also growing concern among an array of religious Americans that their beliefs are in conflict with mainstream American culture.

Freethought Caucus’ Huffman invites Christian nationalism critic to State of the Union

By Jack Jenkins — March 5, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The invite is the latest move by the Congressional Freethought Caucus to elevate criticism of Christian nationalism.

Freethought Democrats object to Pastor Jack Hibbs as guest chaplain, say he’s Christian nationalist

By Jack Jenkins — February 16, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'I think there is a real problem with our new speaker and his ability to accept religious pluralism, diversity, and inclusion in a way that can work for our country and our diverse Congress,' said Rep. Jared Huffman.

‘Black Liturgies’ book offers prayers for Black-centered spiritual liberation

By Kathryn Post — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — Cole Arthur Riley on doubt, embodiment and writing a prayer book to a God she’s not convinced exists.
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