Religion news, features and articles (original) (raw)

The cross of Christianity, the Star of David from Judaism and the crescent moon of Islam displayed on metal framework

From left to right: The symbols of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. (Image credit: Hanan Isachar via Getty Images)

Billions of people across the world believe in a higher power, be it God, gods or something else spiritual. Live Science breaks down the history of that belief, from the origins of religion to the many modern denominations of Christianity, along with the psychology of faith, such as whether belief in God is a delusion or how religion is good (and bad) for mental health.

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—What drives religious belief?

—What led to the emergence of monotheism?

Our expert writers and editors follow researchers studying religion and spirituality, and the impact they have had on the sciences — past and present.

Latest about Religion

Albert Einstein stands next to a blackboard Science 'supersedes' creationism, Einstein tells religious students in newly revealed letter ByHarry Baker published 21 July 23 In the letter, the famous physicist also writes that God can be thought of as "analogous to humans."

An illustration of Noah's ark during the biblical flood. We see a wood boat crashing over a giant wave against a stormy sky. Did Noah's flood really happen? ByPatrick Pester published 14 May 23 Noah's flood is a story much older than the Bible, and researchers are still learning about its roots.

Colorful Easter eggs on the grass at sunrise Why does the date of Easter change every year? ByTom Metcalfe published 6 April 23 Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25. The date took millennia to standardize for surprisingly complex reasons.

Here we see a family (woman, child and man) lighting a Menorah together (a sacred candelabrum with eight branches). Why is Hanukkah 8 days? ByTom Metcalfe published 18 December 22 Is Hanukkah eight days because of an ancient miracle that oil burned for that long? It turns out there's more to the story.

Father and daughter decorating Christmas tree in bay window at home, tradition, anticipation, childhood Why is Christmas celebrated on Dec. 25? ByOwen Jarus published 11 December 22 There are two major theories as to why Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25.

What does the devil look like? Historical depictions of Satan ByAll About History published 2 November 22 ReferenceFrom the fallen angel to the horned goat, we look at the historical origins behind depictions of Satan.

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null Texas Sect Earns Cult Status ByJeanna Bryner last updated 14 October 22 A polygamous sect living on a Texas ranch raises the cult v. church question.

celebrities Americans Muddled on Obama's Religion ByStephanie Pappas last updated 14 October 22 Only a third of Americans know the president's religion.

A black and white photograph taken in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1943 during World War II. It shows Jews, both adults and children, held at gunpoint as SS troops look on. What is genocide? ByTom Metcalfe published 9 August 22 Acts of genocide — trying to partially or completely destroy an entire people or group — have been committed countless times throughout history.

A mask of the rain god Chac decorates the facade of a pyramid at North Acropolis, in Mayan ruins, located in Tikal, Guatemala. The Maya: History, civilization & gods ByOwen Jarus, Jessica Leggett last updated 5 August 22 The Maya civilization stretched throughout Central America and reached its peak during the first millennium A.D.

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