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Monday, April 21, 2025

The Conversation

The Conversation is a collaboration between editors and academics to provide informed news analysis and commentary.

Columbus who? Decolonizing the calendar in Latin America

Delve into the patriotic season of Latin America and the colonial legacies that continue to shape the region's identity. Learn about the festivities and their tensions, especially surrounding Columbus Day.

What are the Jewish High Holy Days?

Explore the rich history and meaning behind the Jewish High Holy Days, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Who is the ‘Laughing Buddha’? A scholar of East Asian Buddhism explains

Learn about the cultural and historical significance of the Laughing Buddha and his transformation over time.

Olympians show guts, glory and a lot of ink professing faith

Delve into the religious heritage of the Olympic Games and the symbolism of religious tattoos in contemporary sports culture.

Hajj in extraordinary heat: What a scholar of Islam saw in Mecca

Read about the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage: its spiritual significance, global diversity, and challenges, including the tragic heat wave deaths.

How reciting the Pledge of Allegiance became a sacred, patriotic ritual

Delve into the rich history and traditions of flag day and the pledge of allegiance and their roles in American history.

Navigating Schism Over LGBTQ+ Rights: UMC at a Crossroads at General Conference

The United Methodist Church’s General Conference began Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, and goes through May 4. Many believe this conference will finalize the UMC's final decision on whether to expand or limit LGBTQ+ rights within the whole denomination, not just on a church-by-church basis.

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