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Hijab: Veiled in Controversy

Hijab: Veiled in Controversy | Human Interest | Scoop.it
Hijab is an Islamic concept of modesty and privacy, most notably expressed in women’s clothing that covers most of the body.
Taylor Doonan's curator insight, March 23, 2018 12:42 PM
This article is about Hijabs and it talks about the religious aspect of Hijabs versus the cultural aspect. It states that the hijab is a sign of modesty, which is not a strictly Muslim ideology, but is addressed in many religions. It also talks about how the hijab is not directly mentioned in the Quran. It states that the hijab is almost as much a cultural symbol instead of a religious one and talks about countries with laws about hijabs and how women should dress. 
Nicole Canova's curator insight, March 24, 2018 9:19 PM
Hijab is the expression of a concept of modesty.  It is not specific to one religion, nor is it specific to one region.  This expression of modesty is encouraged, but not clearly defined, in Islam's holy texts; rather, it is informed by personal or cultural notions of what it means to be modest.  Hijab's association with extreme or radical Islam has led to heated debates in Western nations about whether or not it is acceptable for people to express hijab, with many people citing "national/public security" as a reason to ban certain coverings.
David Stiger's curator insight, October 31, 2018 11:29 AM
The geography of the hijab is important for Westerners to understand. Only two countries, Iran and Saudi Arabia, require women to dress by the strict standards of hijab. The vast majority of Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim countries around the world do not have a legal dress code for women. Some laws and cultural traditions encourage women to dress modestly. Other countries like Tunisia, Turkey, and Syria (all predominantly Muslim) had laws to restrict women from wearing the hijab in order to be more secular and modern. Many other countries, like Pakistan and Jordan, do not have any laws on the book concerning if women should or should not wear a hijab. These countries understand that it is a personal choice regarding privacy, reputation, and personal faith. Like many religious precepts, the concept of hijab is open to interpretation. As a result, a Westerner can safely assume that having a large Muslim population, or a significant number of Muslims operating in a government, will not lead to a takeover of Sharia law or oppressive fundamentalist codes of behavior. Instead of being afraid of the unknown and making assumptions about entire societies, Westerners should find out more and be exposed to how diverse and broad differing cultures and societies can be. 
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The fate of religious freedom in the former USSR, 25 years after its collapse

The fate of religious freedom in the former USSR, 25 years after its collapse | Human Interest | Scoop.it
It's been 25 years since the fall of the Soviet Union. How has religious freedom fared in this part of the world?
David Stiger's curator insight, October 22, 2018 10:20 AM
For post-Soviet countries, power and fear might be freedom's greatest challenges. On one hand, there is a dominant religious institution -  Eastern Orthodox Christianity - seeking to grow its influence and power. This might be a goal for a religion that is not popular elsewhere around the world (many Americans only know of Protestants and Roman Catholics, completely oblivious to the third major branch). They may see their geographic location as especially important - serving as a home-base of spiritual operations to launch evangelical missions, build coalitions, and influence national policies that shape society in a way their particular brand of Christianity approves of. On the other hand is fear of extremist groups which have resorted to terrorism to achieve their objectives. Countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan have all placed restrictions on minority faiths, such as Muslims and Protestants, requiring these groups to register with the state. Geographically, the Islamic world, which is in a constant state of turmoil, lies directly south of the post-Soviet Union, making Islam a key focus as immigrants and ideas easily flow into the region. This need for state approval is a form of control which clearly hampers independence and freedom of expression.  The irony in all of this is that fear of extremism leads to more extreme measures of security. This toxic process will only sow discord, distrust, and animosity between sub-populations leading to civil unrest.  




Matt Danielson's curator insight, October 22, 2018 5:49 PM
It is not surprising to me as a history major that they is still suppression of religious freedom in many former soviet territories. The more westernized countries have less of an issue than the countries farther from the west. This is partially due to them wanting to join Nato which requires religious freedom for joining. The more Islamic countries to the south seem to have the most difficulties with religious freedoms (as do a majority of Islamic nations). Russia would also have some problems from years of atheism being forced by the communist party. Somehow the Eastern Orthodox religion was able to hold on through out it all, but they seem to be the only;y religion openly accepted in Russia.  
Kelvis Hernandez's curator insight, November 1, 2018 10:45 AM
After years and years of suppression under the Atheistic USSR, many would not be unreasonable to have believed that when the USSR fell they would be able to practice their religion however they would like. Unfortunately, nothing changes in a day and when fear is a tactic learned from their former occupiers. Many countries still use the growing terrorism in the region to suppress their own citizen's rights to religious freedom.  Countries such as Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are of great concern where Religious minorities, mainly Muslims, are rounded up and registered, monitored during religious practices or severely restricted. It is not a surprise that this is happening is former-USSR countries, but you must understand it takes time for deeply rooted behaviors to change. 
 
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You have to look hard to find a Christmas tree in Jerusalem

You have to look hard to find a Christmas tree in Jerusalem | Human Interest | Scoop.it
But perseverance, holiday cheer and a Google search help those seeking that reminder of the land they left behind.
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In the Next 50 Years, Muslims May Overtake Christians as the World's Largest Religious Group

In the Next 50 Years, Muslims May Overtake Christians as the World's Largest Religious Group | Human Interest | Scoop.it
Decades from now, Christians and Muslims may account for two-thirds of the global population—suggesting that not all societies are becoming more secular.
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Thousands Leave Norwegian Church as Online Registration Backfires

Thousands Leave Norwegian Church as Online Registration Backfires | Human Interest | Scoop.it

"15,035 people have 'unsubscribed' from the church since Monday."


Via LEONARDO WILD, Mike Busarello's Digital Storybooks
David Stiger's curator insight, September 28, 2018 2:09 PM
Being raised Lutheran in the Mid-West, with Norwegian heritage, I can recall my relatives telling me that, unlike America, the "official church" of the Scandinavian countries is usually Lutheran. As a teen, it was always ironic to hear how irreligious, agnostic, and secular these European countries were despite having a state-sponsored religion. It's interesting to note that in 2012, the Lutheran church ceased to be the official national church of Norway - marking a trend that continues to grow. 

Interestingly enough, despite Europe's decline of Christianity, many of these states support robust welfare systems and social programs that include the powerless and vulnerable. What does this reality say about Christianity then? Can the message of Jesus - to love and serve the downtrodden -  be better achieved without Jesus the divine? 

Notably, Europe is the most advanced and developed region in the world and they are now the most secular region in the world. Perhaps the decrease in religiosity and traditional beliefs is tied to education, higher quality of life, technology, and better opportunity. It would be interesting to compare the most religious countries in the world (often Arab-Muslim and Latin American Roman Catholic) to determine if development has a strong correlation with declining religious participation.  
Olivia Campanella's curator insight, October 1, 2018 4:19 PM
Europe is one of the most developed regions in the world and is also the most secular region today. Christianity was spreading across the globe but now, it is becoming part of Europe's past. In this article a Norwegian church attempted to help people check their enrollment or to sign up  by creating a website, but, to their surprise 10,854 people clicked the unenroll option leaving the church with a net loss of 14,500 people.
Stevie-Rae Wood's curator insight, October 28, 2018 3:15 PM
Europe today lacks the religious aspect it once held so close. Attendance of church has dramatically declined as time went on leaving many church buildings abandoned. Europe stands today as one of the most developed regions in the world however, it is now the most secular region today. Which is very different from how Europe use to be. Christianity is now becoming part of Europe's past. In this article a Norwegian church tries to combat the lack of church attendance and practices. They do this in a very modern way that being using the internet. They attempted to create an website where people could sign up or check their enrollment in church. However, this modern idea backfired and the church lost around 14,500 people as they clicked the un-enroll option on the website. I believe this idea failed because people that attend church probably lean more towards old traditions. So they might have felt insulted by the church that they had to enroll on a modern (new tradition). The members probably wanted the church to remain untouched by modernity.
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What’s That You’re Wearing? A Guide to Muslim Veils

What’s That You’re Wearing? A Guide to Muslim Veils | Human Interest | Scoop.it
Veils for Muslim women come in all sizes, shapes and colors — and with terminology that can mean different things in different places.

Via Allison Anthony, Malmci@Spatialzone, Mike Busarello's Digital Storybooks
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The Future of World Religion (in 2050)

What you need to know about the future of world religions: by 2050, the number of Muslims around the world will nearly equal the number of Christians, a

Via Dustin Fowler
Dustin Fowler's curator insight, July 14, 2016 8:26 AM
This video integrates cultural geography with demographic change over time- based in projected population growth.  It is important for students to understand how the various topics in Human Geography overlap to paint the larger picture of how we affect, and are affected by each other across space.  I also like that the video defines future projections as predictions based on current trends, assuming they remain over time. 
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Islamic State committing genocide against Yazidis: U.N.

Islamic State committing genocide against Yazidis: U.N. | Human Interest | Scoop.it
Islamic State is committing genocide against the Yazidis in Syria and Iraq to destroy the religious community of 400,000 people through killings, sexual slavery and other crimes, United Nations investigators said on Thursday.

Via Dustin Fowler
Dustin Fowler's curator insight, June 16, 2016 8:11 AM
Geography is everywhere, and for better or worse, it is a forum for understanding human relations across space.  So many question here- why is the global community letting this happen?  How could something like this happen in 2016?  Why are Yazidis being targeted?  How might this change the current stance on the situation in Syria? 
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In India, Eco-Friendly Cremation Is Easy — But It's A Tough Sell

In India, Eco-Friendly Cremation Is Easy — But It's A Tough Sell | Human Interest | Scoop.it
Is it possible to shrink the carbon footprint of the dead? An organization wants to persuade Indians to adopt "green" cremations and make an important Hindu death rite more environmentally friendly.

Via Dustin Fowler
Dustin Fowler's curator insight, May 10, 2016 8:22 PM
Religion is hard to change- even when its practice can result in environmental harm.  This article gets into several cool things- first, the Hindu Religion, and the importance of cremation to its adherents.  Second, it looks at India's development approach, and discusses the emphasis that India places on developing in the cleanest way possible, which goes against the traditional mode (just look at Europe's industrial revolution). Third, it demonstrates the need for education, in order to debunk some of the myths that prevent people from changing, even when that change can bring about so much for so many.   I encourage you all to give this one a read, or a listen. 
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U.S. religious groups and their political leanings

U.S. religious groups and their political leanings | Human Interest | Scoop.it

"Mormons are the most heavily Republican-leaning religious group in the U.S., while a pair of major historically black Protestant denominations – the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and the National Baptist Convention – are two of the most reliably Democratic groups, according to data from Pew Research Center’s 2014 Religious Landscape Study."

Skuuppilehdet's insight:

Happy Super Tuesday.  While there are people of all political stripes within any given religious affiliation, the geography of religion really matters in electoral geography as well.    

 

Tags: religionUSA, electoral, political

Ariel Juarez's curator insight, March 3, 2016 12:38 PM

Happy Super Tuesday.  While there are people of all political stripes within any given religious affiliation, the geography of religion really matters in electoral geography as well.    

 

Tags: religion, USA, electoral, political. 

Dewayne Goad's curator insight, March 9, 2016 9:40 AM

Happy Super Tuesday.  While there are people of all political stripes within any given religious affiliation, the geography of religion really matters in electoral geography as well.    

 

Tags: religion, USA, electoral, political. 

Danielle Yen's curator insight, March 10, 2016 9:22 AM

Happy Super Tuesday.  While there are people of all political stripes within any given religious affiliation, the geography of religion really matters in electoral geography as well.    

 

Tags: religionUSA, electoral, political

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How to say Merry Christmas in different European Languages

How to say Merry Christmas in different European Languages | Human Interest | Scoop.it
This map by Jakub Marian shows you how to say Merry Christmas in European languages.
Alex Schaerer's curator insight, December 18, 2015 3:08 PM

Merry Christimas and Happy New Year to everyone. We pray that all conflicts around the globe cease and that people, of all religions, are able to live in peace and harmony. We have but one world to live on and one life to live, let us do so with love for our fellow human beings.

Jean-Simon Venne's curator insight, December 19, 2015 12:45 PM

Working on the pronunciation....

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Worldwide, Many See Belief in God as Essential to Morality

Worldwide, Many See Belief in God as Essential to Morality | Human Interest | Scoop.it

"The position [that belief in God is essential to morality] is highly prevalent, if not universal, in Africa and the Middle East. At least three-quarters in all six countries surveyed in Africa say that faith in God is essential to morality.   People in richer nations tend to place less emphasis on the need to believe in God to have good values than people in poorer countries do."

Jason Schneider's curator insight, January 26, 2015 7:37 PM

It would make sense that Indonesia is one of the most religious countries in the world being that it has the highest Muslim population. Also, I never thought of Europe as being religious countries which is why I am not surprised that 70% of Europe does not believe that the belief in God needs to be moral. Another reason why I am not surprised is because they are more popular for their ethnic groups such as the french group, italian group and german group. Also, they don't have focused religions. For example, Buddhism was originated in Nepal and worshipped mostly in China, Hinduism was originated in India, Jewish was originated in Israel and Islam was originated in Saudi Arabia and it's practiced mostly in Indonesia and Pakistan. That explains why most parts of Asia (at least southern Asia) has practices specific religions.

Chris Plummer's curator insight, January 27, 2015 11:58 PM

Summary- This figure explains the relationship between regions and their morality based on a God. It is evident what in North America is is almost a 50 50 tie between between believing in god is essential for morality. Only is Europe does God seem less important than the rest of the world. There are other countries such as Chile, Argentina, or Australia that have these same beliefs, but for the most part, most countries see a believe in God as an essential to morality. 

 

Insight- In unit 3 we study the distributions of many things, religion included. Why do so many poorer countries have a stronger faith in God than wealthier ones? It may be because if their ethnic backgrounds, but I think there is more to it. I think when a country is poorer, more people reach out to their God for help. I also think that in wealthier countries there are distractions from religion such as video games and other mass produced technologies that get in the way of people researching their faith.

Ryan Tibari's curator insight, May 27, 2015 9:55 AM

Unit 3: This article shows the relationship between regions and their morality based on a God. It is evident what in North America is is almost a 50 50 tie between between believing in god is essential for morality. There are other countries such as Chile, Argentina, or Australia that have these same beliefs, but for the most part, most countries see a believe in God as an essential to morality. 

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Diwali: Festival of Lights

Diwali: Festival of Lights | Human Interest | Scoop.it
In India, one of the most significant festivals is Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. It's a five-day celebration that includes good food, fireworks, colored sand, and special candles and lamps.
Martin Kemp's curator insight, December 17, 2015 3:35 PM

this is a great example of cultural diffusion. you can see events like this all over the U.S including here in providence with the waterfires, very cool.

David Stiger's curator insight, November 12, 2018 3:48 PM
Learning about the cultural practices of other societies and civilizations has a way of humanizing unknown people. Of course Westerners can intellectually understand the people in South Asia are human beings, but seeing the images and features of Diwali - especially the parallels with Christianity - makes India seem less foreign and more relatable. Indians celebrating Diwali can also probably relate to the mixed feelings of a shamelessly commercialized holiday. The commercialization in America is borderline manipulative as it pressures people to worry about gifts, money, and shopping.  Christmas shopping in the Western world suffocates the holy nature of the birth of Christ - making the whole season overly materialistic, stressful, and self-indulgent. It distorts the human ego creating its own form of darkness. India's festival of lights may be encountering a similar form of dark commercialization where values such as family and goodwill are set aside for spending and material desires. Hopefully, for both Christmas and Diwali, light can be restored by studying and reflecting on our materialist ways and reverting back to the old ways. 
Olivia Campanella's curator insight, December 14, 2018 8:57 PM
This National Geographic video is a beautiful introduction to the cultural practices of the people of India and of Diwali. Diwali is a fall festival symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. It is a 5 day celebration that includes food, fireworks colored vibrant clothing and sands, and special candles and lamps.
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A Fateful Harvest: Afghanistan under siege

Afghanistan supplies virtually all of the world's illegal opium. For Afghans themselves, however, feelings about poppy are conflicted: It's harmful to their ...

 

Part 1 of an 8 part series on youtube documenting the opium-growing process and how the Taliban manages it.  Agricultural production and rural land use can absolutely play a huge role in geopolitics and cultural patterns and processes, as evidenced by this example.  For more resources on the Afghanistan drug issue, see: www.scoop.it/t/funding-the-taliban-with-opium


Via Courtney Barrowman
Felix Ramos Jr.'s curator insight, April 1, 2015 7:10 PM

Most people would agree that Opium is a devastating addiction.  But what most of us don't see is the other side of the drug trade. This video shows the vulnerability of the drug-dealers and poppy-farmers.  The Afghanistan government finds and destroys a poppy farm and the interview with a boy of the farming family is riveting.  You can't help but feel bad for these people, especially the children who are directly effected by it.

Rachel Phillips's curator insight, May 8, 2015 12:49 PM

Drug trafficking is a problem all over the world, but this is really something else.  Realistically, these people are just growing flowers, but it's their intent that is the problem.  I was always aware that Afghanistan was a major producer of drugs, but I had no idea the extent. I agree that if someone has illegal drugs, that they should be punished.  But these poppies are these people's life line.  That's not to say that what they are doing is acceptable, but you can't help but feel bad.  They live in a poor region where they are doing what they need to just to feed their families. It's kind of heartbreaking, but there are laws against these drugs for a reason, and they should be penalized.  Then there is the question of how do they choose one family to punish, when this is clearly a huge problem that is not easily hidden; these people are growing these plants in plain sight.  The government has every right to punish them, and as upset as they are to have their crop destroyed, I would think it's got to be better than getting thrown into an Afghani prison.

Courtney Barrowman's curator insight, March 9, 2017 12:07 PM
unit 5
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INFOGRAPHIC: A Huge Map Of The World's Religions

INFOGRAPHIC: A Huge Map Of The World's Religions | Human Interest | Scoop.it
OMG
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Israel wants mosques to turn the volume way down

Israel wants mosques to turn the volume way down | Human Interest | Scoop.it
Muslims say the amplified call to prayer is sublime. Jews call it noise.
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Why Christianity’s holiest shrine is guarded by two Muslim families

Why Christianity’s holiest shrine is guarded by two Muslim families | Human Interest | Scoop.it
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is Christianity's holiest and most divisive site.
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The Islamic Pilgrimage To Mecca Explained

What Does The Future Of Religion Look Like? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1qtTY0VdEY Subscribe! http://bitly.com/1iLOHml The pilgrimage to Mecca is know

Via Dustin Fowler
Dustin Fowler's curator insight, September 16, 2016 7:43 PM
This is a nice little gem of information about the world's biggest annual religions pilgrimage.  Questions- How does this demonstrate characteristics of both global and regional geography?  What logistical problems exist in Mecca, and should the pilgrimage undergo changes in order to protect pilgrims? If so, what changes, and how would they effect the cultural factors and traditions related to the Hajj? 

For a complete documentary covering the Hajj journey from the perspectives of 3 very different Muslims, check out this spectacular video! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWhPSk5pfHg
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Why the Catholic Church is losing Latin America, and how it’s trying to get it back

Why the Catholic Church is losing Latin America, and how it’s trying to get it back | Human Interest | Scoop.it

"A religious revolution is underway in Latin America. Between 1900 and 1960, 90% of Latin Americans were Catholics. But in the last fifty years, that figure has slumped to 69%, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center (from which most of the data in this article are taken). The continent may still be home to 425 million Catholics—40% of the world’s total—but the Vatican’s grip is slipping."

 

Tags: culture, religion, Christianity, Middle America, South America.


Via Mike Busarello's Digital Storybooks
Nicole Canova's curator insight, February 10, 2018 7:04 PM
Despite being home to a huge amount of the world's Roman Catholics, membership in the Church is dropping throughout South America in favor of other religious options, from various Protestant sects to New Age beliefs to African diaspora religions.  The Pentacostal church in particular is highly favored all over the region, predominantly because it puts a bigger emphasis on a relationship with God and faith healing.  It has also adapted much better to Latin American culture than the Catholic church.  Most Pentacostal priests are from the region, while most Catholic clergy are outsiders, and Pentacostal churches use more Latin American music and dance.  The Catholic church has, however, had some limited success in the region with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, which has adopted many aspects of Pentacostal church services while retaining the traditional church hierarchy and reverence for the Virgin Mary and the saints.  However, the Catholic church would systemic reform to slow or even reverse the the trend in South America, which would make the church unappealing to more conservative Catholic communities in Africa and Asia.  This touches on a variety of cultural differences between these regions, and poses an impossible dilemma to the church in which it must pick and choose which region or regions are more important.
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UN News - ‘Unprecedented’ 65 million people displaced by war and persecution in 2015 – UN

UN News - ‘Unprecedented’ 65 million people displaced by war and persecution in 2015 – UN | Human Interest | Scoop.it
The number of people displaced from their homes due to conflict and persecution last year exceeded 60 million for the first time in United Nations history, a tally greater than the population of the United Kingdom, or of Canada, Australia and New Zealand combined, says a new report released on World Refugee Day today.

Via Dustin Fowler, Mike Busarello's Digital Storybooks
Dustin Fowler's curator insight, June 20, 2016 5:32 PM
We have more displaced people today than we did after World War II (well, we do have about twice as many people on earth).  This is huge news, and there seems to be no real end to the problem, only the looming uncertainty as to how the world will handle and respond to the growing numbers of those without homes.  Out of every 113 people on earth, one of them is a refugee.  The issue of how to handle migration issues today is the very heart of the difference between how liberals and conservatives feel is the best way to make the world a better place.  
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What Is Ramadan? Six Things to Know About the Muslim Holy Month

What Is Ramadan? Six Things to Know About the Muslim Holy Month | Human Interest | Scoop.it
Here are some questions and answers about Islam's holiest month.

Via Dustin Fowler
Dustin Fowler's curator insight, June 6, 2016 3:26 PM
Looking to know more about the Muslim holy month?  Check it out!  May want to book mark this one for your APHG students you will meet in the Fall.

This article is interesting because it references the tradition with spatial context- giving you some insight to the various ways Muslims across the globe observe, and what might happen to non-observers, depending upon their location. 
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Why this family’s conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism matters

Why this family’s conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism matters | Human Interest | Scoop.it
Many outside India wonder, "Does the caste system still exist?" Yes, it does.

Via Mr. David Burton
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Pope Francis, Russian Orthodox patriarch to meet in Cuba

Pope Francis, Russian Orthodox patriarch to meet in Cuba | Human Interest | Scoop.it

"After a split of more than 1,000 years, the persecution of Christian by extremists in the Middle East and Africa have brought the two churches closer."

 

Pope Francis and the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church will meet in Cuba next week in a first-ever encounter between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches since the Great Schism of 1054.

 

Tags: religion, Christianity.


Via Mike Busarello's Digital Storybooks
Megan Mattei GIS's curator insight, February 7, 2016 11:41 AM

This meeting is very monumental for the Christian faith and all its sectors because the two heads of each faith have not met in 962 years. Hopefully this meeting will only bring positive outcomes especially for the Christians being persecuted in the Middle East. It will be interesting to see if the two leaders continue to meet and make actions towards peace in the Middle East together. If the people of both faiths truly believe and carry out what their faith teaches, there will not be any problems with this meeting or continued action among the Christian faiths. 

Phil LAUGRAND's curator insight, February 8, 2016 6:37 AM

alleluia !

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The Origin of Krampus, Europe's Evil Twist on Santa

The Origin of Krampus, Europe's Evil Twist on Santa | Human Interest | Scoop.it
The mythical holiday beast is once again on the prowl, but beware, he's making his way across the Atlantic

Via Mike Busarello's Digital Storybooks
Kevin Nguyen's curator insight, December 7, 2015 11:35 AM

Very interesting opposite of Saint Nick that came from a lore displaying Satan figure. I've never heard of this Krampus character but from the origins of it, the character makes it feel very mysterious and give a little spookiness to the holidays. In addition, it gives refugees the chance to explore European culture as a way to adapt to different culture. 

Sarah Cannon's curator insight, December 16, 2015 4:29 PM

With new movies always coming out, its nice to hear films that are based on true stories or myths come to the theaters. Krampus is a movie that came out recently and is based on a myth that originated in Austria. This is scary tail of a beastly creature coming out Christmas and deals with the bad kids. Krampus is known to beat bad kids with birch branches or to be taken to his lair to be eaten or tortured. An interesting myth, people always look at Christmas as a good time with family.

Matt Danielson's curator insight, October 10, 2018 7:51 PM
I enjoyed the idea that Krampus was St. Nicolas Ying to his Yang. This tradition goes back to pre Christian Germany and though Christian Europe attempted to eradicate it, like many other European pagan traditions (Easter bunny, Halloween, etc) it survived and even fused with the Christian tradition of Christmas. To outsiders this must be terrifying, but still something id wish to see someday, plus it must make for better behaved children...
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The Myth of the Caliphate

The Myth of the Caliphate | Human Interest | Scoop.it

Myth Article #1: Western pundits and nostalgic Muslim thinkers alike have built up a narrative of the caliphate as an enduring institution, central to Islam and Islamic thought between the seventh and twentieth centuries. In fact, the caliphate is a political or religious idea whose relevance has waxed and waned according to circumstances.

 

Myth Article #2: ISIS may use terrorism as a tactic, but it is not a terrorist organization. Rather, it is a pseudo-state led by a conventional army. So the counterterrorism strategies that were useful against al Qaeda won’t work in the fight against ISIS.


Myth Video #1: This video points to the reasons that recruits are attracted to extremism (not just poverty and ignorance).

 

Tags: political, governance, religion, Islam, historical, terrorism, geopolitics, ISIS.


Via Mike Busarello's Digital Storybooks
Luis Cesar Nunes's curator insight, November 26, 2015 5:12 AM

Myth

Benjamin Jackson's curator insight, November 30, 2015 2:32 PM

The idea of the Caliphate seems to be more of what all the groups which called themselves Caliphates seem to be pursuing. It seems to me that the fact of the matter is less important than the idea, as what happened one hundred years ago is far less important than what is believed to have happened. That ISIS is a state can be argued, but the fact that they are fighting a conventional war is indisputable. Yes, the tactics we use must be shifted, but this means that support from aircraft or by indirect means are even more viable than they were during the Second Gulf War.