Monks With Guns: Discovering Buddhist Violence
The co-editor of a new book on the history of Buddhist violence and warfare explains how the notion of a purely mystical and otherworldly Buddhism—promoted by some of the great interpreters of the tradition—denies its adherents’ humanity.
Religion at Decade’s End
In which we take the long view, considering the place of religion in the twenty-first century so far. What stands out is our confusion—about religion, about the secular sphere, and about the future of both as embodying forms of political commitment capable of peaceable coexistence.
Maybe it's time to stop framing European conquest as dinner party between Pilgrims and Indians.
No Turkey for Me: Confessions of an Indian Militant
Forty years ago, Indian militants, as they were then named, occupied the island of Alcatraz. In their memory, our writer reflects on both the bloody history of the first Thanksgiving, and the remarkable, enduring power of tribal tradition to create spiritual sustenance in the modern world.
Prophetic Counterterrorism: Avoiding the Insanity of Repeated Failure
The secular world, in confronting evil, has long relied on one solution: the use of coercive power to violently incapacitate those who do evil—often with “collateral damage.” Maybe it’s time to explore other options?
The Eliminationists: How Hate Talk Radicalized the American Right
President Obama averages 30 death threats per day, preachers pray publicly for his death, and right-wing pundits speak openly of military coups. Dave Neiwert, author of The Eliminationists, gives some insight into the relationship between extreme rhetoric and acts of violence.
Killing One Primate to Save Another: The Ethics of Animal Rights
A disturbing story emerged this week of a scientist leaving his research out of fear for his and his family’s lives. What are our responsibilities in this area and what do our traditions have to say about it?
PBS Airs Segment “Abortion Providers Under Siege” and redefines the issue.
After months of silence, the US State Department finally condemns the murders of 24 young men who were gay, or perceived to be gay.
Mumbai, Five Months After: Searching for a Coherent Stance on Religious Violence
From Left to Right, observers were quick to equate the Mumbai attacks to 9/11. But in doing so, the Left has tied itself in conceptual knots, for only consistency in the condemnation of religious violence can make for a sustainable response to the Right’s demonization of Islam.
It’s Hard to be a Jew
A scholar of nonviolence shares his struggle with Jewish identity during a time of escalating conflict and violence in Israel.
Suspicion of the Modern Age: The Pope Regresses
Called to the carpet for the decision to reinstall controversial bishops, the Vatican has taken to doing what it does best: issuing public statements, coupled with obfuscation and outright denial.
The Santa Killer: Death Imitating Art
When Bruce Pardo, dressed as Santa Claus, murdered friends and family on Christmas eve he was acting out a tragic bit of ceremonial violence, and borrowing an ironic and horrifying role from film and comics.
RD10Q: The Roots of Violence in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Can a religious text be lethal? The story of Abraham and Isaac, shared by Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, has been used for centuries to glorify sacrifice—and it has never been our own story more than it is right now.
RD10Q: Heavy Metal Islam: Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam
The author discusses his journey through a Muslim subculture, the connection between Nietzsche and Hendrix, and how heavy metal might end the war on terror...
Op-Ed: Liberal Hatred
When do seemingly manageable ideological differences within a functioning democracy become something more treacherous?
American women need help. They are so victimized that they suffer themselves to be treated like objects and toys, desiring no change...
King as Inspiration, Not Guide
On the 40th anniversary of his assassination, we honor Martin Luther King by refusing to ask: “What would King think?”
Necessary Sacrifice: Sundance, Mormon Movies, and the Race to Oscar Night
Ritual violence at this season’s film festivals...