Religion

And other stories from the stranger side of life

A growing chorus of scientists and philosophers argue that free will does not exist. Could they be right, asks Oliver Burkeman

The song has become a Christmas classic - but here is what the days actually represent

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Thursday 13 August

This year’s Jewish holiday looks set to be unique, with millions of people under lockdown measures

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Friday 27 March

More than half of nation's infections involve members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Little has changed in 500 years - except the addition of hand sanitiser because of coronavirus

One of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar began on Sunday

The festive season passes unmarked in fewer than 20 of the world’s nations

What happened in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and why we ritualise an attempted act of terrorism

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Wednesday 18 September

Biggest regional survey ever shows the number of people who claim no faith has risen by 5% in five years

New documentary sheds light on contentious novel and its continuing impact today

Christian farm worker acquitted after eight years on death row for allegedly insulting Islam

As Ireland votes on whether to remove blasphemy from the constitution, The Week looks at where it is still an offence

Ukraine granted own independent Orthodox Church despite threats from Moscow

New report suggests replacing RE classes with ‘Religion and Worldviews’

Australian Catholic Church says the seal of the confessional must never be broken

Pontiff to touch down in radically changed Catholic country amid sexual abuse ‘perfect storm’

Dutch court rules followers cannot wear colander on her head for official photos

Infant’s father claimed medicine was a ‘cult’ and ‘God is sovereign over disease’

Daniel Kimura, who works at Sekishoin Shukubo monastery in Japan, called one former guest an ‘uneducated f***’

Number of godless congregations growing across the Western world

Police on high alert amid fear of violence from spiritual leader’s supporters

Diverse traditions are observed around the world to mark Easter milestone, and even the Queen gets involved

Evangelical preacher brought Christianity to millions through his ‘crusades’

Parliament considering ban on procedure for anything other than medical reasons

Pontiff says current version is a mistranslation as God does not lead humans to sin

New guidance for CofE schools says play is ‘sacred space’ for imagination

News prompts fresh calls for Government to cut amount of public money going to the church

Transport for London was accused of 'sexualising' children with a headscarf traditionally worn only after puberty

Communist Party's 85 million members warned to drop beliefs or face punishment