NEW RESEARCH SAYS RELIGIOUS HOMES PRODUCE THE MAJORITY OF RELIGIOUS ‘NONES.’ The results of new research by Pew can come as an eye-opener to a number of religious households. 78 percent of religious “nones” say they were raised in highly religious families. In other words, if you are very religious and are trying hard to indoctrinate your child into religious beliefs, the chances statistically are that your child might grow up to hate it and leave religion altogether. Religious households may now have to change tactics if they want to see their children grow up as practicing...

THE JAIN FESTIVAL PARYUSHAN PARVA LASTS 8-10 DAYS. Aside from Diwali, one of the most important celebrations in the Jain religion is Paryushan Parva. In fact, the celebration is so vital that Jainism is tantamount and otherwise termed as Paryushan because the festival embodies the core principles and objectives of the religion. There are minor differences in observances among the various Jain communities and sects around the world but all focuses on spiritual upliftment, self purification, deeper understanding of religion and the pursuit of salvation.

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Choosing a New Church or House of Worship Americans look for good sermons, warm welcome About half of U.S. adults have looked for a new religious congregation at some point in their lives, most commonly because they have moved. And when they search for a new house of worship, a new Pew Research Center study shows, Americans look first and foremost for a place where they like the preaching and the tone set by the congregation’s leaders.

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PARIS — Armed police surrounding Muslim women on beaches and ordering them to remove their modest clothes or leave. Calls from onlookers to “go back to where you came from.” Public humiliation and ostracism with echoes of the morals police of theocratic countries like Iran or Saudi Arabia, not a country that sees its values as a paragon of Western freedoms.

Source: French ‘Burkini’ Bans Provoke Backlash as Armed Police Confront Beachgoers - The New York Times