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Religion

Geography of Heaven: Vrindavan

The Streets of a Holy Hindu City

Reminders of the Hindu faith are everywhere in Vrindavan — countless temples line the streets and pilgrims march in devotion. There is also stark, third-world poverty and suffering. But for the faithful, the city is a manifestation of heaven, here on Earth.

The Streets of a Holy Hindu City

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World

Dresden Church Reopened After World War II Destruction

When the Allies bombed Dresden, Germany, during World War II, much of the city was left in ruins. The Church of Our Lady -- a grand baroque building -- fell after burning. Now, 60 years later, the famous church has been rebuilt and a national celebration was held this weekend.

Dresden Church Reopened After World War II Destruction

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Evangelical Quoted in Starbucks Cup Campaign

International coffee retail giant Starbucks decorates its cups with quotes from cultural icons as part of "The Way I See It" campaign. Now the words of prominent evangelical Christian Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, will be featured on some of these cups. Jason DeRose examines the company's motives, and the possible public reaction.

Evangelical Quoted in Starbucks Cup Campaign

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Catholic Magazine Calls Boxing 'Merciless, Inhuman'

A leading Roman Catholic magazine has denounced boxing, calling the sport merciless and inhuman. Mike Pesca reports on the reactions of priests and pugilists to the article, where the authors declare the sport in violation of church teachings.

Catholic Magazine Calls Boxing 'Merciless, Inhuman'

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National

Al Sharpton: Millions More, Democrats, Talk Show

Ed Gordon talks with the Rev. Al Sharpton -- preacher, civil rights activist and former presidential candidate -- about the recent Millions More Movement March on the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March, the state of the Democratic Party and his new talk show.

Al Sharpton: Millions More, Democrats, Talk Show

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World

Postcard from Baghdad: Observing Ramadan

Ramadan is a special month of the year for Muslims, marking the time they believe the Prophet Mohammad received the first revelation of the Koran. Muslims forgo food, drink and sex from dawn to dusk during ths period. Anne Garrels visited with an Iraqi family during their fasting and prayer.

Postcard from Baghdad: Observing Ramadan

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N.C. Christian Group Protests 'New Age' Classes

A Christian group in Raleigh, N.C., is objecting to stress relief and breathing exercise classes offered by elementary schools. They say the classes promote New Age and Hindu beliefs and violate students' constitutional right to freedom of religion. North Carolina Public Radio's Jessica Jones reports.

N.C. Christian Group Protests 'New Age' Classes

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Opinion

Mixing Politics and Faith in the White House

Faith-based initiatives, school vouchers -- and now the Harriet Miers nomination. President Bush speaks often about the role of religion in his life, and translates that into public policy. We discuss religion and politics.

Mixing Politics and Faith in the White House

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Katrina & Beyond

Prayers and Relief Inside the Good News Tent

A small group of Christians from around the country has set up a tent in New Orleans City Park to offer food, clothing, prayers and sympathy to the city's weary residents and workers. NPR senior correspondent Noah Adams has a postcard from the "good news tent."

Prayers and Relief Inside the Good News Tent

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A Family of 'Vows': Reform by Marriage

Fresh Air

Bill Manseau 's wife, Mary, left the convent in the late 1960s. But Bill Manseau believed then, as he does today, that he was called to be a married priest -- and his actions might help to end the requirement of celibacy. The church felt otherwise.

A Family of 'Vows': Reform by Marriage

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A Family of 'Vows': The Son of a Priest and a Nun

Fresh Air

Peter Manseau's mother is a former nun; his father is a priest who remains under suspension. Manseau tells of their marriage — and his upbringing — in a new memoir, Vows.

A Family of 'Vows': The Son of a Priest and a Nun

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Shunned Ex-Mormons Form Own Communities

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who leave the faith are often shunned by tight-knit, family-focused Mormon communities. But these defectors don't always remain isolated -- many are joining together to form their own communities.

Shunned Ex-Mormons Form Own Communities

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Opinion

Everyday Miracles

Our Cousin, the Saint

Commentator Justin Catanoso's Italian relatives passed along some unusual family update a few years ago: His grandfather's late cousin was under consideration for sainthood by the Catholic Church. This Sunday, in Pope Benedict's first canonization ceremony Father Gaetano Catanoso will become a saint.

Our Cousin, the Saint

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