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A man in a green shirt and glasses smiles while reaching out to a medical professional in blue scrubs, while two women look on, smiling.

Timothy Moss (right center) was part of a program out of the Indiana University Health system, which connects hospital patients with "connectors" who help fill support needs, including spiritual needs, in the life of the patient. Ben Thorp/WFYI hide caption

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Ben Thorp/WFYI

Religion

Why some doctors have started asking patients about their spiritual lives

Indiana University Hospital system is pairing patients with local faith groups to ease feelings of loneliness and isolation. The unique new program comes as more doctors are seeing a need to care for patients' spiritual as well as physical health.

Why some doctors have started asking patients about their spiritual lives

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Why Jenny Slate sometimes feels like a 'terminal optimist'
NPR

Wild Card with Rachel Martin

Why Jenny Slate sometimes feels like a 'terminal optimist'

Welcome to Wild Card with Rachel Martin. In this first episode, Rachel talks to Jenny Slate, known for her roles in Obvious Child, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On and Parks and Recreation. Jenny opens up about whether fate brought her to her husband, what she's sacrificed for motherhood and what's so special about margarine and white bread sandwiches.

Why Jenny Slate sometimes feels like a 'terminal optimist'

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7 in 10 U.S. adults consider themselves spiritual

More than 20% of those surveyed describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious." The study finds a wide variety of religious experiences and expressions among those who consider themselves "spiritual." Ted Shaffrey/AP hide caption

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Ted Shaffrey/AP

Religion

7 in 10 U.S. adults consider themselves spiritual

Although Americans have grown less likely to identify with an organized religion in recent decades, Pew Research has found many say they are spiritual in some way.

7 in 10 U.S. adults consider themselves spiritual

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Tarot can't predict the future, but it can help you make that big decision

Three cards pulled from the iconic Rider-Waite–Smith tarot deck. Michelle Tea suggests beginners start with a three-card reading. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

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Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

Tarot can't predict the future, but it can help you make that big decision

Even if you've gotten a tarot reading before, you may be intimidated by the cards or wondering whether you're cool enough to learn. Tarot reader and writer Michelle Tea walks budding readers through each card in a tarot deck, shares reading tips and ways you can incorporate tarot into your self-care practice.

Tarot can't predict the future, but it can help you make that big decision

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Creating God

Muslim women praying together in the Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. Afriadi Hikmal/Getty Images hide caption

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Afriadi Hikmal/Getty Images

Hidden Brain

Creating God

The world is full of complex religious beliefs. This week, we'll explore how religions have evolved, almost like living organisms, to help human societies survive and flourish.

Creating God

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A Mountain Of Many Legends Draws Spiritual Seekers From Around The Globe

Mount Shasta is an ice-topped volcano that draws outdoor adventurers and spiritual seekers. Various legends say it's home to a sacred spring, beings who have transcended the physical plane or a crystal city full of ancient foes of Atlantis. Rich Pedroncelli/AP hide caption

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Rich Pedroncelli/AP

National

A Mountain Of Many Legends Draws Spiritual Seekers From Around The Globe

Mount Shasta, in Northern California, is a massive snowcapped volcano surrounded by miles of pristine national forest. Legends, myths and entire religious movements have centered on its secrets.

A Mountain Of Many Legends Draws Spiritual Seekers From Around The Globe

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Is There Existential Meaning Beyond Religion?

A man reaches for a wooden cross in the sea during an Epiphany ceremony in the Greek port of Thessaloniki on January 6, 2011. Sakis Mitrolidis/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Sakis Mitrolidis/AFP/Getty Images

Opinion

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

Is There Existential Meaning Beyond Religion?

Religion offers existential and emotional benefits that science can't seem to match. According to Commentator Tania Lombrozo, there's a tension in nature and science between beauty and bleakness. Can a scientific, naturalistic worldview be as fulfilling as religious belief?

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