Halloween’s occult origins give way to fun and community-building
Opinion
Religion

Halloween’s occult origins give way to fun and community-building

Many religious believers dislike Halloween because of its connections with the occult. But scarcely anyone today accords the occasion any spiritual significance – it’s all about the lollies.

  • byBarney Zwartz

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World peace through pizza? No,but it’s a start
Opinion
Religion

World peace through pizza? No,but it’s a start

In high school,I participated in a program designed to facilitate connections between Jewish,Christian and Muslim teens. It just ended,but we need it now more than ever.

  • byMelodie Goldsmith
Keeping the faith:These religious groups are flourishing as atheism takes hold

Keeping the faith:These religious groups are flourishing as atheism takes hold

In a series,The Age explores why Christianity is declining and atheism is growing,while the faithful flock to Pentecostal megachurches,temples and mosques.

  • byMelissa Cunningham andCraig Butt
‘Search for light in darkest times’:A Melbourne rabbi’s Passover wish in the shadow of war

‘Search for light in darkest times’:A Melbourne rabbi’s Passover wish in the shadow of war

In a series,The Age explores how Victoria’s religious communities are keeping the faith in an increasingly secular Australia.

  • byMelissa Cunningham
‘I have this purpose’:Why Islam is one of Victoria’s fastest-growing religions

‘I have this purpose’:Why Islam is one of Victoria’s fastest-growing religions

In a series,The Age is exploring how Victoria’s religious communities are keeping the faith in an increasingly secular Australia.

  • byMelissa Cunningham
The flocks of these faiths are expanding as Australians turn their back on the church

The flocks of these faiths are expanding as Australians turn their back on the church

In the suburbs,Sikhism,Hinduism and Buddhism are flourishing as Christianity plummets in a society with more atheists than ever.

  • byMelissa Cunningham
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It’s loud and Insta-friendly. Step inside the world of ‘cool Christianity’

It’s loud and Insta-friendly. Step inside the world of ‘cool Christianity’

The Pentecostal faithful are flocking to sermons by pastors in ripped jeans and tearing up at rock concerts. It’s a far cry from empty pews in many Anglican and Catholic churches.

  • byMelissa Cunningham