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Religion/Spirituality
Contemplative Pumpkin
Billy Corgan has launched a new website, Everything from Here to There, which is intended to be a place "to discuss openly and without fear concepts of Mind-Body-Soul integration." If that's the sort of thing you're into, he's apparently taking submissions. [via]
Ramadan Mubarak!
FYI, Ramadan (or perhaps Ramzan) started on Saturday. Learn more about the holiday and related events around the city at ChicagoMuslims.com.
Westboro Baptist Protests Edgewater Synagogue
The Westboro Baptist folks protested at Emanuel Congregation in Edgewater this morning; the Edgewater Community Religious Association held a counter-demonstration. Leah Jones took photos. UPDATE: Some video here.
Articles of Faith
The Morning News showcases photos of storefront churches in Chicago by photographer Dave Jordano.
"Roadmap to Beace"
Comedian and radio personality Ray Hanania notes how language complicates Israeli-Palestinian relations.
Elie Wiesel to Speak at Illinois Holocaust Museum
A public grand opening ceremony Sunday for the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie will feature Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, in addition to former President Bill Clinton and a host of local and international dignitaries. Thousands of guests are expected, so plan ahead for transit, and get more details in Slowdown.
Nizzle of Izzle
Snoop Dogg announced that he's joined the Nation of Islam after appearing at Saviours' Day celebrations here in Chicago this weekend.
What's the Outrage?
He didn't get arrested for anything, and no one knows what he actually did, but Reverend Steve Wu has left his post at the Willow Creek megachurch, admitting "sexual impurities."
Holy Name Up in Flames
Fire broke out this morning in the attic of Holy Name Cathedral.
Go Ahead Make Some Noise
A federal judge has ruled that the Illinois state law that requires a moment of silence in public schools is unconstitutional as it "forces students at impressionable ages to contemplate religion."
One Way to Upset the EEOC
Dentist James L. Orrington may like you to work for him if you will submit to Scientology, among other problematic practices.
Synagogue Vandalism Spree
Over the weekend, two synagogues and one Jewish school suffered broken windows and anti-Israel messages.
The Gift of a Humerus Bone
Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii has received a relic from the body of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini Green, partial namesake of Cabrini-Green and the first canonized US resident.
High Holidays Dot Com
The Jewish holiday Yom Kippur begins today; why not celebrate it online with "Oprah's Rabbi"?
Reappropriating a Symbol of Racial Hatred
The First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple has installed a crucifix made from a cast of a cross burned at a 1963 KKK rally.
Creatively Unclear
Apparently Roger Ebert's creationism post was written by him, not a hacker -- but his intention in posting it remains unclear in his responses to comments regarding it. Perhaps Ebert is learning that satire doesn't translate online without context. UPDATE: Ebert finally did explain the article, and affirmed that it was satire.
Hindu Universal Temple Open 115 Years Later
The Vivekananda Vedanta Society has realized its dream of opening its universal temple in Homer Glen.
My Cousin, The Rabbi
The already-diverse Barack Obama family just keeps getting more diverse. Meet Michelle's rabbi cousin.
Just call me 'Pfleger Pfleg'
236.com's quiz finally solves the age-old question: "Which inflammatory pastor are you?"
Don't Put Religion on Your Door
That's the word from the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in a case in which the condo association at Shoreline Towers repeatedly removed a mezuzah from the door of a resident. The association has since changed its practice, but the case is causing a stir in Jewish communities here and nationwide.
Pfleger Gets A Second Chance
A little more than a week after being removed as head of the St. Sabina parish, Fr. Michael Pfleger is heading back to the church on June 16 - with the caveat that he keep his political viewpoints out of the pulpit.
Wright Not So Retired
It's obvious Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. doesn't plan to spend his retirement in quiet rest -- but apparently he also doesn't want to give up the pulpit at Trinity United just yet, either.
Underpass Mary All Over Again?
Some say bugs chewed the name of Muhammad on a piece of bark in Skokie.
More Political and Religious Controversy
Speaking of Obama, the Chicago priest who vigorously endorsed Obama and mocked Hillary has been asked to take a leave of absence by Cardinal George.
Chicago, Welcome Saint Death
The Roman Catholic church may not recognize Santa Muerte, but her presence is growing in Chicago.
Happy Birthday, Buddha!
If you've driven past Wilson and Ashland lately, you've probably seen this impressive display in front of the Truc Lam Buddhist Temple. It's part of the temple's annual celebration of the birth of Buddha -- this year's celebration is this weekend, with an outdoor concert scheduled for Saturday at 8pm and an indoor ceremony Sunday at 10am. Call 773-506-0749 for more info.
Moving Bodies to Move Bodies
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal involving O'Hare and the St. John's United Church cemetery, knocking aside another barrier to the airport's expansion plans.
A Different Kind of Blood
Six members of Catholic Schoolgirls Against the War protested the Iraq war during the Holy Name Cathedral's Easter Mass today.
Breaking the Mold
The New York Times profiles Capers C. Funnye, Jr., the first African-American member of the Chicago Board of Rabbis and head of the Southwest Side's Beth Shalom B'Nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation.
Sanctuary, Again
Flor Crisostomo, a Latin American immigrant arrested in 2006 on immigration charges, may flout her deportation orders and seek refuge in Adalberto United Methodist Church, the same church where Elvira Arellano sought refuge.
Eight Days Recycled
Chicago students are building menorahs from recycled materials, inspired by the idea that just-enough-oil-to-last-eight-days is a green sentiment.
Spertus Almost Ready
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies' new building will be open to the public starting on November 30 with a series of events and a new range of amenities.
Lutheran Lesbian Ordained Sans Celibacy
Jen Rude, a lesbian who refuses to take a vow of celibacy, has been ordained by a Lutheran church in Chicago. It comes about as a test of a new resolution that gives bishops room to discipline or not, such actions. Wayne Miller, Chicago's bishop, said, "My goal is to keep people in the conversation, and I do not see this as an issue that should be dividing the church."
It's Official
Cardinal Francis George won 85 percent of the votes to become the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"Enjoy Family Life"
Has anyone else out there received a handwritten proselytizing letter like this?
Closer to a Chicago Anglican Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago has included the Very Rev. Tracey Lind as a top five nominee for the 12th Bishop of Chicago. Because Lind is a lesbian, her nomination once again sets up the potential for conflict with the more conservative Anglican Communion.
The Old Latin Mass Is The New Thing
If you're still firming up your weekend plans and are looking for a hip Latin Mass (Tridentine) to balance things out, the Archdiocese of Chicago says you should look at: St. John Cantius (825 N. Carpenter) and St. Thomas More (2825 W. 81st).
What Precisely Is a Homo-sex?
Ruben Israel is a very vocal fellow, currently demanding the right to march, proclaim anti-gay rhetoric, and carry his apparently bottomless supply of tastefully designed signs in the Annual Pride Parade—something he's done streetside for years. Naturally, in being denied the ability to heap judgment and preach hellfire against folks all along the parade route, he feels he's being discriminated against.
Koran Shenanigans
A local woman is publishing a new English translation of the Koran, which, surprisingly, has caused absolutely no controversy in the Muslim community. And if you believe that... Additional note: It seems the Russians think the Olsen twins are somehow involved.
Church and City
Opinions flared over the holidays last year when city officials opposed the showing of a movie trailer for The Nativity Story at Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. Those same emotions will likely again be stirred after installation of a 19 foot cross was green-lighted for Easter.
Learn to Talk to Buddhists
Ever feel like the cat's got your tongue whenever Buddhists (with their "ancient, complex, trendy" religion) are around? Apparently you're not alone! Evangelical Christians are organizing workshops on how to "talk" to Buddhists in conjunction with the Dalai Lama's US Tour. The nearest workshop looks to be in Wheaton. The Dalai Lama will be in Chicago on May 6th, check slowdown for details. [Note: The Sun-Times wants you to know that while in Chicago the Dalai Lama will be staying in a hotel suite with 3 bathrooms]
Getting You Ready for the Big Weekend
Still haven't figured out what to do for Passover or Easter? Christine Blumer has you covered with this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Money for Something
Congratulations to Charles Taylor, NU Philosophy Prof, for bagging the world's biggest monetary prize awarded for research into spirituality; and it's a big'un. The Tribune has the story.
Dalai Lama-Rama
The exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, The Dalai Lama, will be in Chicago on May 6th. Tickets are still available for his afternoon address on "Finding Inner Peace in a World of Turmoil" at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Auditorium.
The Good News in Education!
Making no mention of what the bad news might be, South Side Congressman Daniel Lipinski's resolution praising "Catholic Schools for their ongoing contributions to education" passed unanimously. The resolution was planned to coincide with Catholic Schools Week (Jan 28-Feb 3). There are over 250 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Wright Before Obama
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright has been an influential Chicagoan long before being known as Senator Barack Obama's pastor.
From Slave to Priest
Interesting article on Augustine Tolton, the first black priest in America, who preached in Quincy and the South Side of Chicago in the late 1800s.
The Nativity News
Hey, remember how the City decided not to show the trailer for The Nativity Story at the Christkindlmarket back in November? Well, a church group apparently decided it was important to take a stand, so it's now showing on a continuous loop at the fair, although with the sound off. And 32 Baby Jesuses, stolen from nativity scenes around the city, turned up in a St. Symphorosa Church parishoner's yard, sorted by design.
Call for Nominations: 35 Under 35
The Community Renewal Society is requesting nominations for their 35 Under 35 Leadership Awards. This Chicagoland-oriented award recognizes individuals under the age of 35 who are "using fresh approaches to tackle pressing social issues."
Window to Chicago Muslims
Did you know there are over 350,000 Muslims in the Chicago area? Yeah, that's a lot. So you have to know that a site like chicagomuslims.com is a pretty valuable resource for area Muslims and friends of the Islamic Faith. Daily prayer times, socio-economic outreach projects, and articles on Islam are all there. Be sure to keep an eye on the events section for the "Window to Islam" class--open to all--if you want to learn more about the Islamic Faith.
"Prayer Seiges" Based in Chicago
There's a group in Chicago called Bound 4 Life. No, it's not a band — well, not that kind of band. This group of young adults aims to demonstrate, through "Prayer Seiges," their opposition to abortion. At first I was just really excited to see what a "Prayer Seige" was, but after reading some history of the group I had these flashbacks of driving down Ridge with all these graphic anti-abortion posters surrounding me and... well, you can read about Bound 4 Life right here.
You Need a Transition
Transitions Bookplace -- a locally-owned store specializing in spiritual, growth, and grief lit -- is in danger of closing their doors after this month without more patronage. Take a break from online and chain retailers and check them out. They are located at 1000 W. North Ave.
Islamic Studies Near You
I was looking for Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad) events in Chicago for this week (which, apparently, there are none) when I came across the website for the American Islamic College (640 W. Irving Park). While the website is a bit 1998, the actual university looks pretty cool--they offer weekend and evening Arabic courses. Or, of course, if you're interested in getting a 4-year degree from an Islamic perspective, this might be for you.
She's Still There
Speaking of our roadways, Eric Zorn checked in on Underpass Mary one year after the miraculous mineral stain appeared on Fullerton Avenue, and found she's mostly still intact and still receiving flowers.
Religion for prisoners & families
Prison Fellowship Ministries has a focus on "fellowshipping with Jesus, visiting prisoners, and welcoming the children of prisoners." Their site is rather extensive and includes campus ministries (which look rather awesome), a pen pal program, and an angel tree. Pretty cool stuff.
Virtually Jewish
Send a Virtual Jewish Chicago postcard. Photos all courtesy of Chicago Jewish News.
Selling One's Soul for Good
In yesterday's WSJ, the story of an atheist who sold his soul on eBay and ended up critiquing local church services.
St. Patty's Lenten Option
There's an optional memorial for St. Patrick on March 17. If you're fasting for Lent, Chicago Cardinal Francis George gave a general dispensation reminding Catholics that they can choose not to abstain from meat on that special Friday. That means that if you're already fasting for Lent and you choose this option, you will need to choose another form of penance for that day.
Happy (almost) Ayyam'i'Ha!
Baha'is of the world start their 19-day fast on March 2. Before that, though, they party for about four days as heartily as non-drinking folks can in a holiday called Ayyam-i-Ha. Come celebrate it with them at the stunning Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette. More in Slowdown. (Info on regular activities here).
Anti-Semitic Vandalism Countered With Spiritual Gathering
One week ago, the Agudas Achim North Shore Congregation synagogue (5029 N. Kenmore in Uptown) was defaced with anti-semitic graffiti. Today, Sunday, to counter this act of violence, they are holding an anti-hate rally at the site -- religious leaders from all religions from all over the city will be in attendance as well as members of the Interfaith Youth Core. The graffitti, also, will be painted over at this event. See slowdown for more details.
"A Whole Bunch of Presbyterians and Lutherans proudly present 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!'"
All donations will benefit The Night Ministry, which provides food and medical services to the homeless in Lakeview and Uptown. Click "more" for showtimes...
Welcome Back, Hajis!
You may be one of the 2 million Muslims to recently come back from hajj (annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia)--welcome back, and hajj mubarak! (Want to know more about hajj? Wikipedia can help out, so can this article in the Sun-Times.)
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