Sikh
Some estimates suggest that about 20 percent of students are bullied during the school year. For some ethnicities and religions, the number is even higher, from 50 to 67 percent, depending on the location. A White House task force suggests that the number may …
A Victory for Civil Rights in Oklahoma
Oklahoma
The separation of church and state is one of the fundamental principles on which America was founded. Unfortunately, many of the state’s lawmakers and leaders seem to forget that. In 2012, a monument of the Ten Commandments was erected on the Oklahoma Ca…
November: A Month to Reach Beyond the Boundaries of Race or Religion
Most people in America think of Thanksgiving or Veterans Day as the two major celebrations in November. Veterans Day ranks high during the month because it is a federal holiday, which means some people get an extra day off. More importantly, the men and women who …
Read MoreUnderstanding the Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead
Halloween may be the biggest holiday in the fall, but Day of the Dead is important to Hispanics, which account for 17 percent of the population in the United States. In Mexico, it is a public holiday, but here in the United States, it’s taken a ba…
A Conference for Free Thinkers
Free Thinkers
Comic-Con began as a way for self-described geeks and nerds to share their uniqueness and interests. Look at where it’s at today. Not only does the original thrive, but smaller conventions have popped up around the world. Most people don’t think o…
Recent Victories of Separation of Church and State
Most school children understand the separation of church and state, but sometimes the lines get blurred when you’re in the real world. Religious people who have good intentions make suggestions that belie the principles on which the United States was built. Peop…
Read MoreHarvest Festivals Around the World
Harvest Festivals
In the Northern Hemisphere, September, October, and November are considered the harvest months. Many people, even those who are not Christian, celebrate Thanksgiving as a remembrance of the bounty given from the Earth. Although many harvest festiv…
International Atheist Persecution
Atheist Persecution
As an atheist, you can sometimes feel like you’re a minority. Even with all the protections of free speech in America and Canada, you may still believe you’re being persecuted, especially as the holidays approach. There’s a long way to go …
When Civic Leaders Bring Religion to Their Decisions
You’d almost have to be living under a rock not to have heard about Kim Davis and the battle in Kentucky over gay marriage. Although Davis is getting most of the news coverage in the fight between faith and government, that story is not the only one playing out …
Read MoreFasting as a Way to End Life
Fasting
Fasting is when you abstain from food or drink for a period of time. Generally, it is done with a spiritual observance. Practically every religion has a form of fasting. During Lent, Christians fast, giving up meat and fish. Muslims fast during the month of…