Society
Religion
Informed by a strong awareness of history, we consider the many ways in which religion infuses contemporary society. We focus our reporting on religious freedoms, identities and senses of belonging to explore the ways in which belief shapes current social, cultural and political issues.
Here, we platform debate over the role faith should play in politics and question the complex reasons as to why young people could be drawn to religious extremism.
Is it time to divest from the business of evangelicalism?
After the revelations about megachurch leader TB Joshua, Rosebell Kagumire reflects on religion, politics and power.
What’s next for Indians living under Modi?
Narendra Modi’s second mandate is a ‘sword hanging above the heads’ of India’s minorities. Nilanjana Bhowmick explains why.
The new Spanish Islamophobia
A far-right regional party in Spain is making gains in the run up to national elections. Their strategy? A campaign of Islamophobia. Flora Hastings writes.
Should religion play a role in politics?
Dawn Foster and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown dispute whether or not religion should play a role in politics.
A farewell to the Pope
From Catholocism to consumer capitalism, Ireland needs something new. Éilis Ryan.
What drives young men to embrace religious extremism in Pakistan?
Pervez Hoodbhoy, one of South Asia’s leading nuclear physicists, talks to Andy Heintz about why the word ‘liberal’ is so unpopular in Pakistan.
The blinding power of nationalism
Professor Appiah talks about nationalism, fundamentalism and identity. Interview by Andy Heintz.
A group of one’s own
For young girls across the Muslim world, social media has become a therapeutic medium. Hussein Kesvani reports.
Am I wrong to hate Christmas?
Perhaps the roots our dismal economic system can be found in Bethlehem, writes Omar Hamdi in a humour column.
Gay orgies are none of your God damn business
Isn't it time the Vatican admitted people are going to keep having sex whatever they say? Kate Smurthwaite asks.
‘If you want to know the truth, read the Qur’an, not <em>The Daily Mail</em>’
Comedian Shazia Mirza is fed up at having to apologize for the actions of deranged individuals who claim to share her faith.
The right not to sing the national anthem
The integrity of individuals should not be questioned if they do not sing the national anthem, argues Chris Brazier.
Worshippers of the Almighty Invisible Hand
Robert W Parenteau’s satirical look at true believers in the ‘free market’.
The anti-gay gospel
How foreign funds amplify hate in Uganda, by Patience Akumu.
Captive to their own myths
The upsurge of Hindu nationalism in India, by Urvashi Butalia.
Take your pick
Ziauddin Sardar on the various fundamentalisms on offer in Pakistan.
The lure of the dead-end
How do oppressive ideologies take hold despite the devastation they cause? Dinyar Godrej looks behind the news headlines.
The rise of religious identities and the Charlie Hebdo attack
Akil N. Awan looks at the religion behind the motivations for the shocking attack in Paris.
Should halal and kosher methods of slaughter be banned?
Viva! campaigner Tony Wardle and social commentator Mohammed Ansar go head to head.
Why are they targeting the Sufis?
Attacks against Sufis and their holy places have become commonplace in the Muslim world, says Richard Schiffman.
Are religious schools bad for society?
Humanist Andrew Copson and feminist Catholic theologian Tina Beattie go head-to-head - read their arguments and join the debate.
Pakistan on the edge of hope
Despite its turbulent past, Ziauddin Sardar finds reasons for optimism in Pakistan's future.-
Hello Dalai!
Regular NI contributor Anna Chen casts the second Stone. 
Was Jesus Christ a revolutionary?
Jesus kept some shady political company. And his lifestyle has obvious radical resonance. But was he out to overthrow the state? *Terry Eagleton* examines the Gospels for evidence.
The Islamophobia debate
When is it fair to criticize Islam and when is it not?
The lease on life
*Richard Swift* meets the determined squatters of Bangkok who don’t know the meaning of the word eviction.-
Pope Benedict XVI
The NI predicted his ascent in this section back in September 2000 and now ‘God’s Rottweiler’ has become Pope Benedict XVI. 
Zog Ate My Brains
Chip Berlet picks apart popular conspiracy theories and their seductions.-
Fear and loathing
Peace activist Lucy Michaels describes how Judeophobia impacts on her life and her work. -
The Longest Hatred
The history of antisemitism makes for grim reading, but understanding is crucial in the fight against it. 
Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999)
Famed Jewish violinist and human rights activist Yehudi Menuhin on the origins of his name and its meaning.-
Demagogues in Denial
Holocaust denial is the gravest of insults to Jewish memory. Nick Ryan meets the naysayers. -
The World According to Judeophobes
Many charismatic leaders have found in the Jews the perfect scapegoats. -
Portrait of the Artist as an Antisemite
Artists, writers and musicians have often given credence to hatred of Jews. -
God the unauthorized biography
1 In the beginning... 
In the name of GOD
Vanessa Baird examines the special relationship between religion and violence.