RELIGION

John Humphrey Noyes, head of the Oneida Community, and Charles Guiteau, presidential assassin.

The Bizarre Free Love Cult That Housed a Presidential Assassin

John Humphrey Noyes wanted to build a heaven on Earth—but for Charles Guiteau, life at the Oneida Community was a living hell.

George Rappleyea and John Scopes (left) instigated the trial in Dayton, Tennessee, where Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan (right) battled over Darwin’s theory of evolution.

10 Surprising Facts About the Scopes Monkey Trial

How a 24-year-old Tennessee teacher, a Bible-thumping prosecutor, and a chimpanzee found themselves at the center of the nation’s most contentious trial a century ago.

Chicago Pizzeria Honors Former Customer Pope Leo XIV With New “Pope-erroni” Pie

A Chicago-style thin crust pizza that the new pope was seen eating in August has been rebranded.

When Washington, D.C., Gave the Pope a Truly Rocky Reception

In 1855, D.C. residents were anything but thrilled with a gift from the pope.

The “secret” Vatican archives remain off-limits to most.

15 Historic Documents in the Vatican’s Private Archive

From a petition for Henry VIII’s divorce to Galileo’s heresy trial notes, the Vatican’s private archives hold documents that changed the world.

There have been 23 Pope Johns, but only one Pope Francis.

Why Do Popes Change Their Names?

For centuries, men assuming the top job in the Roman Catholic Church kept their birth names. That changed with Pope John II.

When the conclave of cardinals have elected a new pope, white smoke is emitted from the chapel chimney.

How Do They Make the Smoke for a Papal Conclave?

When Catholic cardinals meet to pick a new pope in a papal conclave, they have signaled their progress by sending colored smoke up the chapel chimney.

10 Facts About St. Peter’s Basilica

Whether you're Catholic or not, it's hard to argue with the claim that St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is an amazing feat of architecture and art.

The road through the Guyanese jungle leading to the Jonestown compound.

A Brief History of the Jonestown Massacre

Congressman Leo Ryan went to Guyana in 1978 to investigate reports of American cult leader Jim Jones holding hundreds of his followers captive. Ryan didn't make it out of Jonestown alive.

These cities are ideal for Easter lovers.

The 10 Best Cities for Easter Celebrations in 2025

Birmingham, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo lead the way on this list of the best places to celebrate Easter.

The “Tortoise and the Hare“ is a popular fable.

Fable vs. Folktale vs. Myth: What’s the Difference?

These narrative forms are similar, but not exactly the same.

You can see the Chicago River turn green on St. Patrick‘s Day.

The 10 Best Cities for Celebrating St. Patrick‘s Day

Check out these U.S. cities if you‘re looking for the ultimate St. Patrick‘s Day celebration.

Why Does Easter’s Date Change Every Year?

Easter always happens sometime in March or April—but the date is never the same each year.

Here’s Why Some People Wear Orange—Not Green—On St. Patrick’s Day

You might be used to people wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, but some sport orange instead. Here’s why.

How Cereal Transformed American Culture

More than a century ago, Christian health gurus invented cereal to promote a healthy lifestyle free of sin. Little did they know, their creation would eventually be used to promote everything from radio and cartoons to Mr. T and tooth decay.

Why Do We Say That Love Makes People Go “Weak at the Knees”?

In honor of Valentine’s Day, discover the origins of the phrase ‘weak at the knees,’ including its ties to ancient Rome and even astrology.

The Translation Mystery Behind Imagery of Moses With Horns

Here's why medieval artists loved putting horns on Moses.

Old-fashioned chivalry isn't dead after all.

Why Do People Propose on One Knee?

The origins for this marriage proposal tradition go back to the days of knights and courtly love.

Menorahs are a staple of this festive celebration.

11 Illuminating Facts About Hanukkah

Every winter, Jewish people around the world spend eight nights lighting candles, eating latkes, and spinning dreidels. But what’s Hanukkah really all about?

The origins of Hanukkah’s blue and white color scheme are in the Bible and 19th-century poetry.

Why Are Blue and White the Colors of Hanukkah?

In 1864, the Jewish poet Ludwig August Frankl named blue and white “the colors of Judah” in a poem not so surprisingly called “Judah’s Colours.”

The Pagan Origins of Christmas Ham

The tradition of eating ham on Christmas dates back to Nordic animal sacrifices.

A bonfire is a common way to celebrate the season.

10 Ancient and Contemporary Yule Traditions

For millennia, people have celebrated the longest night of the year with these Yule traditions.

8 Fascinating But Not-So-Jolly Legends About St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas may have inspired Santa Claus, but the two figures were remarkably different.

It comes down to the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

The Reindeer Rule: Why You’ll See Rudolph in Public Christmas Displays

The Supreme Court ruled that government entities can’t display nativity scenes on public property without including symbols of other faiths, but that hasn’t stopped some towns from trying.