Christianity’s Bloody History in Japan
Japan has had a vexed relationship with Jesus ever since European missionaries arrived on its shores. Banned until 1873, successive leaders have asked whether love of the ‘two Js’ is compatible.
Religion
The Flies, Fleas and Rotting Flesh of Medieval Monks
Repulsive revelations of bodily infestations were viewed by some in medieval Europe as proof of sanctity. But for most, parasites were just plain disgusting.
The Death of St Francis of Assisi
St Francis of Assisi died on 4 October 1226, leaving behind the question of how we venerate a saint who resisted veneration.
Signs of the Zodiac: The Dendera Dating Controversy
How ancient was ancient Egypt? How old is the world? And what happens when archaeology contradicts the Bible? When the Dendera Zodiac arrived in Paris, these questions exploded into the public sphere.
Behind Closed Doors: Women and the Inquisition
What was there to fear from a medieval inquisition? For the inquisitors themselves, quite a lot.
Wahhābism by Cole M. Bunzel review
Wahhābism: The History of a Militant Islamic Movement by Cole M. Bunzel is groundbreaking and deserves to reach as wide an audience as possible.
An Edict of Toleration
On 14 June 1632, the Ethiopian Emperor Susenyos abdicated in favour of his son.
Herzl’s Troubled Dream: The Origins of Zionism
Zionism has been seen either as a movement of national liberation or as a form of settler colonialism. In reality, it is both.
Martyrdom of an Old Believer
The Archpriest Avvakum Petrov was burned in Pustozersk on 14 April 1682.
Broad Church
Soaring and swooping through a history of Catholicism, from 1789 to the present day.