In the 19th century, Turin was conquered—for a time, more than other Italian cities—by the fashion for spiritualism.
Massimo Introvigne
Torino è davvero “città magica”? 1. La città delle meraviglie
L’idea di Torino come capitale delle spiritualità alternative nasce nel secolo XIX, con il fiorire nella città di “magnetizzatori” e di “sonnambule”.
Is Turin Really “the City of Magic”? 1. A City of Wonders
The idea of Turin as the capital of alternative spirituality was born in the 19th century, with the flourishing in the city of “magnetizers” and “somnambulists.”
Pakistan; Mentally Ill Man on Death Row for Blasphemy for 23 Years
Anwar Kenneth wrote in 2001 letters that clearly included the ramblings of a psychiatric patient. Nonetheless, he was sentenced to death in 2002 and kept in jail.
A Micro-Totalitarian Maoist Group in France: Julie Pagis’ “Le Prophète Rouge”
A fascinating work of sociology raises questions on Maoism, Maoists in the West, charisma, and submission.
The Early Pollock and the Esoteric Pollock
Visitors to the important Paris exhibition would not learn about his esoteric connections. But they can find them in his paintings.
Svědkové Jehovovi v České republice: Podivné teorie Zdeňka Vojtíška
Český antikultovní religionista předložil nesprávný výklad toho, jaké důsledky by mělo zrušení registrace svědků Jehovových v jeho zemi.
No Country for Astrologers: Russian Duma Set to Ban Astrology from Media
A law proposal would prohibit broadcasting horoscopes and “magic-based predictions” in all media.
Sabah, Malaysia: A Textbook Example of How Chinese Influence Operates
A new report by Sinopsis shows the importance of China’s “soft power” campaigns to coopt the elites of other countries.
Pakistan, Minor Christian Accused of Blasphemy Granted Bail, Remains in Jail for Other Charges
17-year-old Akash Karamat has spent one year in jail for an accusation that, the Lahore High Court said, is not supported by evidence.
Massimo Introvigne
Massimo Introvigne (born June 14, 1955 in Rome) is an Italian sociologist of religions. He is the founder and managing director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), an international network of scholars who study new religious movements. Introvigne is the author of some 70 books and more than 100 articles in the field of sociology of religion. He was the main author of the Enciclopedia delle religioni in Italia (Encyclopedia of Religions in Italy). He is a member of the editorial board for the Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion and of the executive board of University of California Press' Nova Religio. From January 5 to December 31, 2011, he has served as the "Representative on combating racism, xenophobia and discrimination, with a special focus on discrimination against Christians and members of other religions" of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). From 2012 to 2015 he served as chairperson of the Observatory of Religious Liberty, instituted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to monitor problems of religious liberty on a worldwide scale.