Theories about “coercive persuasion” most scholars of religion regard as debunked from decades are officially advocated by governmental agencies.
From the World
An American Scholar Looks at Scientology in France—and at the Sonia Backès Saga
A scholarly article notes how in France “political power can be weaponized against minority religions with the backing of the state.”
Misusing Anti-Trafficking Laws Against Spiritual Minorities: The Case of PROTEX in Argentina
A statement by “Bitter Winter” editor at a closed-door session on freedom of religion or belief of the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago.
Pakistan: Mob Burned Churches, Police Arrests—Christians
The real instigators of the attacks against Christian places of worship have not been arrested. Two Christian brothers are in jail accused of blasphemy.
Human Rights Abuses Against Buenos Aires Yoga School Denounced at the United Nations
At the 53th session of the UN Human Rights Council the UN ECOSOC-accredited NGO CAP-LC filed a written statement on the abusive activities of the anti-trafficking agency PROTEX targeting BAYS and other spiritual minorities.
Guru Jára and Plášková Deported to Czechia: Why They Should Be Released
They have already spent eight years in a horrible detention camp in the Philippines—which should be deducted from the terms to be served in Prague.
A Visit to Bergerac. 2. In Search of “Mere Christianity”
A visit to the exhibition “Bergerac and Protestantism” and a dialogue on “basic orthodoxy” as a need in our secular age.
A Visit to Bergerac. 1. Protestants, Catholics, and the State Between War and Peace
Bergerac is famous for literature, food—and bloody wars.
Honoring the Salmon: Removing California’s Klamath River Dams
The salmon is a sacred animal for the Native Nations of American Pacific Northwest. Deconstructing dams acknowledges it.
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza: Moderate Islamic Theologian in Trouble in Pakistan
He just escaped his fourth assassination attempt. The new amendments to the blasphemy law may send him in jail for life.