Faith & Religion

Diary: Give us a hug

Peyvand Khorsandi pays a visit to Amma – India's hugging saint

France’s ban on headscarves was hailed as a victory for secularism. But, argues Joan W Scott, its political roots are more sinister

The human imagination, says Martin Rowson, allows us to make the world in the image of ourselves

India's middle classes are becoming increasingly pious, says Meera Nanda

What can we learn about extremism from the memoirs of former Islamist radicals? Stephen Howe investigates

After the Russian election it may be all change at the top. But, asks Michael Binyon, who is the real winner?

Natalie Haynes is unimpressed by an African murder mystery

The more science uncovers, the more brilliant the father of evolution is revealed to be

It’s not peace in heaven that religion is after, but political power here on Earth, says Elizabeth Wilson

Filmmaker Ben Anthony visits the cult at the end of the world