Despite referencing Christianity, Mayan animism, and Buddhism, The Fountain is simultaneously a religious and irreligious film. It chronicles the stories of Tom, a wandering space traveler, Tommy, a scientist who wants to cure his wife of cancer, and Tomás, a conquistador searching
Robert Zemeckis’ Contact (1997) raises several questions about creation. Instead of the universe’s inception, the movie focuses on the beginning of extraterrestrial life and first contact. Ellie Arroway, the protagonist, constructs a device to meet aliens. When she finally sees them, the
In Paul Schrader’s 2018 First Reformed, violence coexists with despair, punishment, and guilt. However, even in the film’s most brutal violence, hope is nearby. Toller (Ethan Hawke), intending to bomb churchgoers with a suicide vest on the 250th anniversary of the First
Professor James Padilioni is a visiting assistant professor in the religion and environmental studies departments. His interests lie in African Diasporic ritual, healing justice, and herbalism — topics that explore the overlap of religion and environmental studies. Professor Padilioni has taught classes
Professor of History and History Department Chair Bruce Dorsey specializes in early American history, ranging from Europeans’ first contact with the Americas through the Civil War. His area of expertise covers the ways in which American culture, politics, religion, and sexuality interact,
In life, many people have to experience reconciling new information with their personal beliefs, whether or not those beliefs are religious. This process is personal to everyone. While religion and spirituality often carry negative connotations, they are subjective and not inherently negative;
The rise and subsequent entrenchment of woke culture – wherein individuals adopt an obsessive and blinkered approach towards civil rights issues – in higher education institutions has resulted in the erosion of intellectual rigor that flows from nuanced debate around contested issues.
Every year, around October or November, Hindus all around the world partake in a centuries-long tradition called Diwali. Notorious for Bollywood music, delicious food, and sparkling firecrackers, Diwali brings families and friends together in celebration. On Friday, Oct. 21, Swarthmore’s Deshi club,
Editor’s Note: The Phoenix Editorial Board and the author of the piece have issued apologies regarding the editorial process of this article. Since the original publication of the piece, mentions of Orthodox Jews in this article have been modified to ultra-Orthodox Jews
On Tuesday, September 25, at an event organized by Swarthmore Progressive Christians, Matthew Vines, a prominent evangelical advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Christianity, gave a talk to roughly 100 students and adults. The talk concerned the position of LGBTQ+ individuals in Christianity
