Latest Stories
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Opinions still split over ‘war to end all wars’
Was the First World War worth it? A century ago, four years of fighting was finally coming to an end. Over 30 countries were involved in the “Great War”, which killed 10 million people.
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Druids and dancing on the year’s longest day
Should we worship the sun? On June 21, the summer solstice, half the world enjoyed their longest day of the year. Our ancestors would have celebrated the day quite differently…
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Marriage: the future of a very old tradition
Should marriage exist? To many, the royal wedding is a joyful celebration of love. Yet marriage has meant different things in the past, and love has not always had much to do with it.
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A magical journey to the Land of the Dead
Should films be about learning as well as fun? Already a massive hit, the new film Coco takes us on a gripping journey through Mexican culture and into the heart of a mysterious...
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Beginning of the end for some religions?
British people have become less religious. More than half the British public do not follow a religion. This is the first time non-believers have outnumbered believers. Is this a bad thing?
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Corbyn: ‘Make Saints’ Days public holidays’
The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn thinks Britain should get four new bank holidays — one for each UK patron saint. Will this make people prouder to be British?
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Winston Churchill: alien life is out there
He fought in the first world war. He led Britain to victory in the second world war. Now it turns out that Winston Churchill also believed in aliens. What are the chances he was right?
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Britain set for debate over right to strike
A series of strikes hit planes, trains and postal services this Christmas, affecting millions of people. Strikes have a long history — but should they be a right in the modern era?
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The secret code hidden in a Christmas card
The height of Christmas daring? A British intelligence agency has put a code-breaking puzzle in its Christmas card. Why do we still send each other pieces of dead tree with pictures on them?
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‘Why plain Advent beats cheesy Christmas’
The season of Advent has begun. It is a time of waiting which will end when the clocks strike midnight on Christmas Day. Why do so many religious writers prefer it to Christmas itself?
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Muslims begin longest Ramadan for 33 years
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan has begun. This year Muslims will give up food and drink through long daylight hours. Why do so many people around the world still believe in fasting?
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Pope meets the poor in storm-hit Philippines
Pope Francis spoke to a crowd of millions in Manila. He talked to one girl about the nobility of suffering. Does he have a point, or is he failing to take the country’s problems seriously?
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Happy new year! Time for some monkey business
On 8 February, China celebrated the start of the Year of the Fire Monkey. The cheeky animal could bring surprises throughout 2016 — if you believe in astrology, that is.
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Pope demands protection for ‘precious’ Earth
The head of the worldwide Catholic Church has called for action to preserve the environment. The natural world is under threat, but why is it so important to protect it?
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Feasts, fasts and a Pancake Day warning
Shrove Tuesday, ‘Pancake Day’, is a day to enjoy before the Christian fast of Lent. People eat pancakes and take part in parades. But are festivals like this still relevant?