This is far from the first time alternative words for God have been discussed.
The exterior view of the Bethel African American Methodist Episcopal Church at 125 S. 6th St. in Philadelphia.
Breton, William L., circa 1773-1855 Artist via the Library of Congress, World Digital Library
Millions of enslaved Africans were forcefully converted to the Christian faith. The Black church came about when African Americans began to establish their own congregations.
Pope Francis on a visit to Madagascar in 2019.
Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images
It was in the 1990s that the idea of Christian environmental stewardship disappeared from the rhetoric of the religious right, paving the way for the anti-environmental position it holds today.
People pray in front of the tomb of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI inside the grottos of St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, on Jan. 8, 2023.
AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia
A specialist in Catholic liturgy and rituals explains that while several popes have been canonized, it is a long process that may take several years to examine and uncover any hidden flaws.
The African National Congress’s fully black leadership belies its commitment to non-racialism.
Ihsaan Haffejee/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Support for strong gun ownership rights is often associated with conservative Christian views, but religion and self-defense have a much longer history in the United States.
Pentecostal televangelist Paula White, center, prays before giving a sermon in Maryland in 2017.
Mary F. Calvert For The Washington Post via Getty Images
In the history of Western thought, notions of human identity were more fluid and unstable than many realise. And for a long time, the souls of men and women were seen as identical.
A handmade Nativity from Kyrgyzstan by an unknown artisan. Instead of a stable, it features a yurt, the traditional home of nomadic Kyrgyz people.
The Marian Library, University of Dayton
The Christmas story is about Jesus coming to mankind. As holiday decorations show, Christians around the world often picture him in their own cultures.
Stonehenge has long been the site of some of the most famous solstice celebrations.
Chris Gorman/Getty Images News
Water is sacred in many religious traditions, holding power that can also be dangerous.
Catholic faithful stage a peaceful protest to condemn the rampant killing in Benue State, North Central of Nigeria.
Photo by Adekunle Ajayi/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Stormzy’s new album contains some deeply personal reflections on faith.
A pride flag flies in front of the historic temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah.
George Frey/Getty Images
Recent years have put more attention on LGBTQ people’s struggle for acceptance in the LDS church, but asexual Latter-day Saints face unique challenges.
A chaplain hugs a registered nurse at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Mario Tama/Getty Images News via Getty Images
Chaplains have always provided spiritual care outside traditional houses of worship, but their significance is growing as Americans’ religious identities change.
King David playing the lyre in a scene from a 15th-century manuscript of the Book of Psalms.
Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images/Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Gratitude and praise are not only some of the most common themes in Christian music, but also some of the oldest.
The Catholic hymn, “Te Deum” – which says, “You, God, we praise” – has been used for centuries in Catholic worship for thanksgiving.
Iconotheca Valvasoriana Author Jean Marot via Wikimedia Commons.
The Pilgrims who started the first Thanksgiving tradition after they landed in Plymouth were following the customs they had grown up with, originating in medieval times.
Director of the Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy & Associate Professor, New Testament, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity