What’s the true history of Christmas? Find out in these holiday stories from our scholars
Dive into the rich cultural history, myths and religious traditions surrounding this popular holiday.
Magic, medicine and eternal love: Why mummies still mesmerize
One hundred years ago, the excavation of King Tut’s tomb brought us a mummy with a “pharaoh’s curse.” Our fascination with mummies goes back much farther, however. USC Dornsife scholars explain why we’re still so wrapped up in these eerie remains.
Headcovers have always been political in Iran — for women on all sides
Controversy of veils goes back more than a century. A USC Dornsife scholar of Iran explains the history and circumstances behind the recent protests.
New associate dean of religious life brings varied ministry experience to USC
The Rev. Brandon Harris is eager to help USC students find connection, meaning and belonging. He starts in his new role on Monday.
The Rev. Cecil ‘Chip’ Murray retires from USC
Since his arrival at USC in 2004, Murray trained about 1,000 faith leaders in the “Murray Method,” equipping them to transform their communities as he had helped transform South L.A. in his first career as a pastor.
USC, Hebrew Union College celebrate 50 years as partners — and look ahead
Leaders of the two institutions note that the unique partnership is a national model.
Most Americans today are choosing cremation. Here’s why burials are becoming less common
As late as 1970, only about 5% of Americans chose cremation; now, more than half of us choose the method. A USC expert explains why.
The patriotic Virgin: How Mary has been marshaled for religious nationalism and military campaigns
Many religions have been used to prop up nationalism, and Catholicism is no exception. A USC Dornsife scholar who is also a Jesuit priest explores how the Virgin Mary had been enlisted to stir up patriotic fervor.
Who are the Jesuits? And what makes them distinctive?
The Jesuits are among the Catholic Church’s most influential religious orders but no strangers to controversy. A USC scholar — and Jesuit — explains.
On St. Patrick’s Day, meet St. Brigid — Ireland’s sensible female patron saint
The Irish government recently declared a national holiday for this lesser-known Irish saint. A USC Dornsife scholar and medieval historian explains her fascinating life and history.
How did ancient civilizations make sense of the cosmos — and what did they get right?
We’ve been fascinated by the wonders of the universe and have endeavored to understand our place within it since our earliest ancestors first gazed up in awe at the night sky. That has USC experts asking: What did the ancients know?
Why Activism Thrives in L.A.’s Black Churches
Pastors advocate for their people from the pulpit and on the streets — and training at USC gives them the tools to take their work further.
Offering community and friendship for students of all faiths, spiritualities and life philosophies
USC Office of Religious and Spiritual Life provides many opportunities to make friendships and meaningful connections
E.T.s may be headed toward Earth. Are we ready for them?
For many scientists, it’s no longer a question of “if” but “when.” What will happen when we finally come face to face with space aliens? USC experts look to the skies for answers.
Prayer apps are flooding the market, but how well do they work?
A scholar of Christian spirituality argues that prayers are meant to bring together a faith community — something apps aren’t likely to achieve.
Why is a delegation from the Vatican attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference?
The president of USC Dornsife’s Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies explains the Catholic case for climate action.
A Catholic theologian argues for a death row inmate’s right to have the pastor’s touch in the execution chamber
Physical touch is a simple form of connecting to another person and holds significance for many cultures, especially at a person’s final moments.
What’s a ‘miracle’? Here’s how the Catholic Church decides
The Catholic Church has set in place rigorous criteria for determing if a person can be named “Saint,” including performance of a miracle. But how does the Church determine what is a miracle?
What is Sharia? Islamic law shows Muslims how to live, and can be a force for progress as well as a tool of fundamentalists
Jessica Marglin, associate professor of religion and history at USC Dornsife, provides insight into an oft-misunderstood aspect of Muslim culture.
Studying psychedelic mushrooms propels first-gen student to divinity school
Graduating senior Kimberly Melgoza researches how mind-altering substances have been used in rituals across Latin America. She’ll bring her studies to Yale Divinity School this fall.
Why Christianity put away its dancing shoes — only to find them again centuries later
The tradition of Christian dance did not happen overnight. For the first five centuries of Christianity, the church opposed dancing. But as time went on dance continued to be integrated into Christianity.
Where Trojans Go to Pray, Meditate and Reflect: The Little Chapel of Silence
In this busy world, you can find quiet moments of comfort at this timeless USC spot (yes, even remotely).
A Welshman finds a new home in the City of Angels
The new head of USC Dornsife’s Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies discusses the institute’s future, L.A. and the gruesome fate of the last Welsh Jesuit priest.
New faculty member found a bit of Buddhist China in the heart of Amish Country
Religion professor Jessica Zu discusses recent developments in Buddhism, some of the problems with the “mindfulness” movement and how Amish food is the best cure for homesickness.