The Olympics and Religion: Like a church, but without the dogma

 

The winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are just about half-way over. So maybe it’s a good time to explore the pivotal role religion played in the creation of the ancient Olympics, how religion caused those ancient games to come to an end, and how religion influenced the modern revival. As Baron Pierre de Coubertin of France said when he revived the modern games, it was to be like a church, but without the dogma. He did include a hymn, though!

 

Read about it in my latest Free Press column.

(Photo above: OSV News photo/Guglielmo Mangiapane, Reuters)

The religious roots of Valentine's Day

Feb. 14 is the feast day of St. Valentine. As everyone knows, right? 

Maybe not. That’s why the CBC Radio asked me to share nationally about the religious roots of this annual day for giving chocolates and cards—and how this martyred saint came to be linked to this romantic day. (Hint: It involves the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer).

Along the way I also talk about what some other religions do to promote the idea of love (e.g. the Jewish Valentine’s Day), and a list of Christian feast days that haven’t yet been commercialized in the same way. (At least, not yet.) 

You can read it here, in Canadian Affairs, or listen to it at CBC Manitoba Information Radio.

Are you dead? Popular app in China serves people who live alone, but maybe we already have an "app" for that here in places of worship

Are You Dead? That’s the name of the most popular paid app in China, according to the BBC. 

The app is designed for the estimated 200 million or so people in that country who live alone, and who don’t have family or others to check on them regularly. 

By clicking a button on the app every day, users confirm they are alive. If they don’t click it, the app will get in touch with an appointed emergency contact and tell them to check to see if the person is in need of assistance. 

Said a user: “There is a fear that people living alone might die unnoticed, with no one to call for help. I sometimes wonder, if I died alone, who would collect my body?” 

The app is only available in China. But with over four million Canadians living alone in Canada. It might be useful here. 

Or maybe we already have an app for that: Being involved in a place of worship. I asked faith leaders what their groups do to make sure people—especially seniors—aren’t overlooked and alone. 

Read my latest column on this topic in the Free Press.

Photo above from Home Health Companions.