Winter has come and the birds are heading south. We’ll examine some religious beliefs about our fine feathered friends, and look forward to their return in spring. john Snodgrass teaches religion courses at Canisius University, and has written numerous books including “Supernatural Shakespeare” and the sci-fi comedy novel Thirteenth Moon. He lives in Buffalo with … Continue reading “For the Birds”

If the Snake in Eden wasn’t Satan, then who was it? Where else in the Bible do we find other fantastical snake fables, and how do serpents continue to play an important role in some faiths? john Snodgrass teaches religion courses at Canisius College, and has written numerous books including “Supernatural Shakespeare” and the sci-fi … Continue reading Great Snakes!

Is there a rabbit on the moon? And if so, how did it get there? A surprising number of religions share the belief in bunnies as symbols of generosity, trickery, and creativity. And some say they can see a rabbit on the surface of the moon.john Snodgrass teaches religion courses at Canisius College, and has … Continue reading “The Rabbit on the Moon”

In the modern world, the word “Medicine” generally means synthesized chemical pills with Greek names in plastic bottles. But indigenous cultures use the word “Medicine” more broadly, it can mean a song, a story, an embrace, or a spiritual gathering. We’ll look at some of the ways in which a ritual can be medicinal.j. Snodgrass … Continue reading Good Medicine

As maple sap rises in late winter, we’ll explore some indigenous traditions about trees and maple syrup. john Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly Holidays.” He lives in Buffalo with his bride and their four children. On … Continue reading “Thanks to the Maple”

A look at sacred cows in Viking myth, Hindu Religion, and the American midwest.john Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly Holidays.” He lives in Buffalo with his bride and their four children.

When the Indigenous Peoples of Western New York celebrate the Midwinter festival, the gathering begins with a communal thanksgiving to the elements and forces of nature that support life on earth.John Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly … Continue reading The Words That Come Before All

Many religious traditions center on a lifelong struggle against fear and temptation, and even without religion we all strive for a positive sense of self. The struggle can be difficult, but it helps us to develop our strengths, accept our limitations, and understand our role in relation to the world around us.

An exploration of utterances like “bless you” and “excuse me” – should these be classified as prayer, manners or magic? Have their meanings changed over time? And what value do these phrases have in the modern world?