Friday's News & Ideas - 10/13/2023

Israel orders the evacuation of 1.1 million people from northern part of Gaza, the UN says
The Associated Press: International aid groups warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis after Israel halted deliveries of food, water, fuel and electricity to Gaza.

Why you’re not seeing Palestinian suffering
Religion News Service: How is the media portraying the conflict in the Middle East?

Belief in prosperity gospel growing among American Protestants
Baptist News Global: Just over half of Protestant churchgoers in the United States say their houses of worship promote the belief that God grants financial blessings to those who give money to churches and charities, according to Lifeway Research.

Japan asks court to strip Unification church of religious status
The Guardian: The move comes after the assassination of former PM Shinzo Abe and growing criticism of fundraising activities.

A pilgrimage in the heart of the Italian Alps*
The New York Times: Along a scenic route in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions, nine sanctuaries known as the Sacri Monti house a trove of Renaissance and Baroque art.

The Spark

Why are we so scared of Friday the 13th?
From the Knights Templar to Norse mythology, Smithsonian Magazine describes how fear of the spooky date* crept into popular culture.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers