History
Beliefs, myths, philosophers and the ideas that have moved civilizations.
The Khmer Rouge seized power in Cambodia in 1975, leading to the execution of thousands of Buddhist monks. The regime's leader, Pol Pot, oversaw the destruction of Buddhist temples, nearly eradicating Buddhism in Cambodia by 1979. The estimated death toll of Buddhist monks during this period is around 20,000.
Baruch Spinoza was a 17th-century philosopher who argued that doubt is the path to true understanding. His ideas challenged the Jewish community and traditional knowledge foundations. Spinoza's philosophy continues to influence modern thought and skepticism.
Bishop Marcion of Sinope presented radical views to the Christian community in Rome, sparking a theological firestorm. His ideas, which began to attract attention by 144 AD, were deemed heretical and led to his excommunication. Marcion's arguments centered on the notion that the Old Testament God is evil, a claim that deeply divided the Christian community.
Moses de Leon wrote the Zohar, a foundational text of the Kabbalah, in 1286. His work influenced various spiritual traditions and was later recognized by historian Gershom Scholem. The Kabbalah is now studied by many, including celebrity Madonna.
Jean-Paul Sartre argued that human beings are conflicted about freedom. He believed that people often avoid freedom due to its burden. Sartre's idea challenged conventional wisdom on liberty.
The Vatican Bank has a history of scandal, including allegations of money laundering and corruption. Pope Francis established a commission to investigate these claims in 2013. The bank's troubles have led to high-profile arrests and ongoing scrutiny.
The Vaishnavite sect is a Hindu denomination with millions of followers. It believes in one god and has a significant global presence. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is a key part of this movement.
Saint Brendan sailed from Ireland to Iceland in 570. He navigated the North Atlantic with a crew of monks. This feat was considered impossible at the time.
Friedrich Hegel argued history has a definitive end in communism. He delivered a lecture on this idea at the University of Berlin. Hegel's concept was a culmination of his lifelong study of philosophy and history.
The Shakers were a communal group founded by Ann Lee in 1774. They believed in celibacy and established a farm in New York. The Shakers' radical vision ultimately led to their decline.
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad founded the Ahmadiyya movement in 1857. He claimed to have received visions from God and met Prophet Muhammad. The movement gained 20 million followers worldwide.
Adi Shankara was a philosopher born in 788 CE in Kalady, India. He argued that the world is an illusion, which led to him becoming a revered saint in Hinduism. Shankara's philosophy was shaped by his studies under Govinda Bhagavatpada.
Thomas Reid, a Scottish philosopher, emphasized the importance of common sense in understanding the world. His ideas were met with skepticism by his contemporaries, who were dominated by established philosophical views. Reid's lectures at the University of Aberdeen challenged the status quo, paving the way for future philosophers.
The Vatican has the oldest military force in the world, founded in 1506. The Pontifical Swiss Guard was established by Pope Julius II. The guard still exists today with a rich history.
Shinran, a Buddhist monk, sparked a movement by arguing that enlightenment is available to everyone. His idea challenged traditional Buddhist beliefs and spread across Japan and beyond. Shinran's movement, Jodo Shinshu, emphasized accessibility and inclusivity in achieving enlightenment.
Flavius Josephus, a 1st-century Jewish historian, wrote about Jesus in his work. His account is the only non-Christian one of its kind. Josephus' writings provide valuable insight into Jewish history and culture.
Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian philosopher and diplomat who wrote 'The Prince'. His ideas about politics and power were shaped by his experiences in Florence. Machiavelli's work inspired dictators and leaders across history.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a unique biblical canon with 81 books. This is significantly larger than the Catholic Church's 73 books. The church reaffirmed its commitment to this canon in 2007.
Mansur al-Hallaj was executed for heresy on February 16, 922, in Baghdad. He publicly proclaimed the immortality of the soul, challenging Islamic orthodoxy. His execution sparked intense debate throughout the Islamic world.
A 14th-century German mystic's book was burned by city authorities in Mainz, Germany. The book, written by Johannes Tauler, explored the soul's relationship with God. It was considered heretical by the church and has not survived to this day.
Fred Phelps, the founder of the Westboro Baptist Church, began protesting outside a gay man's funeral in 1991. His church's campaign against the LGBTQ+ community was highly contentious and sparked widespread debate. Phelps' own son was gay, adding a layer of complexity to his story.
The Vatican uses a secret code for picking the pope. This code has been in use for 500 years. Historian Giancarlo Zizola studied the papal conclave process.
Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel created a golem in Prague's Jewish ghetto on March 1, 1580. This event changed the course of Jewish mysticism forever. Historian Moshe Idel notes that Rabbi Loew ben Bezalel was a well-respected Talmudic scholar.
Plotinus was a 3rd-century Roman philosopher who taught the concept of interconnectedness. His ideas were considered radical for the time and led to his execution. Plotinus' philosophy would later influence Western thought and spirituality.