Learning from ancient texts

Ethics and religion stories from a year of turmoil US Edition - Today's top story: Hamas was unpopular in Gaza before it attacked Israel – surveys showed Gazans cared more about fighting poverty than armed resistance [View in browser]( US Edition | 23 December 2023 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( As a child, I was fascinated by stories from the ancient Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, in which the heroes always defeated evil. Over the years, these complex texts became my companions through many of life’s ethical conundrums. Almost every culture, tradition or religion will have epic texts that help provide moral clarity in times of utter confusion. So this year, I started a new series called [ancient texts]( as a way to bring to our readers lessons from different traditions and parts of the world. Scholars distilled wisdom from older books with thoughtful articles on friendships, diversity, hope, endurance and, above all, our common humanity. My own favorite, edited by my colleague Molly Jackson, was the one on [humanity’s quest for a better self](, taken from the classic Chinese novel, ‘Journey to the West.’ Readers’ comments and engagement showed that many found this series meaningful. Also, stories of hope – such as one on the [resilience of the historic city of Antakya]( following the devastating earthquake in southern Turkey – resonated with readers. On another note, readers appreciated an article on the history of Hamas and its [unpopularity among Gazans](. I know this year has been full of turmoil – but we can continue to try to show the light, even as we tell the stories of the darkness. Looking at the brokenness of the world, it’s been important to me to recall songwriter Leonard Cohen’s words: “There is a crack, a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” May you find the light. Wishing you a year of joy – and hope. Kalpana Jain Senior Religion + Ethics Editor/ Director of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative Today's newsletter supported by [readers like you.]( Reader favorites Who speaks for the Palestinians of Gaza? Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images [Hamas was unpopular in Gaza before it attacked Israel – surveys showed Gazans cared more about fighting poverty than armed resistance]( Nathan French, Miami University Politicians have used their assumptions about Gazans to support their policies. But the people in Gaza experience these policies far differently, writes a scholar of Islamism. A golden sculpture of the angel Moroni atop the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rexburg, Idaho. Natalie Behring/Getty Images [Mormon leaders – whose church is often associated with the GOP – push back against one-party politics]( David Campbell, University of Notre Dame The faith’s association with conservative politics has stayed strong for decades, but could become a liability, a political scientist argues. A view of the destruction in Antakya, Turkey, caused by the recent earthquake. AP Photo/Hussein Malla [Turkey’s historic city of Antakya, known in Roman and medieval times as Antioch, has been flattened by powerful earthquakes in the past – and rebuilt itself]( Christine Shepardson, University of Tennessee A historian of the late Roman world, who visited earthquake-devastated Antakya several times, writes about the city’s rich history and recovery after being devastated in the past. Editors' picks “Italian Coast Scene with Ruined Tower,” by 19th century American painter Thomas Cole. National Gallery of Art [This Christian text you’ve never heard of, The Shepherd of Hermas, barely mentions Jesus − but it was a favorite of early Christians far and wide]( Chance Bonar, Tufts University The ‘Shepherd of Hermas’ has been accused of being pedantic, even boring. In the first few centuries of Christianity, though, it was a hit. Lucian of Samosata, a high-ranking Roman official. Michael Nicholson/Corbis via Getty Images [What a second-century Roman citizen, Lucian, can teach us about diversity and acceptance]( Eleni Bozia, University of Florida Lucian’s work provides insight into the second-century Roman world, which fostered multilingualism and multiculturalism. ‘Monkey: Journey To The West,’ a nine-act opera adaptation performed at the Chatelet Theater in France. Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/French Select via Getty Image [‘Journey to the West’: Why the classic Chinese novel’s mischievous monkey – and his very human quest – has inspired centuries of adaptations]( Ji Hao, College of the Holy Cross There is a long tradition in China of associating monkeys with the mind – symbolism that has helped the novel’s most memorable character, the Monkey King, find universal resonance. News Quiz 🧠- [The Conversation U.S. weekly news quiz]( Fritz Holznagel, The Conversation Here’s the first question of [this week’s edition:]( In an April speech at Liberty University, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared, “We have made Florida the state where [blank] goes to die." What filled in the blank? - A. Mickey Mouse - B. Logic - C. Woke - D. Everyone from Connecticut [Test your knowledge]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? 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