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I have a translation of the Quran that I would like to read, but I know I'll miss a ton of nuance and context if I just jump in on my own. What resources or guides are out there that would be good for someone from a culturally Christian American perspective?
posted by extramachine at 2:57 PM - 3 answers

I'm finally, finally taking control of the family Seder from my mom. For a number of Reasons, I'd like to source my own Haggadah rather than using my parents'. Help me find a good one! [more inside]
posted by Tomorrowful at 10:38 AM - 14 answers

How to deal with mormons proselytizing at events in the US? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 8:22 AM - 27 answers

I was gifted a Daruma by the CEO of my company, to help me with a personal goal. I have since both achieved my goal and left the company, and now I'm not sure how best to dispose of it. [more inside]
posted by rocket at 10:29 AM - 4 answers

Some introspection in 2024 made me want to focus less on expecting things to go a certain way and more on focusing on the present. I have a gratitude practice but am interested in thoughts about how to remind my brain to focus on the present, beyond cultivating gratitude. Example under the fold. [more inside]
posted by Threeve at 9:07 PM - 14 answers

I am grateful for every day. As long as I remember to remind myself to be grateful! What are your practices for remembering, marking, creating, and celebrating gratitude, thankfulness, and hope? [more inside]
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 10:24 PM - 17 answers

I’ve been invited to a fireside gathering where we each read a passage that relates to the upcoming holiday and that has special meaning for the reader. I am not a christmassy person but I love this group of people and am glad to be invited. Can you suggest a seasonal poem or passage that is beautiful not bleak, other than the famous Truman Capote bit? Nor the famous David sedaris bit - more old fashioned?
posted by mmiddle at 3:18 PM - 7 answers

I'm looking for a book suggestion about the German-Jewish intellectuals of the 1930s that fled Nazi Germany. Ideally, it would be a book that was mostly memoir but also included some historical information about their philosophies and art. Would include people like Hannah Arendt, Walter Benjamin, etc. Thanks.
posted by captainscared at 10:25 AM - 9 answers

How does it work for you? After three years, four years, ten years? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:36 PM - 18 answers

What books grapple seriously with the subject of suicide? I’m probably looking for non-fiction but fiction might work if suicide is thoroughly explored and isn’t just a plot point.
posted by Balthamos at 8:06 AM - 18 answers

Please tell me about non-Christian stories, legacies, traditions, and philosophies for helping the poor, hungry, and homeless? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 9:20 AM - 12 answers

The Wikipedia page about Chinese hells includes the Hell of Iron Books (鐵冊地獄) in a list. What is it? I've tried also searching for "鐵冊地獄" as well as the "Hell of Iron Books" but can't seem to find any details about what's supposed to happen in that hell, though I may have missed it via auto-translation.
posted by ignignokt at 10:21 AM - 4 answers

So I've come across a couple sites that say there were multiple alchemical symbols for silver. (Like this one, for example.) Is this historically accurate? I'd like to learn more about the cultural context of the differing symbols and the alchemists who used them, ideally in a blog post to podcast sized way. Meaning I don't want to engage in the probably huge research project of researching the entire history of alchemy and read multiple books, I want to read someone else's research summary.
posted by overglow at 6:52 PM - 4 answers

A close friend self terminated. My user name might clue you into the fact that this "isn't my first rodeo." I live on the fringes. I don't need you to tell me it isn't my fault and there's nothing I can do. I'm asking you beautiful, intelligent members of MF to give me useful things to engage with to help process my loss. I'm not new here. But this one is hard. And yes I know Elizabeth Kubler Ross. [more inside]
posted by SystematicAbuse at 7:56 PM - 25 answers

I have lots of superstition reference books but for some reason I am having trouble finding lucky/unlucky number information beyond the basics. I'll go with 13 if I need to (something creative I'm working on), but I would love it if one of you could help with something less obvious. [more inside]
posted by queensissy at 5:15 PM - 11 answers

I find myself interested in religious practice as I get older. However I have a long history of agnosticism that I am finding difficult to reconcile with potential faiths. Additionally, I am not trying to sign up for something that pits me against other people based on their creed/sexuality/gender/etc. Can you help me square this circle? [more inside]
posted by miltthetank at 3:57 PM - 39 answers

I'm interested theorizations of the weird phenomenon where human love or care often comes with an element of hatred or aggression built into it. Classic or modern, and any rigorous disciplinary approach (biology, philosophy, theology, literature, history) is fine, although ideally not pop psychology at the Blink level. What should I add to my list? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 4:20 AM - 7 answers

I have no attention span. I would like to learn a little about notable moments/movements in philosophy. What should I read? [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 6:57 AM - 22 answers

I'm wondering if there is a name for the concept that looking after something small can help cultivate your desired qualities on a larger scale. [more inside]
posted by charcoals at 6:27 AM - 19 answers

Some friends and I are starting up an event series (public discussions on intimacy in all its forms). We are planning to do a bi-weekly-ish series over the summer. Looking at venue availability, our own calendars, etc, it would be appealling to have the event on the evening of June 18 or 19, which is during Eid al-Adha. Trying to figure out whether to reschedule, if there's a way to make it work, etc. [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 3:52 PM - 4 answers