Religion
Urban legends, rumors and Internet hoaxes pertaining to religion, religious beliefs, figures and doctrines.
The 400 Christians of Meulaboh
According to this email tale, 400 Christians living in the predominantly Muslim city of Meulaboh, Indonesia were miraculously saved from death in the December 26, 2004 tsunami because they had left to celebrate Christmas in the hills after being told they could not do so in town.
According to this email tale, 400 Christians living in the predominantly Muslim city of Meulaboh, Indonesia were miraculously saved from death in the December 26, 2004 tsunami because they had left to celebrate Christmas in the hills after being told they could not do so in town.
ABC Responds to Viewer Complaint About Gays
When Jim Neugent sent an email to ABC-TV complaining about the depiction of homosexuality in an episode of "The Practice," he got more than he bargained for in response.
When Jim Neugent sent an email to ABC-TV complaining about the depiction of homosexuality in an episode of "The Practice," he got more than he bargained for in response.
ACLU Objects to Marines Praying
Has the ACLU raised objections to U.S. service personnel praying based on a photo showing a group of Marines with bowed heads?
Has the ACLU raised objections to U.S. service personnel praying based on a photo showing a group of Marines with bowed heads?
ACLU vs. Crosses on Federal Property
Is the American Civil Liberties Union against displaying crosses on federal property?
Is the American Civil Liberties Union against displaying crosses on federal property?
Al Gore vs. Christianity
Alleged quotation from a book written by Al Gore derides Christians as "a blight on the environment."
Alleged quotation from a book written by Al Gore derides Christians as "a blight on the environment."
Albert Einstein Proves the Existence of God
In this emailed anecdote by an unknown author, a university student named Albert Einstein humiliates his atheist professor by proving that God exists.
In this emailed anecdote by an unknown author, a university student named Albert Einstein humiliates his atheist professor by proving that God exists.
Allah or Jesus?
Email describes an encounter between a Christian minister and a Muslim imam in which the latter admits that his religion requires violent jihad (holy war) against all infidels (non-believers in Islam).
Email describes an encounter between a Christian minister and a Muslim imam in which the latter admits that his religion requires violent jihad (holy war) against all infidels (non-believers in Islam).
Allstate Fires Manager for Christian Beliefs on Homosexuality
Email flier from the American Family Association urges recipients to boycott Allstate Insurance Company due to the alleged firing of an employee for expressing 'Christian beliefs' against homosexuality.
Email flier from the American Family Association urges recipients to boycott Allstate Insurance Company due to the alleged firing of an employee for expressing 'Christian beliefs' against homosexuality.
Apocalypse Averted: The Rise and Fall of IDChip.com
From 1999: "IDChip.com" creates apocalyptic hysteria - a cautionary tale for aspiring Net satirists.
From 1999: "IDChip.com" creates apocalyptic hysteria - a cautionary tale for aspiring Net satirists.
The Atheists' Holiday
An atheist and his ACLU lawyer go before a judge to complain that while Christians have Christmas and Easter, and Jews have Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, there is no such holiday for atheists.
An atheist and his ACLU lawyer go before a judge to complain that while Christians have Christmas and Easter, and Jews have Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, there is no such holiday for atheists.
Barack Obama Is the Antichrist!
Email rumor claims charismatic U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama is the Antichrist prophesied in the New Testament.
Email rumor claims charismatic U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama is the Antichrist prophesied in the New Testament.
Barack Obama's Church
Email rumor labels presidential candidate Barack Obama a racist for attending a church that describes itself as "unashamedly black" with a "non-negotiable commitment to Africa."
Email rumor labels presidential candidate Barack Obama a racist for attending a church that describes itself as "unashamedly black" with a "non-negotiable commitment to Africa."
Barack Obama Is a 'Stealth' Muslim
Email rumor alleges that probable U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama is actually a loyal Muslim who has lied about his religious background, including his claim to being a devoted Christian.
Email rumor alleges that probable U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama is actually a loyal Muslim who has lied about his religious background, including his claim to being a devoted Christian.
Bill Gates Is the Antichrist!
It all adds up... to 666.
It all adds up... to 666.
Billy Graham in New Orleans
Email flier describes an evangelical gathering in New Orleans during which 87-year-old pastor Billy Graham allegedly led a procession through the French Quarter on his mobility scooter.
Email flier describes an evangelical gathering in New Orleans during which 87-year-old pastor Billy Graham allegedly led a procession through the French Quarter on his mobility scooter.
Christians Face 47 Years in Prison for Reading Bible in Public
Email flier claims the First Amendment rights of a Christian group reading Bible passages at a gay pride event were violated when they were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and hate crimes.
Email flier claims the First Amendment rights of a Christian group reading Bible passages at a gay pride event were violated when they were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and hate crimes.
Does the Church of Satan Really Exist?
To outward appearances, Anton LaVey's so-called Church of Satan still survives despite his passing — or so its most recent High Priestess, Blanche Barton, has tried hard to convince the world.
To outward appearances, Anton LaVey's so-called Church of Satan still survives despite his passing — or so its most recent High Priestess, Blanche Barton, has tried hard to convince the world.
Dr Pepper Omits 'Under God' in Patriotic Can Promotion
Outdated email protest declares the Dr. Pepper/Seven Up company guilty of "anti-Christian political correctness" for leaving the phrase "under God" out of a Pledge of Allegiance excerpt. (Variant: Pepsi Omits 'Under God')
Outdated email protest declares the Dr. Pepper/Seven Up company guilty of "anti-Christian political correctness" for leaving the phrase "under God" out of a Pledge of Allegiance excerpt. (Variant: Pepsi Omits 'Under God')
Encounter with President Bush at St. John's Church
Forwarded email describes a personal encounter with President G.W. Bush at St. John's Church, Washington, D.C. True story!
Forwarded email describes a personal encounter with President G.W. Bush at St. John's Church, Washington, D.C. True story!
Even Rocks Pray
In this emailed image, a rock formation and its reflection in a body of water resemble a mother and child praying.
In this emailed image, a rock formation and its reflection in a body of water resemble a mother and child praying.
'Gay Jesus' Film
Another "moral outrage" petition, this one inciting Christians to protest a nonexistent movie.
Another "moral outrage" petition, this one inciting Christians to protest a nonexistent movie.
'The Golden Compass' - Atheist Propaganda for Children?
Email rumors warn parents that a new children's movie, <i>The Golden Compass</i>, was written by an atheist and is aimed at selling books promoting anti-religious themes.
Email rumors warn parents that a new children's movie, <i>The Golden Compass</i>, was written by an atheist and is aimed at selling books promoting anti-religious themes.
G.W. Bush, America's Soul-Saving President
In which we attempt to draw a distinction between presidential folklore and boldfaced lies.
In which we attempt to draw a distinction between presidential folklore and boldfaced lies.
G.W. Bush's Favorite Bible Verse: John 16:3
According to this forwarded email, President G.W. Bush declared his favorite Bible verse to be John 16:3 ("And they will do this because they have not known the Father nor Me").
According to this forwarded email, President G.W. Bush declared his favorite Bible verse to be John 16:3 ("And they will do this because they have not known the Father nor Me").
Harry Potter and the Chain of Fools
An email chain letter alleges that author J.K. Rowling created the Harry Potter books to recruit young children into witchcraft and satanism.
An email chain letter alleges that author J.K. Rowling created the Harry Potter books to recruit young children into witchcraft and satanism.
Have a Nice Millennium!
'Dear Guide: Bill Gates is NOT the AntiChrist, compared to someone on welfare he RICH, compared to real wealth less than avaerage. Bill Gates is not powerful just being used by Satan like many good people in the world.'
'Dear Guide: Bill Gates is NOT the AntiChrist, compared to someone on welfare he RICH, compared to real wealth less than avaerage. Bill Gates is not powerful just being used by Satan like many good people in the world.'
'If You Believe in God' Chain Letter
"I made this bet that I could find 300 people who believe in God before my friend could find 300 people who do not..."
"I made this bet that I could find 300 people who believe in God before my friend could find 300 people who do not..."
Janet Reno Defines 'Cultist'
Did Janet Reno suggest on national TV that virtually all practicing Christians are cultists?
Did Janet Reno suggest on national TV that virtually all practicing Christians are cultists?
John Kerry's Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16
Like President G.W. Bush and Vice-President Al Gore before him, John Kerry stands falsely accused of declaring his favorite Bible verse to be John 16:3 ("And they will do this because they have not known the Father nor Me").
Like President G.W. Bush and Vice-President Al Gore before him, John Kerry stands falsely accused of declaring his favorite Bible verse to be John 16:3 ("And they will do this because they have not known the Father nor Me").
Madalyn Murray O'Hair vs. Religious Broadcasting
This petition alleging that the FCC is under the spell of atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair and plans to eliminate religious broadcasting in America is just as false today as it was when it was launched a quarter of a century ago.
This petition alleging that the FCC is under the spell of atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair and plans to eliminate religious broadcasting in America is just as false today as it was when it was launched a quarter of a century ago.
Mel Gibson Movie to Blame Jews for Christ's Death
Rumor has it that Mel Gibson may harbor anti-Semitic sentiments and that his new movie "The Passion," which depicts the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life, blames Jews for his crucifixion and death.
Rumor has it that Mel Gibson may harbor anti-Semitic sentiments and that his new movie "The Passion," which depicts the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life, blames Jews for his crucifixion and death.
Miracle Aboard Flight 261
Did a crashing airliner unaccountable remain aloft for nine minutes while a pastor's wife led fellow passengers in prayer?
Did a crashing airliner unaccountable remain aloft for nine minutes while a pastor's wife led fellow passengers in prayer?
MONDEX: Mark of the Beast
Emailed slide show claims that microchips used in Mondex 'smart cards' are being implanted in people's hands or foreheads and constitute the 'mark of the beast' prophesied in the Biblical Book of Revelation.
Emailed slide show claims that microchips used in Mondex 'smart cards' are being implanted in people's hands or foreheads and constitute the 'mark of the beast' prophesied in the Biblical Book of Revelation.
Muslim 'Religion of Peace Demonstration' (Photos)
Emailed photos show Muslims brandishing signs advocating violence against anyone who insults Islam at a purported 'Religion of Peace demonstration' in London.
Emailed photos show Muslims brandishing signs advocating violence against anyone who insults Islam at a purported 'Religion of Peace demonstration' in London.
NASA Confims Biblical Missing Day in Time
In which we are asked to believe that NASA scientists inadvertently proved that the biblical account of God causing the sun to stand still for a day is true.
In which we are asked to believe that NASA scientists inadvertently proved that the biblical account of God causing the sun to stand still for a day is true.
NBC Poll: In God We Trust
Forwarded email claims an NBC poll asking respondents if they believe in God yielded 86% in favor of keeping the words "In God we trust" on currency and 'under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Forwarded email claims an NBC poll asking respondents if they believe in God yielded 86% in favor of keeping the words "In God we trust" on currency and 'under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Necronomicon (Review)
Some people are apparently tempted to believe that "The Necronomicon," an "ancient and evil book" referenced in the short stories of H.P Lovecraft but not published until the 1970s, is authentic. Not so, writes Pagan/Wiccan Religion Guide Terry Paajanen.
Some people are apparently tempted to believe that "The Necronomicon," an "ancient and evil book" referenced in the short stories of H.P Lovecraft but not published until the 1970s, is authentic. Not so, writes Pagan/Wiccan Religion Guide Terry Paajanen.
Pastor Joe Wright's Prayer in the Kansas Legislature
Text of "politically incorrect" prayer given by Pastor Joe Wright before the Kansas House of Representatives in 1996.
Text of "politically incorrect" prayer given by Pastor Joe Wright before the Kansas House of Representatives in 1996.
Paul Harvey on Prayer
Emailed essay attributed to Paul Harvey defends Christian prayers at public events: "I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations."
Emailed essay attributed to Paul Harvey defends Christian prayers at public events: "I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations."
Premature Rapture
Arkansas woman mistakes the driver of a pickup truck for Jesus and dies while trying to ascend to heaven through the sun roof of her car.
Arkansas woman mistakes the driver of a pickup truck for Jesus and dies while trying to ascend to heaven through the sun roof of her car.
Procter & Gamble Loves Satan!
An update on devilish rumors that have haunted Procter & Gamble for two decades.
An update on devilish rumors that have haunted Procter & Gamble for two decades.
Qur'an Verse 9:11
"For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace."
"For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace."
Save the Pledge of Allegiance (Petition)
U.S. Court of Appeals declares the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional. Online petition drives promise to deliver "millions" of names to elected officials in protest.
U.S. Court of Appeals declares the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional. Online petition drives promise to deliver "millions" of names to elected officials in protest.
'Star Wars' Religion Doesn't Make Census
Will filling in 'Jedi' as your religion on census forms force the government to recognize it as a legitimate faith?
Will filling in 'Jedi' as your religion on census forms force the government to recognize it as a legitimate faith?
Tyson Foods Replaces Labor Day with Muslim Holiday
Forwarded emails say a Tyson Foods poultry processing plant in Tennessee has dropped the traditional Labor Day holiday for its workers in favor of a paid day off on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
Forwarded emails say a Tyson Foods poultry processing plant in Tennessee has dropped the traditional Labor Day holiday for its workers in favor of a paid day off on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.