Behind today's mythical Santa Claus from the North Pole, is a real saint – St. Nicholas. Lisa Bitel of religion and history recounts how he came to be today's gift-giving jolly figure. [6 3/4 min read]
From occult engineers to desert visionaries, Los Angeles has a long and colorful history of alternative religions.
There are many myths associated with St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. But Patrick's own writings and early biographies reveal the person behind the legend.
Valentine's Day originated as a feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. So how did the day become a celebration of love?
Lisa Bitel and Matt Gainer’s new book explores a contemporary visionary ritual devoted to the Virgin Mary in California’s Mojave Desert.
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