We remember the important Muslim women who contributed to American society. A Confucian center opens in Houston. And religious rights activists look with concern towards the next year. It's Faithful Friday, our news segment about faiths and religious communities. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

There's little doubt that 2016 was a hard year for many. Perhaps more so for American Muslims than many other groups. That's why it's important to remember the many contributions Muslims in America have made, as The Huffington Post does in this list including such women as Amani al-Khatahtbeh and Amirah Sackett.

The fusion of religion and politics is often a dangerous thing. And that can be true whether or not a religion is monotheist or polytheist. The Indian Express looks at the rise of Hindutva or Hindu Nationalism in India, based on the precept that India is fundamentally Hindu and non-Hindus (such as Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, or Jains) are less Indian.

Also known as Ruism, Confucianism is one of China's most cherished religious traditions. And now, it's gaining toeholds in the West as well. The China Daily covers the opening of a Confucian center in Houston, Texas.

It's often said that meditation encompasses "doing nothing." How then can it be so therapeutic as many claim? At Patheos, Domyo Burk attempts to explain the utility of meditation to the skeptical.

The rise of Donald Trump has, without a doubt, emboldened those who believe Muslims are a threat to America or that Biblical law should be imposed upon the country. And it has similarly shaken the worldview of many secularists. The Atlantic takes a look at the kind of religious battles that may lay in store under President Trump.


Top image by Joshua Wickerham