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Tara Isabella Burton

Tara Isabella Burton

Staff Writer, Religion

Tara Isabella Burton is the author of Social Creature: A Novel (Doubleday, 2018) and Strange Rites: Cults and Subcultures After the Death of God (Public Affairs, 2019). She holds a doctorate in Theology from the University of Oxford.

Latest articles by Tara Isabella Burton

The Waco tragedy, explainedThe Waco tragedy, explained
Culture

Nearly 30 years later, the siege of David Koresh’s Branch Davidians challenges our definition of “cult.”

By Tara Isabella Burton
“Witch hunt!”: the history of Donald Trump’s favorite attack on Robert Mueller, explained“Witch hunt!”: the history of Donald Trump’s favorite attack on Robert Mueller, explained
Politics

Trump’s favorite charge against first the Mueller investigation and now impeachment has a long history.

By Dylan Scott and Tara Isabella Burton
The (secular) gospel according to The Good PlaceThe (secular) gospel according to The Good Place
Culture

Despite its title, the show cares about the here and now, not the hereafter.

By Tara Isabella Burton
What does dying — and mourning — look like in a secular age?What does dying — and mourning — look like in a secular age?
Features

Twenty-nine percent of Americans anticipate a secular funeral.

By Tara Isabella Burton
Why Hanukkah’s message of Jewish resilience matters so much after PittsburghWhy Hanukkah’s message of Jewish resilience matters so much after Pittsburgh
Religion

Rabbis and faith leaders say the story of survival is one many Jews need right now.

By Tara Isabella Burton
How faith leaders respond to tragedies like the California wildfiresHow faith leaders respond to tragedies like the California wildfires
Explainers

“You have two ears and one mouth, so you’ve got to be listening twice as much as you’re talking.”

By Tara Isabella Burton
Several white evangelical leaders reject anti-immigrant rhetoric. Why do their flocks embrace it?Several white evangelical leaders reject anti-immigrant rhetoric. Why do their flocks embrace it?
Explainers

The theology — and the politics — behind white evangelicals’ ambivalence towards migrants.

By Tara Isabella Burton
Facebook has been accused of peddling anti-Semitic conspiracy theories to promote its brandFacebook has been accused of peddling anti-Semitic conspiracy theories to promote its brand
Technology

The social media network is accused of hiring a right-wing PR firm to smear its critics.

By Tara Isabella Burton
Donald Trump left out Hindus when tweeting about a mainly Hindu holidayDonald Trump left out Hindus when tweeting about a mainly Hindu holiday
Religion

Trump’s Diwali tweet referenced Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains — but not Hindus.

By Tara Isabella Burton
What a “spiritual” beauty subscription box says about religion todayWhat a “spiritual” beauty subscription box says about religion today
Money

Moonbox sells self-care products to use at different stages of the lunar cycle.

By Tara Isabella Burton