The spirituality issue
- Volume 23
- / Issue 22
Cover Design Credit:
Scott Southwick
Cover Photography Credit:
Each December, Xpress devotes an issue to exploring the many manifestations of religion and spirituality in our community. From prayer to dance to food traditions, WNC residents find diverse ways to connect with the divine.
arts
Cherokee artists consider life beyond the mountains
Art plays a crucial role in preserving the culture and heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. For many of the artists, however, an inner conflict exists over the…Ecstatic Dance movement grows in Asheville
Expressive movement is a prominent and growing phenomenon in Asheville. While dance church is one of the largest regular gatherings, there is at least one expressive movement event every day…Smart bets: Carolina Wray
The performance will include other regional artists like The American Gonzos and Rookie of the Year. It takes place at Black Bear Coffee Co. in Hendersonville on Friday, Dec. 23.New album features Asheville artists sounding the alarm on threats to civil liberties
Released on Dec. 1, the digital-only Code Red is curated by Asheville musician Dave Harris (formerly the owner of Smashing Guitars) and features six local artists among the 40 musicians…Smart bets: Holy Ghost Tent Revival
The band will perform a Home Alone-themed show at The Mothlight on Friday, Dec. 23.Smart bets: Ian Ridenhour
White Horse Black Mountain hosts the holiday show on Friday, Dec. 23Smart bets: Double Crown’s fourth anniversary
Buxton Hall Barbecue caters the celebratory event on Thursday, Dec. 22.UPDATE: The Dirty Soul Revival headlines Make-A-Wish benefit
The Dirty Soul Revival, White Soul, The Log Noggins, The Company Stores, Up Dog, Colby Deitz, Andalyn and Rachel Alleman are all scheduled to perform at a benefit concert for…Downtown shop windows reflect the holidays
The Downtown Holiday Windows Contest, held by the Asheville Downtown Association, features an annual theme: this year’s is “Light up the holidays.”
food
Holidays on ice: Asheville bartenders mix up seasonal cocktails for the home bar
Mixologists from Zambra and En La Calle offer easy, festive cocktail recipes that harness the flavors of pumpkin and local apples, plus a dash of sugar and spice.Asheville’s synagogues celebrate the miracle of oil with Hanukkah foods
At Asheville's Hanukkah celebrations, potato pancakes, doughnuts and other fried foods symbolize the ancient miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the Temple of Jerusalem.Small bites: Doc Brown’s BBQ gets cooking in Candler
A new wood-smoked barbecue joint opens in Candler, Strada Italiano celebrates the holiday season with the Feast of Seven Fishes, Bone and Broth expands its menu and hours and A-B…Beer Scout: Giving back with brews
Appalachian Vintner's annual holiday auction supports local children's organizations.
living
Local spiritual leaders, healers explore connection between past-life recall and health
A variety of local spiritual leaders and practitioners, from a rabbi to a Buddhist monk, weigh in on the existence of past lives and explore the possibility that recalling them…
news
Cherokee spirituality straddles past, present and future
"You have to take time to look at yourself, look at your spirit and where you come from, and let the spirit guide your interests and love.”All I want for Christmas
AshevilleLosing my religion — Wrestling with the shadow of doubt
Where do people turn when faith runs dry and they start to question what they believe? A number of Asheville-based faith leaders say those who experience doubt aren’t alone, and…Diverse Muslim community finds common ground in Asheville
“You could say I was hungry for the truth without even realizing I was searching for it,” says Western North Carolina native Joseph (Yusuf) Gantt, “and that led to a…
opinion
Letter writer: Animal farming debate reflects larger decisions
"The bigger picture that is starting to emerge, however, reflects where we are as humans in regard to how we treat others, how we treat ourselves and how we treat…Letter writer: How did ‘progressive’ become ‘godless’?
"Progressives work for policies that will create prosperity for the country and help everyone to benefit from it. I don’t see how this can be considered 'godless' or 'atheistic.' "Letter writer: The pitfalls of biblical cherry-picking
"I have got to point out to the folks who called for "biblical values" on Election Day that the Bible doesn't much like elections in the first place."All together now: Local churches help bind this community together
'Hope. In the end, that’s George Bailey’s true gift to Bedford Falls — and the gift that Asheville’s churches bestow upon our own community. In this time of difficulty and…Invest ye merry gentlemen
AshevilleFrom difference to diversity: The many faces of faith in Asheville
"The most significant change in the course, though, was shifting our approach to the study of religion from 'difference' to 'diversity.' Instead of 'othering' the religions we studied, diversity allowed…
