Religious Magazines, 1986-2020
Religious Practices
As the religious makeup of the United States diversified in the later decades of the 20th century, more magazines appeared of religious faiths different than the standard American Christianity. While these groups had already been in the country for decades and sometimes even centuries prior, the increasing number of adherents of these non-Christian faiths built up their cultural identity in this country by creating their own magazines. Religious followers of Islam, with magazines like The Muslim Magazine; of Buddhism, with magazines such as Buddhadharma and Tricycle: The Buddhist Review; and of other groups wrote magazine articles about their faith for fellow practitioners of their faith. These magazines presented core tenets of the faith and served as auxiliaries to the holy books that already preached the rules and customs to be taught. Religious magazines such as these spoke with the voice of the common worshiper, guiding them with lucid writing on how they ought to behave as loyal followers. Interestingly as well, these religious magazines delved slightly into politics, offering their take on the issues of the day.
The Muslim Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1, (Ramadan 1418/January 1998)
The Muslim Magazine was published by American Muslim Assistance, and it’s first issue was released in January 1998 or during Ramadan in the Islamic year AH 1418. The magazine’s inaugural editorial, written by Muhammad Hisham Kabbani, highlighted the desire of the staff to showcase Muslim intellectual achievements and artistic talents. Additionally, the editorial emphasized the magazine’s commitment to a diversity of opinion, even correlating America’s Latin phrase, “e pluribus unum” with the Islamic idea of “diversity within unity.”
The magazine’s first issue covered topics such as food preparation, political news like then-First Lady Hillary Clinton’s visit to Uzbekistan, and the future state of Palestine after Yasser Arafat. Also discussed are more specific Islamic concepts like the Holy Month of Ramadan and Fatwa.
The Muslim Magazine is almost certainly not in print circulation anymore, meeting the same fate as many print magazines during the progression of print to online digital platforms. However, through our research, we have not found any evidence that this magazine transitioned to the digital sphere.
Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly, Vol. 1, No. 1, (Fall 2002)
Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly is a magazine dedicated to the teaching of Buddhist thought, philosophy, and spirituality to western audiences. They present articles spreading Buddhist teaching. First launched in 2002, the original publisher of Buddhadharma was Shambhala Sun. Its first issue presents an editorial on the need for Buddhist practitioners to perform their faith. Before they can perform Buddhism, though, they must practice deeply to attain knowledge and proficiency. But, once they have accumulated those hours of practice, their next role is to perform that practice to act as inspiration for others. Other articles in the premier issue include teachings by the Dalai Lama, discussion on Jodo-shinshu, a panel on the law of karma, and news out of Sri Lanka
The magazine continues to publish issues to this day, though there seems to be a recent lull in publication as the last issue of Buddhadharma was from Summer 2024. Buddhadharma continues to offer insight into Buddhist teachings and how they may be applied to daily life. Additionally, the magazine also features book reviews and news stories from around the world related to Buddhism.
Lion’s Roar is the current publisher of the magazine, and they also publish an eponymously named Lion’s Roar magazine. In addition to magazines, online articles, and ebooks, Lion’s Roar also sells artwork, jewelry, and meditation supplies.
Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, Vol. 1, No. 1, (Fall 1991)
The Tricycle Foundation was first established as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 1990 and published the first issue of its magazine, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, in 1991. The magazine and foundation are unaffiliated with a particular teacher, sect, or lineage of Buddhism, serving to provide a wide view of Buddhist perspectives to Western audiences. The name “tricycle” was chosen as it evokes the three fundamental components of Buddhist philosophy: The Buddha (the enlightened teacher), Dharma (the teachings), and Sangha (the community). This first issue features an interview with the Dalai Lama, the head of Tibetan Buddhism.
Tricycle: The Buddhist Review is still currently in publication, having recently published volume 34, number 4 of the magazine in Summer 2025. The Tricycle Foundation has also expanded from just magazines and has a massive website where people can gain access to the magazines, meditation practices, podcasts, and online courses, such as “Buddhism for Beginners”.
Tikkun, Vol. 1, No. 1 (1986), a Quarterly Publication
The premier issue of Tikkun, a magazine dedicated to Jewish culture with an emphasis on politics, culture, and society, was released in 1986 in Berkeley, California by activist and Rabbi Michael Lerner (who served as this inaugural edition’s Editor). Tikkun introduces ideologies and touchstones of the Jewish religion that were closely aligned with more progressive Judaism. Readers are instantly presented with a buffet of educational, political, and cultural writings in this 100+ page magazine. The intermingling of modern 1980s culture with that of the Jewish faith is crystal clear in articles that take a definitive stance against war; educated ruminations from Torah scholars on Jewish society and history; opinion pieces on world unity; how to’s on transitioning from military to civilian-based defense systems; and emotionally charged essays questioning political groups and agendas taking center stage in the late 1980s. "Tikkun," a Hebrew word meaning "to mend, repair, and transform the world," originates from a precept in Judaism called "Tikkun Olam," meaning "world repair." “Tikkun Olam” is akin to social action and social justice. The various essays included in this issue leave readers with insight and ample knowledge to engage in healthy, restorative conversations on the continuous path that is “Tikkun”. Tikkun magazine ran until its final issue in May 2024.