Explore ideas, beliefs and questions about how people understand the world. Choose an article below; its reading controls let you move between the available levels.
Esther was a brave queen. She lived in a big land. A man had a bad plan for her people. Esther spoke up to help them. She was very brave. Now, people have a feast to remember her. Do you like to celebrate with your…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a very old church. It is in a place called Armenia. People have visited it for a long time. It is a special place for many. It is a beautiful sight to see. Do you like old buildings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people think of forever. It is time with no end. It has no start and no stop. Many people believe in it. It can be a big idea. Do you think about forever?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people choose not to eat meat. They do this for many reasons. Some do it for the earth. Others do it for animals. It is okay to have different ideas. What do you think about food?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people follow special ways. These ways belong to one group. They use the same songs and words. It helps them feel close. It is part of who they are. Do you have a special way? We can learn more soon.
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleEthos is a word from Greece. It means a person's character. It also means what a group believes. These ideas help us act. They help us live together. What do you believe in?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people have a special idea. They think old stories are true. They say gods were once real kings. These kings lived a long time ago. The stories changed as they were told. Do you like old stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleEuropa was a princess from a long time ago. She lived in a place called Tyre. A god named Zeus turned into a white bull. He carried her across the sea to Crete. She became a queen there. Do you like old stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleDragons are made-up creatures. They live in dark caves. Many stories say they breathe fire. Some dragons guard piles of gold. They can be good or bad. Do you like dragon stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA man named Socrates asks a question. He wants to know what is good. He talks to a man named Euthyphro. They talk about what gods like. It is a very old story. Do you like to ask questions?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome Christians share their faith. They tell others about Jesus. They may talk or use books. Some use the internet too. This helps them reach many people. It is a way to share good news. Do you know how people share…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleEve is a person from a holy book. Many people believe she was the first woman. She was made to be a friend to Adam. Her name means "living one." This story is very old. Do you like old stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleEverything is all that exists. It is the whole world. It is all of time. It is all of space. This is a big idea. It helps us learn. What do you see around you?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleEvidence helps us know things. It shows if an idea is true. We use it in science. We use it in court too. It helps us find the truth. Do you look for clues?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleExcalibur is a famous sword. It belongs to King Arthur. Some say it is magic. A lady gave it to him. It may shine very bright. Do you like stories about kings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome groups have rules for their people. If someone breaks a rule, they may be sent away. This is called excommunication. It means they cannot join in special church things. This can help people learn to follow rules…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePeople like to study old books. They look for deep meanings. They ask what the words mean. This helps them learn new things. It can be a fun way to think. Do you like to read books?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePeople have many ideas about God. Some think a god made the world. Others do not believe in a god. People talk and think about this a lot. It is a big wonder. What do you think?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleEzekiel was a man from long ago. He was a priest. Many people believe he was a prophet. He shared ideas from God. His stories are in a holy book. Do you like stories about the past?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people use facts to learn. Other people use faith. Faith is a way to believe. It can help us see big things. Many people think about this. What do you think about?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people pray to be well. They believe a god can help. They may use special prayers. Some people touch them with hands. This is a way to show faith. Does your family pray?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAl-Razi was a smart man. He lived a long time ago. He studied many things like stars. He also wrote many books. He taught many students. He helped people think. Do you like to learn new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people tell stories about angels. These angels were sent away from heaven. They did things that were not good. Some say they taught people bad ways. These stories come from long ago. Do you like old stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people think we can be wrong. We can learn new things. This helps us grow. It is okay to not know all. We can change our minds. Do you like to learn new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleMany people tell a story about the first man and woman. They lived in a beautiful garden. A snake told them to eat some fruit. They did not follow the rules. God sent them away from the garden. It is a very old…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people say they speak for a god. They might not be telling the truth. This is called a false prophet. It can lead people the wrong way. Many faiths teach us to be careful. Do you know how to find the truth?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome ideas can be tested. You can check if they are true. If you see one black swan, a rule about white swans is wrong. This helps us learn new things. It is a way to find truth. Can you think of a rule?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people follow Falun Gong. They do special exercises. They also practice meditation. They try to be kind and true. This helps them feel good. Do you like to meditate?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleMany Muslims fast. They do not eat or drink for a time. This happens during the month of Ramadan. It helps them learn to be kind. They eat a meal when the sun goes down. Do you know about this?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people believe in fate. This means things must happen. They think we cannot change the future. It is like a plan. We just have to accept it. Do you think we can change things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFather Damien was a kind man. He went to help people in Hawaii. He built homes and schools. He cared for people who were sick. He stayed with them for many years. He was a good friend to all. Do you like to help others?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFatima was a woman from long ago. She was a sister to a leader. She went on a long trip. She got sick on her way. Many people visit her special place today. It is a very holy spot. Do you like to visit special places?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA fatwa is a special answer. It helps people with their faith. A wise person gives the answer. This person is called a mufti. They help with many daily things. It is a way to learn. Do you like to ask questions?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFaustina was a kind nun. She lived in Poland long ago. She had many visions. She wrote them in a book. This book helps many people. Do you like to read stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA man wrote a book. It is about a man named Abraham. Abraham had a big test of faith. This book helps us think about faith. It is a very deep book. Do you like to think about big ideas?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFelix Adler was a teacher. He lived a long time ago. He wanted to help people. He thought being kind was very important. He helped build schools for kids. He wanted everyone to be fair. Do you like to help others?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFélix Guattari was a man from France. He liked to think deep thoughts. He wrote many books. He also worked to help people. His ideas help us look at the world. Do you like to wonder about things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people study their faith in new ways. They look at how women are treated. They may use words like "Mother" for God. This helps them feel part of their group. It is a big idea. Do you wonder about this too?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFeng shui is an old idea. It comes from China. People use it to place homes. They want to find a good spot. This helps them feel happy. Do you like to pick a good spot?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFeng Youlan was a wise man. He lived in China a long time ago. He wrote books about big ideas. His books helped people learn. He loved to teach others. Do you like to learn new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFenrir is a giant wolf. He is from old stories. Many people tell tales about him. He was very big and strong. The gods had to tie him up. Do you like stories about wolves?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people do special things to help life grow. They do this for plants and animals. They also do it for people. These acts help the earth stay healthy. It is a way to show care for life. Do you like to see things grow?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFethullah Gülen was a teacher. He helped many people learn. He liked schools and science. His followers built many schools in many lands. He lived in the United States. He died there too. Do you like to learn new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA man named F. H. Bradley was a thinker. He lived in England a long time ago. He wrote many books about big ideas. He thought about how we act with others. His ideas help us think. Do you like to think about big things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleMany leaders met a long time ago. They met in a city called Nicaea. They talked about what they believe. They wrote down their ideas in a book. This helped them stay together. Do you like to learn new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a special book. It is a letter. It talks about love. It tells people how to live well. It helps them feel joy. Do you like to read letters?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a book from the Bible. It was written a long time ago. Some say Peter wrote it. It helps people stay strong. It tells them how to be kind. Do you like old books?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a very old letter. A man named Paul wrote it. He sent it to a group of people. He wanted to help them get along. It tells them how to live. It is part of a big book. Do you like old stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the article