This photograph is owned by author Douglas J. Brouwer, author of “The Traveler’s Path,” and he gives permission for this use and for further sharing of the image as long as his name is credited.

At the start of each month, the International Association of Religion Journalists (IARJ) publishes this “Religion Story Ideas on the Horizon” column as a helpful way to spark ideas for our colleagues reporting on religion, spirituality and related cultures around the world. Sponsored by the Communications Committee of the IARJ, these short columns are designed to be helpful brainstorming opportunities as our colleagues look for stories in coming months.

The most valuable fruit in the world

All religion writers around the world know that the Jewish High Holy Days are coming in September and will mark this milestone in their reporting in some form. But, this year, consider looking beyond the basic news to focus on traditional elements that are often overlooked in secular media. Consider the “etrog,” the citron that observant Jewish families bring with them into their individual or community sukkahs—the make-shift outdoor shelters that are a part of the festival of Sukkot. For some Jewish individuals, finding the perfect etrog is a loving expression of thankfulness for God’s blessings. And that means, in some cases in recent years, Jews looking for an especially beautiful and unblemished etrog have paid more than $500 per individual fruit. Most etrogs are far less expensive, of course, typically less than $100—sometimes much less. But a fascinating column or feature story about Sukkot can focus on Jews seeking—and describing—what they envision is the perfect seasonal etrog.

Don’t overlook the comics

Around the world, cartoonists and graphic novelists are exploring religious themes from inspirational works to explorations of religion’s sometimes tragic expressions. Of course, spiritual themes and religious commentary have been popping up in various forms in comic strips and illustrated books throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. But something changed in the 1970s when daring creative cartoonists like Will Eisner produced the graphic novel “Contract with God”—and comic artists continue to push boundaries on religion and culture in the 21st century. Among experts on these genres, Joe Sacco is widely acknowledged as the chief pioneer in investigative journalism reported in comic form. For years, Sacco has taken readers deep into conflicts with religious roots in the Middle East as well as Europe. In October 2025, Sacco’s newest book, “The Once and Future Riot,” will take readers into his version of a case study of Hindu-Muslim conflict in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 2013. Readers may or may not agree with Sacco’s perspectives—but religion journalists looking for story ideas shouldn’t miss out on looking closely at the comics that reach so many people in their audience.

‘What are your most powerful spiritual triggers’?

Psychologists studying the impact of religion in people’s lives—often for good and sometimes for bad—explore those sensory triggers that feel as though they are carrying people right back to deeply memorable religious experiences. Here’s just one example of those sensory triggers: Ask people what smells remind them of particularly vivid moments of spiritual life. Long-time religion writers will recall a wave of stories a couple of decades ago about a handful of congregations offering “scent-free” services. Even today you’ll occasionally see a note about a congregation—a church or temple—offering “scent-free” options. That’s another way of acknowledging the powerful “trigger” of smell in spiritual experiences. You also could report related stories drawing on the other four senses. For example, what music—hymns, chants, children’s songs—evoke religious memories. Perhaps partner with a regional scholar studying religious life and ask about such triggers, then talk with people in your region about which triggers are most potent in their lives.

Who remembers the Andrea Doria?

In July 2025, we are beginning the 70th anniversary year of the sinking of the Andrea Dorea in 1956. Look it up. This luxury liner of the Società di navigazione Italia was the focus of worldwide media attention, including the rescue of a majority of passengers. You’ll find that there are lots of people still following news—and memorial milestones—related to this tragedy. And if you poke around, you’ll find religious, ethnic and cultural connections with the story of this sinking that may surprise you.

And finally: ‘Haircut Tourism’

Great religion writers are always looking for community gathering places where they can get fresh perspectives on the culture, mood and even the spiritual flavor of neighborhoods—and although it may sound like an odd idea for the “religion beat,” trust us: Google “Haircut Tourism” and begin thinking about the potential of this for a most unusual story—or series of religion stories. In fact, here’s a prediction: Some creative religion writer is going to wind up winning awards for stories reported out of one or more local barber shops or salons.