Elements of Faith: According to a variety of ancient religious and philosophical systems, the world is composed of five elements: earth, air, fire, water and a heavenly, intangible ether. For thousands of years, humans have used the first four elements to try to touch the fifth, to mark life’s most important moments and connect them with a divine power. Reporters Kellen Henry, Bridget Macdonald, Kat McCullough and Michelle Minkoff took a close look at this phenomenon — exploring the connection of people of faith to the natural elements. See the special site for Elements of Faith to explore more.