Expression Of Faith Research Articles

The Legal Definition of Religion in the Context of Modern Religious Exercise with Psychedelics: Protection, Double Standards, and Potential Expansion under RFRA

In the United States, the convergence of religious freedom and the prohibition of controlled substances is legally complex, increasing, and evolving. As interest in psychedelic religious practices expands, legal protection of religious exercise pursuant to the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) enables certain religious communities to use controlled substances in rituals through exemptions from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). RFRA was enacted in response to a Supreme Court case that failed to safeguard sacramental drug use as a legitimate religious exercise and requires application of stricter analysis of federal government activities that infringe religious freedom. Key to this protection is defining what constitutes a legitimate religious belief when it involves illegal substances. By analyzing court precedents, this essay explores how the legal definition of religion has preferred Judeo-Christian concepts and determined, with a bias, that psychedelic religious practices are not recognizable enough as religious. It argues that the evolving nature of society and religious practice necessitates a reevaluation of legal standards to ensure that the legal right to religious exercise, as applied and intended, protects the minority and remains consistent with modern expressions of faith and ritual.

The Divine in the Clinic: Assisted Reproduction and Religious Practice in Ghana and South Africa.

Drawing on studies with 40 informants in Ghana and 74 informants in South Africa, we explore spiritual interventions among staff and patients that accompany their use of assisted reproduction. These practices and expressions of faith reinforce staff and patients as moral subjects who have done everything possible to assist in the vagaries of assisted reproduction-another form of care to enable, complement, and enhance high-tech intervention. We consider the creation of sacred spaces in the clinics,the rituals that form part of IVF practice, and the dilemmas of translation when assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) travel to different cultural and religious contexts.

The Gospel in the Womb of Culture: Between Syncretism and Orthodoxy in Christian Mission Spirituality and Contemporary Mission

Main issue discussed in this study is the tension between the Gospel and culture in the context of contemporary Christian missions. Often, efforts to proclaim the Gospel are seen as conflicting with local cultural values, creating a dilemma between syncretism and orthodoxy. The aim of this research is to offer an alternative understanding that bridges this tension through an incarnational concept, and to explore how the Gospel and culture can mutually interpolate without losing their respective essences. The methods used are literature review and theological-missional analysis, focusing on the incarnational understanding as an approach in Christian missions. This study explores various theological and missiological perspectives to formulate a alternative understanding of the relationship between the Gospel and culture. The findings show that an incarnational approach allows for dynamic dialogue and interaction between the Gospel and culture. The Gospel can become a renewing agent that purifies the positive aspects of culture, while culture provides a contextual "language" for understanding and experiencing the Gospel. This process is not mere syncretism, but a creative effort to translate the Gospel message into local cultural categories without losing its integrity. In conclusion, the concept of the “Gospel in the Womb of Culture” offers a new paradigm in contemporary Christian missions. The incarnational approach opens the way for the creation of authentic expressions of faith, rooted in the Christian tradition but also relevant to the local cultural context. This implies the need for a shift from a confrontational approach to one that appreciates local wisdom while remaining faithful to the essence of the Gospel.

From Polemical to Dialogical Encounter

In 1902, Ghulam Ahmad, the Indo-Pakistani founder of the Ahmadiyah Muslim Community—a revivalist, messianic movement within Sunni Islam—issued “an answer” to John Alexander Dowie’s, the Scottish-born non-denominationalist Christian preacher and forerunner of modern-day Pentecostalism’s, impassioned renunciation of the Islamic faith. In doing so, Ahmad invited Dowie to engage him in a mubahala, or a “prayer duel” to the death, to determine the truthfulness or fallacy of each other’s faith expression. With Dowie’s subsequent passing in 1907, Ahmad’s presumed “great victory” became one of the foundational narratives upon which Ahmadi Muslims constructed the validity of the Ahmadiyah and, consequently, structured their relationship with Christians. In this article, I explore the general contours of this mubahala invitation as well as Ahmadis differing responses to its historical and contemporaneous narrativization. Due to increased contact between Ahmadis and Christians living in the West, I contend that Ahmadi narratives surrounding this event, while historically polemical in nature, ultimately became the cornerstone upon which a positive and constructive Ahmadi Muslim-Christian engagement could be fostered, namely one built on shared collegiality and reciprocal, interfaith understanding garnered through deep, pluralistic encounter.

Exploring Youth Religiosity: Research Among Catholic Confirmands in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Split–Makarska (Croatia)

This paper presents research on some aspects of youth religiosity among Catholic Confirmation candidates in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Split–Makarska, Croatia, as part of a broader 2020 study aimed at assessing confirmands’ satisfaction with Confirmation preparation. However, this paper specifically focuses on selected variables related to youth religiosity. Conducted on a sample of 473 confirmands using a non-probabilistic sampling method, this study employed a survey to measure some aspects of personal and actual religiosity, including indicators such as religious self-identification, the importance of faith, the frequency of Mass attendance, and the frequency of personal and family prayer. Findings reveal that confirmands with a strong religious self-identification are more engaged in religious practices, with frequent Mass attendance and the practice of both personal and family prayer. Sociodemographic variables, including gender and parental education, did not show a significant effect on these aspects of youth religiosity, while settlement size correlated with religious self-identification and the frequency of Mass attendance. Confirmands from smaller, but not from the smallest settlements, demonstrated higher religiosity, consistent with modernization theory, which suggests that urban settings may encourage secularization trends. These findings highlight the importance of pastoral strategies that support both communal and personalized expressions of faith, emphasizing the need for further research to understand evolving patterns of youth religiosity within the Croatian context.

The Complexity of Beliefs: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Religion and Culture

This paper explores the intricate relationship between religion and belief systems, emphasizing the complexity of religious phenomena as cultural constructs rather than mere expressions of faith. Through a comprehensive analysis of various anthropological perspectives, we argue that religion encompasses a diverse array of cognitive processes that shape human understanding and social interaction. By examining case studies from different cultures, we highlight the significance of supernatural beliefs and their implications for societal cohesion. This study aims to elucidate the cognitive underpinnings of religious beliefs and their role in shaping human behavior, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of religion.

A plea for vengeance in Psalm 35: 1-3 and its reflections in Africa (Yoruba) indigenous churches

Psalm 35 is one of the most popular, widely read and used Psalm among the African indigenous churches (Yoruba) in Nigeria. This article investigates why and how Psalm 35 vv. 1-3 is used as a plea for vengeance among the Yoruba Christians in African indigenous churches in Nigeria. The article explores how the plea for vengeance is understood and expressed in the African traditional context. African biblical hermeneutics with the view of providing a useful lens to reread biblical text in African context was adopted for the study. It was discovered that as early as the 3rd-century Christian era, the book of Psalms was used in the liturgy of the church. The notion of vengeance as found in Psalm 35 vv. 1-3 is a recurrent theme in African indigenous churches in Nigeria. This Psalm is used among the Yoruba Christians in African indigenous churches as a plea for divine intervention against their enemies. Through a synthesis of biblical and traditional African sources, this article demonstrates how the plea for vengeance is expressed in the cultural practices and beliefs of African indigenous churches. The plea for vengeance in this Psalm is a reflection of African indigenous churches’ understanding of key social issues such as justice, relationships between individuals and groups, and the need to maintain social integrity. Psalm 35 is usually read, sung, memorised, inscribed on parchment, and chanted by African christians and non-christians as expression of faith in God to intervene in the issues confronting them as he did for the Psalmist.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The Yoruba Christian readers of Psalm 35vv. 1-3 appeal to God for intervention against their enemies. The article emphasises that Christians should not take laws into their hands but trust in God for justice.

Faith and Governance: A Study of Mawlid in Contemporary Morocco

ABSTRACT The Mawlid, a sacred holiday commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, holds immense power in Morocco as a communal prayer event that animates citizens, transcending its religious significance to become a potent sociopolitical tool. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of Mawlid, examining its dynamic role as both a collective expression of faith and a means of governmental control. Through the example of the Qadiri Boutchichiyya Sufi order’s annual Mawlid programming, it explores how the Moroccan government has skillfully harnessed Mawlid’s enlivening energy to further its political agendas, utilizing it as a vector to transmit the kingdom’s particular brand of Islam. However, while the government may seek to manipulate Mawlid for political gains, Moroccans are not mere pawns in this dynamic. On the contrary, the Mawlid’s animating quality extends well beyond the public sphere and resonates deeply within the private lives of individuals. By delving into this intricate web of interactions, we can better grasp the vibrant and multivalent nature of religious expression in Morocco and its implications for the broader dynamics of faith-based governance in the country today.

Unraveling the Local Hymnal: Artistic Creativity and Agency in Four Indonesian Christian Communities

Local hymnals are cultural artifacts that express a community’s values, history, and identity and serve as vehicles for communal agency. This study investigates the role of local hymnals in shaping cultural identity and theological expression within four Indonesian Christian communities. Through interviews with church leaders, songwriters, and musicians, and an analysis of four hymnals from different communities in Indonesia, this study explores how these communities exercise agency in creating, perceiving, experiencing, and utilizing locally created songbooks. The research reveals that local hymnals are not only tools for shaping communal identity and transmitting theological understanding but also instruments through which communities assert their agency, fostering cultural dynamism. The study also considers the impact of colonialism and globalization on the development of local hymnody, highlighting how these communities have actively adapted and reinterpreted external influences to create unique and meaningful expressions of faith. The research concludes that local hymnals are not merely collections of songs but living artifacts embodying the agency of communities: the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation, faith and culture, and the individual and the community. By fostering autogenic cultural reflection and asserting communal agency, local hymnals fuel momentum and sustainability within a culture.

Keep or Break: The Biblical Basis for Tithing in Medieval Europe

The biblical teaching is that, on a practical level, tithing embodies an ideal division of labor with distinct responsibilities. By tithing to the Church, Christians provide the clergy with the necessities of life, enabling them to concentrate on the sacraments without having to worry about worldly matters, and at the same time, offer material support for the holy ministries of the Church, helping to improve the financial situation of the Church. On the level of faith, tithing is an expression of faith in God. The voluntary and full payment of the tithe is a great manifestation of one's faith in God. It maintains the harmonious relationship between God and man, which brings God's abundant blessings to man. The Church in Medieval Europe collected tithes based on the clear and strong scriptural basis of the Bible. However, in practice, the Church abused the tithe to enrich itself and ignored the poor lives of the people, which was destructive to God's good intention in the establishment of the tithe and was not in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.

Prilaku Simbolis Jama’ah Tabligh

Symbolic behavior in the context of the Tablighi Jama'ah includes various practices, including the use of typical clothing, the practice of shaking hands, the practice of eating together, the way of walking, and the emphasis on preaching and religious activities. Some people see this symbolic behavior as a form of expression of strong faith, while others see it as self-isolation.This research uses a descriptive method with a phenomenological approach. Primary data sources and secondary data, primary data sources in this research are works and books which are the main guidelines for the Tablighi Jama'ah. Meanwhile, secondary data from this research are the works of experts in their respective fields. The research results show that the religious symbols and behavior practiced by the Tablighi Jama'ah have given rise to various interpretations among Muslims. These differences in interpretation are caused by differences in viewpoints in understanding one group versus another, which can lead to divisions. Even though Islam is a religion of rahmatan lil 'alamin which protects all its adherents.

‘I praie ye send for the courall’: children’s coral as the physical embodiment of parental hopes and fears in early modern England

ABSTRACT Mediterranean red coral has long been believed to be imbued with sacred, spiritual and healing power and was given to children across Europe in the form of an amulet, teether or medicine. In early modern England, portraits of children from affluent families and medical receipts provide snapshots of coral usage, a moment in time, which do not adequately reveal the spiritual, therapeutic and affective significance of this material within the context of unique family circumstances and a multitude of perceived threats to children’s health. Focusing on five case studies, this article delves into the lived experience of families who deemed coral objects an essential childhood accessory in the period from 1590 to 1775. Julian Herrick, a goldsmith’s widow, Sir John Oglander, a knight caught up in the civil war, Dr Garencières, a doctor confronting dangerous infection, Lady Blackett, a devoted grandmama, and Ann Lord, a woman facing destitution, all placed value on coral for their young children. This study draws on a diverse range of material and documentary evidence from the seventeenth and eighteenth century to unpack the significance of red coral for parents within a changing religious, political and medical landscape. Building on scholarship within material culture studies and the history of emotions, this study also situates children’s coral objects within emotional relationships and seeks to uncover the implicit meanings such objects held which could not be written or articulated due to illiteracy, controversy or persecution. By combining a micro-historical approach with a broader thematic analysis, the case studies presented indicate that coral occupies an important place in the history of the early modern family as the embodiment of the anxieties of parents and grandparents, a means to soothe and protect young children and a material expression of hope, love and faith, particularly during periods of crisis and separation.

Useful or not? The discussion of traditional Chinese medicine to treat COVID-19 on a Chinese social networking site

The use of traditional medicine is a global phenomenon, and the WHO advocated its appropriate integration into modern healthcare systems. However, there is a hot debate about the legitimacy of...

Maternal Practice and the Chuetas of Mallorca: The Inquisitorial Trials of Pedro Onofre Cortés

Maternal Practice and the Chuetas of Mallorca: The Inquisitorial Trials of Pedro Onofre Cortés

When Faith and Health Collide: Expressions of Faith Over the Dangers of COVID-19 by Selected Flagellants in the Philippines.

For almost three years, the COVID-19 pandemic seriously affected society. Mass gatherings were restricted during the surge, including religious activities and other public practices. However, some Filipinos opted to continue their panata (sacred vow) of self-flagellation during this health crisis, thus putting themselves at risk of being inflicted with the virus or being a spreader. This article explores the experience of selected flagellants who continued to fulfill their religious practice amid the pandemic. It draws inspiration from their narratives about their personal experiences of how they faced, struggled, and hoped to battle the "unseen" virus and the criticisms of others for what they did. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), their interview transcripts elicit three recurrent themes: Suffering leads to finding God for support, sacred vow as unity to Christ's suffering, and spiritual reward over physical pain. These themes cancontribute to future research on how opposing parties should negotiate when faith and health conflict.

Search for the Soul of Black Preaching

This article examines Black preaching as a vital force in African American communities, offering a powerful testament to resilience, spiritual enlightenment, and social transformation. Black preaching emerges as a beacon of hope and resistance amidst oppressive conditions, weaving together theological insight, cultural richness, and communal resilience. Through a rich historical lens, the article explores the performative and substantive dimensions of Black preaching, highlighting its capacity to navigate complex theological and social realities. While acknowledging moments of complicity and challenge within Black preaching, this article emphasizes its enduring legacy as a catalyst for liberation and justice. Ultimately, Black preaching emerges as a dynamic expression of faith, embodying the enduring struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom within the African American experience.

Achieving Unity amidst Diversity in Christian Doctrines Beliefs and Practices: An In-Depth Analysis

Pursuing unity within the diverse landscape of Christian doctrines, beliefs, and practices is a perpetual challenge that has marked the history of Christianity. This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of fostering unity amidst theological diversity, doctrinal traditions, and varied expressions of faith within the Christian community. By analyzing the theological underpinnings of unity in Christianity, including core doctrines like the divinity of Christ and the authority of Scripture, the paper underscores the foundational principles that bind believers together. Despite these shared tenets, divergent interpretations, emphases, and nuances have given rise to doctrinal variations across Christian denominations. Moreover, the paper delves into the historical evolution of doctrinal discrepancies in Christianity, examining the origins of significant schisms, theological disputes, and doctrinal contentions that have influenced the multifaceted tapestry of Christian beliefs and practices. These historical fractures continue to shape interdenominational relations and interactions among Christians. Practical strategies for promoting unity amid doctrinal diversity are also explored, emphasizing the significance of ecumenical dialogues, interfaith collaborations, and initiatives to foster reconciliation and mutual comprehension. Recognizing and honouring the diverse spectrum of beliefs and practices while seeking common ground is pivotal in nurturing unity within the Christian community. In conclusion, the paper underscores the importance of balancing unity and diversity in Christian traditions, celebrating the richness and complexity that diversity engenders while upholding the shared faith that unites believers across doctrinal boundaries. Through respectful dialogue, humility, and an embrace of the diverse facets of the body of Christ, Christians can endeavour towards a more profound unity that transcends doctrinal discrepancies, fostering a spirit of love and fellowship within the Church. Keywords: Divergent, Christian Doctrines, Beliefs, Practices, Unity, Coherence, Christian, Christian Faith, Implications

Laudato Si, Environmental Theology and the Leadership of Pope Francis

This article explores the interaction between environmental theology and leadership in the context of Pope Francis' "Laudato Si'", with a particular focus on the role of Christian leaders in addressing environmental issues. Using descriptive qualitative methods, the study analyses the encyclical "Laudato Si'" and related Catholic Church documents. The article finds that theological concepts such as "Salvation and Liberation,""Obedience to God the Creator," and "Social and Ecological Justice" play an important role in shaping Christian leaders' attitudes and actions towards the environment. This article provides insights into how Christian leadership can inspire and mobilise environmentally responsible action, showing that this responsibility is not only a moral imperative, but also an expression of deep Christian faith.

Uka Omenana (Godian Religion): Bridging Faith and Tradition in Neo-Traditional Igbo Religion

The Uka Omenana movement, also known as the Godian Religion, represents a significant resurgence of neo-traditionalism in Igboland, Nigeria, where indigenous Igbo customs intersect with Christian principles. This research examines how the movement marries traditional elements with contemporary expressions of faith, analyzing the dynamics of cultural continuity and change in the face of globalization, cultural erosion, and the encroachment of foreign ideologies. Through qualitative methodologies, including participant observation, interviews, and document analysis, the study sheds light on the Uka Omenana movement's objectives, practices, and impacts within the Igbo community. The findings contribute to scholarship in anthropology, cultural studies, and religious studies by exploring the interplay between tradition and modernity in contemporary African societies and the role of religious revitalization movements in preserving cultural identity. The research reveals how Uka Omenana seeks to infuse age-old Igbo traditions with contemporary relevance and Christian spirituality, bridging ancestral customs with modern religious beliefs to foster cultural continuity. By examining the movement's core beliefs, including its conceptions of the Supreme God, deities, ancestors, the Bible, and the Eucharist, the study illuminates the complex dynamics of syncretism and the movement's efforts to reclaim and revitalize elements of Igbo culture within a religious framework.

To Whom is the Chaplain Beholden? Guest Editor Introduction to Special Issue

Abstract In this issue of Christian Bioethics, we invite chaplains and theologians to examine the role of the hospital chaplain in the contemporary institutional setting of the hospital. The simplicity of the chaplain’s role is often taken for granted; yet, this role is actually multivalent, with duties and loyalties pulling from many different sides. Chaplains are people of faith, ordained and/or endorsed ministers, and pastoral care professionals; they are at once beholden to God, to their own faith expression, and to their sense of vocation, to the hospital, and to the patient. With various loyalties and responsibilities in mind, we must ask the question, “To whom is the chaplain beholden?” The responses in this issue critically and constructively examine this question, providing theological resources that call chaplaincy away from the dominant modes of medicine. Whether through a primary loyalty to their calling, to God, to Divine presence, or to the spiritual formation of the patient, the authors in this special issue aim to help chaplains find theological resources to faithfully withstand the tensions they face in modern medical institutions.