Conflict Between Religion And Science Research Articles

Beyond conflict: an exploration of the way UK church leaders view the relationship between science and religion

ABSTRACT There has been a growing body of academic literature over the last ten years that has attempted to challenge the notion that science and religion are in conflict with each other (otherwise known as the ‘conflict thesis’). One prominent voice on this topic has been the theologian Ian Barbour and his four-fold typology of the way science and religion relate to each other: ‘conflict’, ‘dialogue’, ‘integration’, ‘independence’. In this article, I reflect on Barbour’s contribution to the field as well as my inclusion of his framework in a survey carried out on clergy attitudes to science. The fieldwork comprised a survey of over 1,000 UK church leaders and interviews with 20 senior church leaders. This article explores church leaders’ views on science, their engagement with the subject, and the extent to which their views on science and religion reflect or challenge Barbour’s typology. The research included in this article (carried out during the period 2015–2018) was commissioned by the project “Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science”.

The rise and fall of armies

Abstract Over a thousand years, military employment rises, peaks, and then falls. I argue that rising military shares were driven by structural change out of agriculture, and the recent declines are driven by substitution from soldiers toward military goods. I document evidence for this substitution effect and introduce a model of growth and warfare that reproduces the time series patterns of military expenditure and employment. The model also correctly predicts the cross-sectional patterns, and that military employment and expenditure shares are decreasing in income during wars. Finally, I show that faster economic growth can reduce military expenditure in the long run.

The need for an integrated model of smart warfare

Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine and many other events or processes taking place all over the world show us that perhaps there can be no smart peace unless we are ready to fight a smart war. Both against conventional or unconventional enemies, both regarding symmetrical or asymmetrical warfare. And if we are beginning to see our society in terms of smart governance, smart education, smart economy or smart people, which means we see it in terms of smart peace and smart society, then there is definitely the need to see war and conflict in an integrated, compact vision of smart war. We use observation to point out how a large series of contemporary events and processes, starting from cybersecurity issues, aerial, terrestrial, or maritime drones, electronic warfare equipment meant to counter these drones, propaganda, and disinformation easily spread through rapid smart means of worldwide mass communication, and of course, Artificial Intelligence, microprocessors, or fledgling space warfare where satellites can be used to attack rival satellites, need to be addressed in an inclusive, integrated conceptual approach of smart warfare focused on the future and not as separate events or developments patched up upon conventional warfare equipment or thinking. We need to understand that “smartness” is all about peace, but all about war as well, if we want a smart peace to last or if we want to be able to defend it, as Romania has a definitely defensive strategy. We are building a smart peace, but we have to prepare for a smart war as well.

Cyber Operations in Peace and War: A Framework for Persistent Engagement

During 1990s, the concept of information warfare (IW) and information operations (including cyber operations, psychological operations, and electronic warfare) could be conducted with varying intensity across all stages of peace and conflict. At that time, many of the concepts related to cyber operations were still hypothetical. Subsequently, conflicts and competition between states have demonstrated the capabilities and limitations of cyber operations. Research emerging in 2022 by multiple authors demonstrate the limitations and usage of offensive cyber operations and maintaining a sustainable military cyber capability, as well as proposing alternative models for conflict in cyberspace. Alongside this, there has been increased attention on the impact of ICTs on international security and the responsible behaviour of nation-states in cyberspace. There is still ambiguity and different perspectives on the application of international law in cyberspace. This uncertainty disrupts the original models of IW and warfare, which assumed clear distinctions amongst the conflict stages. Both the discourse of ICTs in international security and recent conflict necessitate a reconsideration of the decades-old view of IW in times of peace, war and the grey zone in between. This paper proposes a framework for the roles of cyber operations across the stages of conflict based on contemporary perspectives on the utility of cyber operations as well as practical examples. In rethinking the IW model, a multidisciplinary view is required, considering the technical, legal, social and international security perspectives.

SMRD: A Novel Cyber Warfare Modeling Framework for Social Engineering, Malware, Ransomware, and Distributed Denial-of-Service Based on a System of Nonlinear Differential Equations

Cyber warfare has emerged as a critical aspect of modern conflict, as state and non-state actors increasingly leverage cyber capabilities to achieve strategic objectives. The rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape demands robust and adaptive approaches to protect against advanced cyberattacks and mitigate their impact on national security. Traditional cyber defense strategies often struggle to keep pace with the rapidly changing threat landscape, resulting in the need for more robust and adaptive approaches to protect against advanced cyberattacks. This paper presents a novel cyber warfare modeling framework, Social Engineering, Malware, Ransomware, and Distributed Denial-of-Service (SMRD), capturing the interactions and interdependencies between these core components. The SMRD framework offers insights for enhancing cyber defense, threat prediction, and proactive measures. A mathematical model consisting of a system of nonlinear differential equations is proposed to quantify the relationships and dynamics between the components.

Psychological and propaganda operations as a form of hybrid warfare

Psychological and propaganda operations are inseparable part of hybrid warfare. The rapid complication of overall relations in the international community, especially since the beginning of 2022, has led to tectonic upheavals in the world order, which have caused numerous changes in front of our eyes. The world is changing today, perhaps faster than ever. In such complex political and security, economic and social circumstances, models of hybrid warfare gained additional importance and in a certain way, conditionally speaking, became an inseparable part of the foreign policy of the leading powers. In addition, hybrid actions of a psychological and propaganda nature have become an inseparable part of international relations. This paper first analyses the conceptual definition of the terms hybrid war, psychological and propaganda operations, and then explains the cause-and-effect relationships and examines their consequences on the offensive and defensive actors of international relations. Among the conclusions is the assertion that defensive actors may be completely unaware that a hybrid war is actually being waged against them by undertaking psychological and propaganda operations.

The Protracted Survival of Boko Haram From a Revolutionary Warfare Perspective

Since 2009 Boko Haram has been carrying out terrorist attacks in the northeastern part of Nigeria. In 2015 the group was seen as the world‘s deadliest terrorist organization, however, due to internal disagreements in 2016, Boko Haram split into two factions, namely the Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (JAS), which is still often referred to by its original name – Boko Haram. While the competition between these factions made way for the Nigerian government to retake formerly lost territories, attacks from Boko Haram continue, and government forces have yet to fully quell the insurgency. This article surveys the protracted survival of Boko Haram through their operating practices by basing itself on the two primary models of revolutionary warfare (people’s war by Mao Zedong and Foquismo by Che Guevara). It takes note of the similarities between traditional revolutionary and contemporary jihadist ways of thought. Despite these similarities, crucial distinctions can also be made between the two factions of Boko Haram in order to explain their comparatively different levels of success. The article is divided into 3 primary bodies, each examining one of the three pillars (ideological, popular-support and military) that are required for a successful revolution. Comparisons between ISWAP and JAS are made in each section. Finally, the addition and comparison of the results stemming from each part are summarized and aid in trying to understand the protracted survival of Boko Haram.

Introduction: Religion and Victorian Popular Literature

The introduction to this special issue of the Victorian Popular Fictions Journal, “Religion and Victorian Popular Literature,” opens by using Mary Ward’s best-seller Robert Elsmere (1888) as a case study for considering how recent critical strategies for engaging with popular texts enable us to paint a different and more complex picture of the Victorian religious landscape. We then explain the different ways in which our international network of contributors reconceptualises the relationship of religion to popular literary genres including the transatlantic social gospel, science writing for children, and popular yoga texts. We identify how topics as diverse as astronomy, copyright, and disaster fiction, which have often been examined through a primarily secular lens, can be better understood by considering the role religion played in their formation and articulation within and through popular literature. Drawing together threads shared between the seven articles in the special issue, we outline its key thematic contributions in exploring the role of religion to the formation of new literary markets and genres, revising the “conflict thesis” between religion and science, and the importance of popular literary forms in constructing and communicating theological ideas, as well as responding to recent calls to decolonise Victorian Studies.

Muhavere as a Strategy for Reconciliation in Ottoman Translation History

The Tanzimat (Reorganisation) Period, which coincided with the end of the 19th century in the Ottoman Empire, sparked efforts towards modernisation in society. In the context of modernisation, translation occupied a central position in the Ottoman literary and cultural polysystem and played a shaping role with different strategies adopted by translators. It was during this period that “the conflict thesis” arguing for a conflict between religion and science was raised in the West, with its reverberations continuing well into our day. One of the leading works supporting this thesis was John William Draper’s book History of the Conflict between Religion and Science, which was published in 1875. The book found its way into Ottoman Turkish through Ahmed Midhat Efendi’s translation, Nizâ-ı İlm ü Din – İslam ve Ulûm. The aim of this paper is to understand and interpret, in the framework of Ottoman translation history, why and how Ahmed Midhat Efendi used muhavere strategy in this translation in order to (re)witness the importance of the role the translator played as an “eloquent mediator” within the Ottoman literary and cultural polysystem.

Muhavere as a Strategy for Reconciliation in Ottoman Translation History

The Tanzimat (Reorganisation) Period, which coincided with the end of the 19th century in the Ottoman Empire, sparked efforts towards modernisation in society. In the context of modernisation, translation occupied a central position in the Ottoman literary and cultural polysystem and played a shaping role with different strategies adopted by translators. It was during this period that “the conflict thesis” arguing for a conflict between religion and science was raised in the West, with its reverberations continuing well into our day. One of the leading works supporting this thesis was John William Draper’s book History of the Conflict between Religion and Science, which was published in 1875. The book found its way into Ottoman Turkish through Ahmed Midhat Efendi’s translation, Nizâ-ı İlm ü Din – İslam ve Ulûm. The aim of this paper is to understand and interpret, in the framework of Ottoman translation history, why and how Ahmed Midhat Efendi used muhavere strategy in this translation in order to (re)witness the importance of the role the translator played as an “eloquent mediator” within the Ottoman literary and cultural polysystem.

CONVENTIONAL AND MODERN WARFARE: A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE

In the pursuit of a peaceful and secure life, human beings strive to avoid the threat of danger. However, the reality is often marred by disputes, with war being a significant factor that disrupts peace. This paper delves into the distinctions between old and modern models of warfare. Employing a qualitative approach, the study explores relevant literature written by experts on the subject. The research findings reveal compelling differences between old and new wars in terms of their objectives, methods of warfare, and financial backing. Historically, old wars predominantly involved state-to-state conflicts, with state financiers playing a dominant role. In contrast, modern wars encompass diverse players and garner financial support from global sources. Furthermore, new and old wars differ in their target victims, motives, and approaches. These disparities necessitate a corresponding shift in the way these conflicts are addressed and resolved by negotiators worldwide. Understanding the complexities and nuances of modern warfare is crucial to fostering effective strategies for peace building and conflict resolution on a global scale. By examining the transformation of warfare over time, this study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of contemporary security challenges and the importance of adapting conflict management approaches accordingly.

Design and analysis of cyber warfare model with intelligent predictive stochastic networks for attack–defend strategies on critical infrastructures

The purpose of this study is to develop a novel multi-class differential system (target network, protected network, inside attacker, and outside attacker) for a cyber war model that imitating the cyber war scenarios on different attack surfaces in the presence of multifarious attack vectors and analysis has been presented by stupendous knacks of intelligent predictive stochastic networks (IPSNs). The theoretical convergence analysis through attack-free and attack-invasion equilibrium in terms of basic reproduction number R0 has been presented along with the global stability of attack-free equilibrium points using the Lyapunov function. The reference solutions for studying the dynamics of all four classes of cyber war models in an air-gapped environment have also been determined in this paper for various scenarios by varying the protection strategy parameter ρ, the recovery strategy parameter ɛ, and the rate of attack from an outside/inside attacker using the Adams numerical method. The obtained data has been used in IPSNs as input/targets for training, validation, and testing in order to compute the approximate solution of the model. Extensive simulations have been run to determine the accuracy of the proposed framework for a complex advanced persistent attack targeting industrial systems. The outcomes of IPSNs have shown a fine resemblance with the matching of order 10−7 from the observed data. Also, the analysis based on mean square error convergence, error histogram, and regression index has further verified the strength and worth of the presented strategy.

Complex battlefields favor strong soldiers over large armies in social animal warfare

In social animals, success can depend on the outcome of group battles. Theoretical models of warfare predict that group fighting ability is proportional to two key factors: the strength of each soldier in the group and group size. The relative importance of these factors is predicted to vary across environments [F. W. Lanchester, Aircraft in Warfare, the Dawn of the Fourth Arm (1916)]. Here, we provide an empirical validation of the theoretical prediction that open environments should favor superior numbers, whereas complex environments should favor stronger soldiers [R. N. Franks, L. W. Partridge, Anim. Behav. 45, 197-199 (1993)]. We first demonstrate this pattern using simulated battles between relatively strong and weak soldiers in a computer-driven algorithm. We then validate this result in real animals using an ant model system: In battles in which the number of strong native meat ant Iridomyrmex purpureus workers is constant while the number of weak non-native invasive Argentine ant Linepithema humile workers increases across treatments, fatalities of I. purpureus are lower in complex than in simple arenas. Our results provide controlled experimental evidence that investing in stronger soldiers is more effective in complex environments. This is a significant advance in the empirical study of nonhuman warfare and is important for understanding the competitive balance among native and non-native invasive ant species.

Оптимальная нелинейная фильтрация оценок информационного воздействия в стохастической модели информационного противоборства

A computationally efficient algorithmic solution to the problem of optimal nonlinear filtering of information impact estimates in a generalized stochastic model of information warfare is developed in the article. The formed solution is applicable in the presence of heterogeneous rules for measuring the parameters of the information warfare model, on the basis of which a pair of systems of stochastic differential equations is formed. According to the criterion of maximum likelihood according to the determined evolution of the a posteriori conditional probability density function at a given observation interval, the evaluation of the information impact in the optimal nonlinear filtering model is performed. Taking into account the probability addition theorem, as the probability of the sum of two joint events, the density functions of which are established from the numerical solution of the corresponding robust Duncan-Mortensen-Zakai equations, finding a posteriori conditional probability density function at a given time is performed. For the first event, it is assumed that the first system of stochastic differential equations is the equation of state, and the second – is the equation of observation. For the second event, their definition is set in reverse order. The solution of the robust Duncan-Mortensen-Zakai equation is carried out in the formulation of the Galerkin spectral method when sampling the observation interval into subintervals and reducing the initial solution to a numerical recurrent study of the sequence of subtasks using the so-called Yau-Yau's algorithm, which assumes an estimate of the probability measure from the solution of the direct Kolmogorov equation with its subsequent correction by observation. To highlight the features of the algorithmic implementation of the compiled solution, an algorithm for optimal nonlinear filtering of information impact estimates in a generalized stochastic model of information confrontation when specifying the listing of the function implementing it, which is represented by a pseudocode, has been formed. To identify the preference of the compiled algorithmic solution for optimal nonlinear filtering of information impact assessments, a series of computational experiments on large-volume test samples was carried out. The result of the information impact assessment obtained by the proposed algorithm is compared with the determined solution: 1) by the average sample values from the observation models; 2) by an ensemble extended Kalman filter; 3) by a filtering algorithm involving a numerical study of the Duncan-Mortensen-Zakai equation. According to the conducted a posteriori study, quantitative indicators that establish the gain of the compiled algorithm and the limits of its applicability are highlighted.

ON A NONLINEAR LANCHESTER COMBAT MODEL OF NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE TYPE AND AN ANALYSIS OF OPTIMAL FIRE ALLOCATIONS

In this work, we introduce a nonlinear Lanchester model of Network centric warfare (NCW)-type and study a problem of finding the optimal fire allocation for this model. A Blue party B will fight against a Red party consisting of A and R, where A is an independent force and R fights with supports from a supply unit N. Optimal fire allocation will then be sought in the form of piece-wise constant functions so that the remaining force of B is as large as possible. For this model, we also introduce a notion of threatening rates which are computed for A,R,N at each stage of the battle. These rates will then be used to derive the optimal fire allocation for B. Several numerical experiments are presented to justify the theoretical findings.

Spiritual warfare in Africa: Towards understanding the classical model in light of witchcraft practices and the Christian response

The socio-religious panorama of the African religion deserves a close observation of its foundation and function. The perception of the spirit world is dominant in Africa. Similarly, spiritual warfare in the African context is prevalent in the mind and worldview of an African. Spiritual warfare derives its framework from African Traditional Religion (ATR). Hence, understanding ATR’s complexity helps us with the understanding of spiritual warfare. Some essential questions to understand would be what is spiritual warfare from an ATR perspective? How do Africans perceive spiritual warfare? And how do Africans engage in spiritual warfare? What is the place of ATR in spiritual warfare? African Traditional Religion acknowledges the reality and functionality of witchcraft. The perception of the reality of evil forces in Africa attracts all forms of spiritual rites, seeking more extraordinary spiritual powers for defensive and offensive spiritual warfare. This article argues that the effectual Christian response to spiritual warfare with witchcraft practices in Africa is ‘the classical model’ of spiritual warfare. The article provides a synopsis of the models of spiritual warfare, that is, the classical model (CW), world systems model (WSM), ground-level deliverance model (GLDM), and strategic-level deliverance model (SLSW). Subsequently, the article provides the framework for African spiritual warfare and witchcraft practices from traditional and contemporary perspectives. Lastly, the article argues that the Evangelical Christian Response to witchcraft practices is rooted in ‘the classical model’ of spiritual warfare.Contribution: The article contributes to African religiosity within the African context. It reveals the ongoing argument about the continuity and discontinuity of the ATR beliefs and practices in Christianity. The article adds to the evangelical or classical arguments in support of the discontinuity of ATR beliefs and practices in Christianity.

The many histories of the conflict thesis: the science vs. religion narrative in nineteenth-century Germany

ABSTRACT The idea of an inevitable conflict between science and religion leading to relentless hostility between the two emerged in the nineteenth century and has become a powerful narrative of modernity. Most historians of science trace the origins of the so-called ‘conflict thesis’ to the English-speaking world, more precisely to scientist-historian John William Draper and literary scholar Andrew Dickson White. Their books on the history of scientific-religious conflict turned into bestsellers. Yet, if we look beyond the Anglo-American world, the conflict thesis appears in new historical settings. This paper argues that the science vs. religion narrative flourished already in Germany before Draper and White announced the warfare between science and religion in England and the USA. Focusing on Germany, we aim to show that the conflict thesis emerged in a polycentric process shaped by various political, cultural, and social struggles. It became a rhetorical weapon for liberal scientists in Germany to oppose Ultramontanism and, at the same time, to discredit their rivals as unscientific, fanatic, or even as ‘henchmen’ of the Pope. Our paper makes a case for a decentred approach to the history of the conflict thesis, which brings to the fore specific political and cultural tensions shaping this narrative in the nineteenth century.

Of Popes & Unicorns: Science, Christianity, and How the Conflict Thesis Fooled the World

Of Popes & Unicorns: Science, Christianity, and How the Conflict Thesis Fooled the World

SCIENCE AND THE CONFUCIAN RELIGION OF KANG YOUWEI (1858–1927): CHINA BEFORE THE CONFLICT THESIS. By ZhaoyuanWan. Ideas, History, and Modern China, 26. Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2022. Pp. xiv + 279. Hardback, €132.00.

Religious Studies ReviewVolume 49, Issue 1 p. 94-95 Short Reviews of Recent Publications: East Asia SCIENCE AND THE CONFUCIAN RELIGION OF KANG YOUWEI (1858–1927): CHINA BEFORE THE CONFLICT THESIS. By Zhaoyuan Wan. Ideas, History, and Modern China, 26. Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2022. Pp. xiv + 279. Hardback, €132.00. First published: 24 April 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/rsr.16389Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume49, Issue1Special Issue: Unique Approaches to Christianity in Africa and BeyondMarch 2023Pages 94-95 RelatedInformation

ФУНКЦІЇ, ЗАВДАННЯ ТА ЗОНИ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ ЧАСТИН І ПІДРОЗДІЛІВ ЗВ’ЯЗКУ З УРАХУВАННЯМ ЧОТИРЬОХ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ДОМЕНІВ ЗБРОЙНИХ СИЛ УКРАЇНИ ТА ОСОБЛИВОСТЕЙ ВІЙСЬКОВО-МОРСЬКИХ СИЛ ЗБРОЙНИХ СИЛ УКРАЇНИ

The basis of troop management is the commander’s decision, developed on the basis of information received from various sources in a single information space, including using interoperable communication systems / networks and information systems. In turn, the concept of “network” in modern wars covers various components that were previously considered only separately, and between which information exchange must be carried out constantly, for example: combat units (combat vehicles, weapons, units, etc.), communication systems, information operations support, disparate sources of intelligence, logistics and medical information systems, etc. That is, in order to conduct modern wars and gain an advantage over the enemy, the armed forces must use a single information space built on interoperable networks / communication systems that provide secure exchange of information between them, to increase general situational awareness and control of troops (forces) [1]. The development of information technologies has a direct impact on the communication system, which is, after all, the main element of the military management system. Increasing bandwidth, implementing specialized software, and using elements of artificial intelligence significantly expands the capabilities of management processes and increases the toolkit of situational awareness, calculations, situation modeling, and effective forecasting of the situation. A unified, integral, stable and reliable information and communication system in the modern conflict directly allows the application of the model of network-centric warfare, focused on achieving an information advantage by means of combining military objects into an information network.