Modern Religious Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Modern Religious Buildings in Terms of Materials and Construction Techniques: The Turkish Mosques Cases

Religious buildings are cultural symbols of societies in urban life. Mosque architecture, one of the religious structures that entered Turkish history and architectural culture with the acceptance of Islam by the Turks, developed over time and reached its peak in terms of architectural formation during the Ottoman period. Although religious buildings are thought to be less affected by social change throughout history, unlike other architectural structures, mosques are seen to be affected by the social and cultural structure that changes over time. Religious buildings, apart from being places of worship in social life, are also meeting points and social sharing areas. This situation shows that it will not be possible for religious buildings to remain indifferent to the changing needs, building materials and living standards over time. The aim of the study is to explain the use of developing and transforming materials and construction techniques in mosques in Türkiye. Within the scope of the study, the reflection of traditional and modern architecture in mosques was discussed and the transformation of buildings in different periods was examined. In this context, examples of traditional and modern mosques built in different periods were discussed with the comparative analysis method. By examining how the classical, iconic elements of mosque architecture were handled in a modern style, their changes in terms of materials and construction techniques were questioned. As a result, it is aimed to be a reference for future studies by looking at the architectural variations of changing religious buildings from past to present.

Porous Secularity: Religious Modernity and the Vertical Religious Diversity in Cold War South Korea

Beyond the once dominant secularization thesis that anticipated the decline of religion in the modern era, the academic study of religion has in recent decades revisited secular as one of the factors that shape religion and religions in the globalized world. Against this theoretical backdrop, in this article, I use the case of South Korea to explore how secular and religion interact in contemporary global society. It focuses on describing the postcolonial reformulation of secularity and the corresponding transformation of religious diversity in Cold War South Korea. The Japanese colonial secularism rigidly banning the public and political engagement of religion was replaced by the flexible secular-religious divide after liberation of 1945. The porous mode of secularity extensively admitted religious entities to affect processes of postcolonial nation-building. Religious values, interests, and resources have been applied in motivating, pushing, and justifying South Koreans to devote themselves to developing the national community as a whole. Such a form of secularity became a critical condition that caused South Korea’s religious landscape to be reorganized in a vertical and unequal way. On the one hand, Buddhist and Christian populations grew remarkably in the liberated field of religion, while freedom of religion was recognized as a key ideological principle of the anticommunist country. On the other hand, folk beliefs and minority religious groups were often considered “superstitions”, “pseudo religions”, “heretics”, or even “evil religions”. With the pliable secularity at work, religious diversity was reconfigured hierarchically in the postcolonial society.

Youth and Faith: A Deep Dredge into Modern Religious Expressions

This research delves into the intricate world of religious practices among the youth in Pakistan, investigating how these practices are influenced by individual beliefs, cultural diversity, technological advancements, and societal dynamics. This research underscores the significance of addressing the evolving relationship between religion and youth in a rapidly changing world. This study is qualitative in nature. The sample size of this current study was N=6. The sample consisted of 6 university students from age ranging 18 to 24 years (3 males and 3 females). Semi-structured interviews were carried out. Willing participants were included, ensuring confidentiality. Data was analyzed through Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Personal transformation, Influence of Religious Scholars via social media, Distraction Resources, Denominational Discord, Educational Influence, Personal Devotion, Ethical Conduct, Spiritual Coping, Ethnic Religiosity, these themes emerged. Results showed that religion has a great impact on their lives and how these values and beliefs inform moral choices and relationships. Results highlighted a deep-seated fight for religious devotion's authenticity in the face of technological improvements, highlighting the value of each person's perseverance and commitment to the religion.

Modern Religious Movements: Female Scholars as Agents of Change

This research examines the role of female clerics as agents of change in modern religious movements in the Muslim world. Using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, this study identifies, evaluates, and summarizes findings from various studies regarding the contribution of female ulama in encouraging social change, education, and religious policy. Data was collected from various databases indexed by Scopus, Eric, and Google Scholar, covering the publication period 2010-2024 using the PRISMA technique. Of the 301 articles, 40 were selected as research data. The findings show that female ulama play an important role in promoting inclusive religious understanding, fighting for women's rights, and developing progressive Islamic education. They also challenge traditional norms and influence religious policies to be more responsive to contemporary issues. However, female ulama face various challenges, including socio-cultural barriers. This research concludes that female ulama have significant potential as agents of change, but further support is needed to overcome the challenges they face.

Pietistic atheism and the modern breakthrough: on the narrative culture of secularity

ABSTRACT Secularity was first substantiated as a cultural practice constitutive of modernity in late-nineteenth-century fiction. The so-called Modern Breakthrough in Danish literature, taking place between 1871 and into the 1880s, is a prime case of a cultural radical movement that translated the modern criticism of religion into a literary and political program. Today, the Danish writer J. P. Jacobsen’s novel Niels Lyhne (1880) remains a classic of the atheistic literature of the period. Its portrayal of the psychological struggles involved in the transition from a tradition of faith to a modern secular society suggest it to be a core document of atheistic identity formation. To contemporaries, however, the psychology of the protagonist Niels Lyhne seemed fundamentally implausible, and his atheism overtly dramatic. By contextualising the literary work in its wider and highly contested narrative culture, this article discusses how narrative scripts first substantiated the modern religious vs secular distinction. In documenting the changing plausibility structures by which Jacobsen’s novel could become prescriptive of the emotional norms of a secular mind, the article explores how literary works shape cultural and emotional realities.

British Protestant missions and the conversion of Europe, 1600–1900. Edited by Simone Maghenzani and Stefano Villani. (Studies in Early Modern Religious Dissents and Radicalism.) Pp. xii + 289 incl. 15 figs. Abingdon–New York: Routledge, 2021. £36.99 (paper). 978 0 367 54611 3

British Protestant missions and the conversion of Europe, 1600–1900. Edited by Simone Maghenzani and Stefano Villani. (Studies in Early Modern Religious Dissents and Radicalism.) Pp. xii + 289 incl. 15 figs. Abingdon–New York: Routledge, 2021. £36.99 (paper). 978 0 367 54611 3

Implementasi Program Bimbingan Belajar “Ahad Skuy” dalam Mendorong Moderasi Agama di Desa Kebonrejo Kabupaten Kediri

This article aims to analyze the impact of the Real Work Lecture (Kuliah Kerja Nyata or KKN) program on religious modernization in Kebonrejo Village, Kepung District, Kediri Regency. Kebonrejo Village is a predominantly Islamic village, but its community still holds traditional understandings of Islam. The KKN program implemented in Kebonrejo Village aims to enhance religious tolerance in community life. The research uses the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, which involves the community in the research process. In this study, the Kebonrejo Village community participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the KKN program. The results of the research show that the KKN program conducted in Kebonrejo Village has had a positive impact on religious moderation in the village. The Kebonrejo Village community now has a better understanding of Islamic teachings that can bridge the differences within the society, leading to increased tolerance towards religious diversity.

The Modern Religious Programs on Television and their Impact on Islam Advocacy

The Modern Religious Programs on Television and their Impact on Islam Advocacy

Islamic modernism in India in the second half of the 19th century and Sayit Ahmed Khan

In the 19th century, when the industrial revolution was taking place in Europe, and the major powers were colonizing the world continent, there were religious changes in the Indian subcontinent. These processes are closely related to the above two factors. Because in 1857, India officially came under British rule. During this period, the Muslims, who were a minority in the Indian subcontinent, were under the pressure of the Christianization of the British authorities on the one hand, and the Indian missionaries on the other hand. Muslims lost their political power in the Indian country, which they had ruled for centuries, and the Islamic education system collapsed. Indian Muslims sought a way out of this difficult situation from religious traditionalism, religious fundamentalism, and also religious modernism. It is the latter that interests us in this article. Modernists sought to reform religious dogmas on the basis of rationality and reason. They believed that the way out of the deadlock was to return to the basic, that is, to the Qur'an. Modernists divided the Qur'anic rulings into two types: permanent, which must be fulfilled, and transitory, which is not considered mandatory. Indian modernists criticized medieval Muslim scholars and encouraged the Muslim community to benefit from Western science and technology. And in political matters, they often supported the British government or took a passive position. The article comprehensively covers the innovative ideas of 19th-century Indian modernists on religion, Islamic law, and Islamic history, including the views of Sayyid Ahmed Khan, considered the leader of Islamic modernists in India. We will also focus on the critical views of groups such as Deobandism and Hadithism, which were against the modernist direction.

Methodological Variation of the Synthetic Paradigm in the Study of Thanatological Aspects of Modern Religious Mythology

Methodological Variation of the Synthetic Paradigm in the Study of Thanatological Aspects of Modern Religious Mythology

Sonnet in Stitches: – Patchwork Variations of Modern Religious Sonnets in English

Across time and geography, the sonnet has served as a vehicle for poets to explore a diverse range of subjects, from personal love and loss, to political and social issues, and to meditate on the human condition itself. This paper will explore the patchwork variations of some modern religious sonnets in English, examining how contemporary poets are using the sonnet form to explore faith, doubt, and spirituality in new and innovative ways. Through an analysis of several representative works, we will demonstrate how these poets are breathing new life into this versatile form, creating works that are both timeless and timely. While many contemporary sonnets depart from the traditional structure of rhyme and meter, they still adhere to a set of self-imposed rules and limitations. This allows poets to experiment with new forms of expression and to explore religious themes in a more relatable and accessible way. Humour, colloquialism, and self-irony are all common features of contemporary religious sonnets, which often depict the sacred in the context of everyday life. Contemporary sonnets attempt to convey the ineffable mystery of religious experience through language, but they are more self-aware of their own structure and the ways in which they depart from tradition. This systematic deconstruction is a significant element of the contemporary sonnet, reflecting the fragmented and chaotic nature of modern existence.

The Intersection of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, the Common Good, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Religious Practices

Artificial intelligence (AI) profoundly influences a number of societal structures today, including religious dynamics. Using Bernard Lonergan’s critical realism as a lens, this article investigates the intersections of AI and religious traditions in their shared pursuit of the common good. Beginning with Lonergan’s principle that humans construct their understanding through cognitive processes, we examine how AI-mediated realities align with or challenge traditional religious tenets. By delving into specific cases, we spotlight AI’s role in reshaping religious symbols, rituals, and even creating novel spiritual meanings. Using Lonergan’s insights on the balance between subjectivity and objectivity, I analyze AI’s potential to both create new sacred spaces and challenge religious orthodoxy. The crux of the discussion centers on the negotiation between religious values and technological innovation, assessing how AI can bolster religious life while maintaining its core essence. Ultimately, this article underscores the importance of the common good in the age of AI-driven religious evolution.

Studi Kepustakaan Tersistem Desain Ruang Gender pada Masjid Berdasarkan Mazhab Utama dalam Islam

<em>This research analyzes and explores theories from various references regarding the design of gender spaces in mosques based on Islam's primary schools of thought. The literature review method in this research uses the Publish or Perish and Google Scholar with the keyword "gender in mosque". From the results of reference screening, 16 journals were found with topic classification based on timeline, school of thought and architectural objects. The results based on the timeline have stable graphs each year, while the religious stream and architectural objects are less stable because of their unavailability. Based on gender space architectural objects was found in 6 papers and only in the Syafi'i and Hanafi schools.</em> <em>Meanwhile, no references were found in the Maliki and Hambali schools. The Syafi'i School of Religion pays more attention to women in worship matters. However, not all apply the same principles because local community customs and customs hamper their application. Meanwhile, in the Hanafi School, gender space arrangements are more varied due to the influence of local culture, politics, and religious modernism.</em>

Revitalization of Religion: Toward an Understanding of the Perspectives of the Modern Religious Situation

Revitalization of Religion: Toward an Understanding of the Perspectives of the Modern Religious Situation

Assistance in Religious Moderation Curriculum Design in the Digital Era Islamic Religious Education Courses in Salahuddin Pasuruan

The Interdisciplinary Study-Based Islamic Religious Education Doctoral Study Program conducts community service activities in the form of curriculum workshops based on religious moderation values at the Salahuddin College for Islamic Studies (STAIS), Pasuruan. The workshop is designed to assist in the curriculum development process, particularly for the Islamic Education subject and other courses based on religious moderation values. This community service project adopts the ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) concept of community empowerment as its strategy. Material for the construction of higher education curricula, curricula based on religious modernization, and the local curriculum model of STAIS Pasuruan based on religious moderation and Islamic boarding schools were disseminated because of this project. The Islamic Religious Education of STAIS Pasuruan Study Program is expected to implement planned follow-up activities in the form of curriculum insertion practices.

Normativism of Islamic Law in the Akkattere Hajj Ritual of South Sulawesi’s Ammatoa Community

The profound impact of cultural and religious modernity on various aspects of life has brought about significant changes in regional akkattere traditions in Ammatoa society. According to this hadith, the pilgrimage which is in harmony, the conditions and obligations are in accordance with Islamic law, and which must be performed at a certain time and place, can be completed easily through the akkattere ritual. This research is an empirical law using an anthropological approach to Islamic law. The purpose of this study is to examine the incorporation of customary values and Islamic law in the Akkattere tradition of the Ammatoa community in the region, and to evaluate its impact. Data was collected using interviews and literature studies. The research was conducted in Tanah Towa Village in Kajang District, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The research concluded that the akkatere ritual obviated the need to wait in long lines or have the financial resources to perform the pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca. Based on the findings of this study, anthropologically the akkattere traditional law is the result of a dialectic between Islam and local traditions and has resulted in new local pilgrimage practices, which is now a religious characteristic of the Ammatoa people. Nonetheless, the understanding of Hajj by the Ammatoa community has deviated substantially from the normatism of Islamic law, so that it fundamentally influences aspects of religious belief and ideology.

Moderasi Beragama Berbasis Budaya dan Kearifan Lokal di Desa Sibolangit

Religious modernization is the life of human beings related to the behavior of carrying out their religious teachings influenced by changes in political systems, religion, economics, psychology, science, advances in technology and information. Diversity includes differences in culture, religion, race, language, ethnicity, tradition and so on. In such a multicultural society, tensions and conflicts often occur between cultural groups and have an impact on the harmony of life. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the cultural diversity in the village of Sibolangit. The method requires multicultural understanding and awareness that respects differences, pluralism and the willingness to interact socially with anyone fairly. Religious moderation is needed in the form of minimizing violence in difference. The role of community leaders and the role of religious instructors is needed to socialize, develop religious moderation to the Sibolangit village community for the realization of harmony and peace.
 Keywords: Society, Compound, Social

РУССКИЙ СПИРИТУАЛИЗМ КАК РЕЛИГИОЗНЫЙ ФЕНОМЕН ВТОРОЙ ПОЛОВИНЫ XIX - НАЧАЛА XX В.

The aim of the article is to characterize Russian modern spiritualism movement as a religious phenomenon of the second half of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The article offers answers to the following questions: it meditates upon the relation of esoterism and religion in the debate about the religious nature of modern spiritualism; it proposes the necessary distinction between occultism and spiritualism in relation to the position of Christian spiritualists; it posits spiritualism as a phenomenon of both religious modernism and fundamentalism in the light of the conflict between the universalist oriented spiritualist metaphysics and the national oriented tradition; it asserts the typology of Russian Christian spiritualism and gives account of its connections/correlations/synthesis with orthodoxy as lived religion in the Russian Empire. The central thesis of the article suggests that Christian spiritualism should be researched in the context of Christian tradition, as a means of its religious renewal and, more broadly, as one of the Christian reformation movements

Colligere fragmenta

The present essay is focused on the latest results of Jan Assmann’s research, in particular on the aspects which have an impact on the sphere of interreligious dialogue. While on the one hand the German Egyptologist intended to highlight the original mechanism of religious violence, on the other he ventured into fields that have deeply to do with the encounter between different faiths. Among the main themes, there is the idea of the recovery, within monotheisms, of the essence of the hermeneutics of translatability typical of ancient polytheisms, the problematization of the concept of origin and the idea of religio duplex, which is an interreligious proposal for our time, stemming from a careful analysis of religious modernity. According to Assmann, if religion intends to face the challenges of globalization, it can only be a “twofold” religion, i.e. a religion on two levels: one particular, historical, and one universal, transcendental, and located inside the consciousness of the individual.

Modern Religious Movements on Romanian Territory Can Evangelical Cults in Romania Historically be Seen as NeoProtestant?

Abstract In order to define the new religious movements on Romanian territory beginning in the 19th century, the following terms need to be explained: sect Church, Evangelical Church, and Neo-Protestant Church. First, the term ‘sect’ has negative connotations, and it is being used more and more seldom after the Communist era. Second, the term ‘Evangelical’ is currently more accepted even by historians (such as Dorin Dobrincu) but it still can be confusing because it refers to German Lutherans. Finally, the term ‘Neo-Protestant’ is problematic because it can lead to confusion about modern Lutheran Protestantism, which is called in German Neoprotestantismus. This work uses the term ‘Neo-Protestant’ as it will be shown that these cults have a historical sustainability of classical Protestantism bringing new aspects but still respecting the same frame, the same matrix.