Political Religion Research Articles

Isu-Isu Politik dalam Kampanye Calon Presiden RI terhadap Preferensi Pemilih di Nusa Tenggara Barat

This study examines the preferences of voters in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) in the context of the 2024 Indonesian presidential election and how various political issues influence their choices. Utilizing a quantitative approach and descriptive survey, data was collected from 2,672 respondents representing diverse educational and occupational backgrounds in the NTB region. The findings reveal various political issues affecting voter preferences, including economic, social, environmental, security, leadership, and other issues. The most dominant issue in NTB voters' preferences is Nationalist Religious Issues, with about 24% of respondents considering it the most important issue. Socialism and Cultural Issues also receive significant attention, reflecting concern for the preservation of local culture and social integration. Additionally, Education and Public Health Issues are high priorities for NTB voters, indicating the need for access to quality education and good healthcare services. This research provides a deeper understanding of the political dynamics in NTB and the factors influencing voter decisions. The results can guide presidential candidates and political parties in designing campaign platforms relevant to the needs of this region. Furthermore, this study can help enhance political participation, advance important issues, and strengthen political representation at the local level. Recommendations are given for further studies on the role of religion in NTB politics, evaluation of issue fulfillment in public policy, analysis of demographic changes, and studies on political participation in NTB. This research is expected to provide valuable contributions to understanding regional politics in Indonesia and voter preferences that could influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election in NTB.

American Gnosis: Political Religion and Transcendence by Arthur Versluis (review)

American Gnosis: Political Religion and Transcendence by Arthur Versluis (review)

Religious references in political campaigning: a comparative analysis of Latin America and Western Europe on social media

The relationship between religion and politics is receiving increasing attention in political science, although the focus is often on voter attitudes. Despite secularization trends, scholars expect a resurgence of religion in Western European party politics, where Christianity as a native identity is opposed to non-native Islam by populist radical right parties. In this context, it is primarily hostility toward other religious groups that structures religious elements in political communication. In most Latin American societies, religiosity plays a much greater role for individuals, which is reflected in the discourses of political elites who use genuine religious references to appeal to religious voters (“sacralization of politics”). Using data from my own recent research on content analysis of parties’ and candidates’ Facebook profiles, this article compares how political actors in Latin America and Western Europe use religious references in electoral campaigns and how salient these discourses are. The results help to explain the different prominence of religious discourses in different democratic regions and religious markets. The article contributes to the ongoing debate on the role of religion in 21st century politics.

The Politicization of Religion in Indonesia (The Use of Hadith on Jihad and Hijra in General Election in Indonesia)

The Politicization of Religion in Indonesia (The Use of Hadith on Jihad and Hijra in General Election in Indonesia)

The strategic use of ethnic and religious identity in Nigerian elections by the two dominant political parties

ABSTRACT This article examines the use of religion and ethnicity during elections in Nigeria. Nigeria’s diverse ethno-religious landscape has profoundly shaped its political dynamics, and political parties often leverage these identities to gain electoral advantage. During elections, Nigerians tend to align with political parties based on the party’s religious ideology. Self-serving politicians and political parties have turned to religion as a campaign tool. This is a qualitative study using the narrative method. Data was gathered from semi-structured interviews with 11 purposively selected informants and from relevant academic literature. Documentary analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study were presented thematically, thus: a) the resurgence of political religion; b) the rise of religious populists; c) the emergence of militarizated non-state actors; d) the targets of Christian religious voters; e) the targets of ethnic groups from southern Nigeria; f) the target of state apparatus; g) bad leadership; and h) the institutionalisation of authoritarianism. During election campaigns, Nigerians vote for candidates with particular religious or ethnic identities due to the fear of losing their lives or properties.

Relevansi Agama Dalam Demokrasi Masa Ini

Democracy that was once considered the best political system created by humans, now its image is fading. The picture of democracy today is getting bleaker. Societal polarization, conflict, the politicization of religion, excessive fanaticism, violence, victims, and various other negative phenomena, seem to have integrated into today's democratic practices. The election that should be a Democratic Party, a people's sovereignty party, has become a frightening and worrying moment. Even though today's world really needs political policies that are able to overcome various complicated problems such as: environmental damage, injustice, pandemics, etc. And in fact, democracy is the political system used by the majority of the world's countries today. What will happen to the world if democracy loses its ability to produce the common good (bonum commune)? What if democracy only becomes a tool for elite groups? And it is detrimental to many people? And what is also important to study, what is the role of religion in this concern? Secularization, which separated religion from politics in the past, has limited religion in the private sphere and politics in the public sphere. This situation is slowly turning into a vicious circle. The grim picture of politics is increasingly driving religion away from him. Even though, religion is a moral agent that is needed as a guide for good politics. The distancing of religion makes politics even more bleak, and so on. Given the urgency of this situation, this research was conducted. The research is aimed at finding alternative solutions that can stop this vicious circle. The research was conducted through a literature study, by tracing the situation of democracy and religion at this time. The religious approach used in this study is a Christian religious approach. The thesis of this research is that religion, which is professed by the majority of the world's population today, is actually an antidote to the gloomy picture of today's democracy.

Theological Opportunity Structures and Christian Right Resistance Against the Liberalization of Family Laws in Norway

This article is a qualitative study of a Christian Right Party in Norway and its origin and growth as a reaction against the liberalization of laws pertaining to same-sex marriage, the adoption of children by same-sex couples, and other family-related matters. In order to analyze the contribution of religion in this political party, and in the movement from which it developed, the article introduces the concept of theological opportunity structures, which is a specific type of discursive opportunity structure. The concept of theological opportunity structures foregrounds the role of religious beliefs, doctrines, and narratives in politics as opposed to the institutional dimensions of religion. It is offered as a theoretical construct to improve analysis of the role of religion in politics.

Religious rebound, political backlash, and the youngest cohort: understanding religious change in Turkey

Abstract We distinguish two streams of theory that dominate explanations of religious change: cohort-based cumulative decline theory, which emphasizes small and ongoing declines in individual religiosity accruing across generations; and political backlash theory, which emphasizes period- and identity-based changes due to the politicized meaning of religion. Notably, Muslim countries have largely been excluded from a recent wave of quantitative research on individual-level religious change, implicitly continuing an assumption that Islamic societies require different theoretical concepts. We deploy both theories to examine religious identity and behavior over multiple decades in Turkey, a Muslim-majority country with recent social conflict over religion. Utilizing age-period-cohort interaction models, our results suggest minimal evidence for a cohort-based process in Turkey, in contrast to that observed in Western countries. Rather, a political transformation—the politicization of religion through the rise of Turkey’s AKP (Justice and Development Party) and President Erdogan—is most salient to Turkish religious change. We introduce two concepts to backlash theory—identity updating and performance signaling—to show how different dimensions of individual religiosity respond to different politicized contexts. These findings extend our understanding of religious change beyond the Western context, with further implications for theorizing political backlash and cohort-based processes.

חינוך, CHINUCH: ISRAEL’S EDUCATION SYSTEM AND QUESTIONS OF IDENTITY

Albeit in a different context, Wiesel’s soliloquy resonates with the pressing questions on the formation of identity, and contingent quest for meaning for many Jews. Indeed, what are the right questions to ask the divine, in as much as the divine seems to be indifferent to the indignation suffered by Jews, especially when it comes to the memory of the Shoah (?) The space to ask such questions sets itself in the rigmarole of the everyday, and ties in with notions of belonging and memory. These concepts are thus linked to the theme of religion in global politics, exemplified in the curious case of Israel. Prior to its establishment in 1948, the founders of Israel often applied religious justifications for its creation and subsequent existence, with a ‘return to homeland’ among the oft-heard sentiments. The purposes of this paper are varied. The first is to understand the character of Israel through the theoretical framework provided by Rogers Brubaker in his ‘Four Approaches to Nationalism’, with a focus on how nationalism itself can be argued as a form of religion. Secondly, we will look at the justifications to why secular education – as an extension on nationalism as religion – has taken root in Israel. We proceed with an argument that the removal of religious knowledge (primarily ethics) from the Israeli education system will prove to be detrimental in the long run, as the relationship between individuals will thus be determined purely in the language of capital, and ‘success’ as defined by market forces, which runs counter to genuine solidarity.

Гражданская религия как коммуникативная среда: концептуальный анализ

The article presents a conceptual analysis of civil religion as a special form of combining the sacred and the political. Having stated the need for social researchers to address the religious side of society in general and its political implications in particular, the author tries not only to reconstruct the genealogy of the term “civil religion”, but also to trace the differences between civil and political religion. Based on the analysis of the origins of the concept of civil religion, the author shows that its components — “civil” and “religious” — were introduced from two sources that are completely different in their spirit: the social philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the sociological project of Emile Durkheim. Robert Bellah managed to combine the heuristics of both sources and offer a specific language for describing externally secular, but internally religious societies. Having thoroughly analyzed the three features of civil religion identified by Bellah, the author focuses on its functioning as a communication environment — a specific set of values that taboo or stimulate the articulation of certain political issues. The communication environment not only ensures the satisfaction of the needs of the state, within which a civil-religious cult is established, but also maintains a consensus on basic values, the undermining of which is fraught with the complete disintegration of society. According to the author’s conclusion, in order to talk about the presence of a civil religion in a polity, this polity must meet several criteria, including unambiguous consensus about sacred values, political decision-making justified via theology and values, as well as the “topological” nature of the development of a political cult. This is the main reason why this form of political life is relatively rare.

Navigating the Complexities of Identity: is there an Accelerated Israelization of Religion?

This research aims to explore the dynamics of Israeli politics, particularly regarding the interplay between religion, democracy, and identity. By delving into this complex landscape, the research unravels the multifaceted nature of Israeli politics, shedding light on the various factors that shape its political landscape. This includes examining the influence of religion, the functioning of democratic institutions, and the diverse identities within society. A key focus is to analyze the role of religion in politics, including its impact on governance, policy-making, and societal norms. This involves studying the influence of religious parties, the relationship between religious and secular segments of society, and the implications for minority rights and freedoms. The research aims to assess the functioning of democracy in the counter-relations between religion and society, evaluating the extent to which democratic principles are upheld and the challenges faced in maintaining democratic governance amidst religious diversity and societal divisions. This objective is demonstrated by exploring the complexities of identity within Israeli society, including Jewish identity and the intersections between religious, cultural, and national identities. This involves examining how identity politics shapes political discourse, electoral behavior, and policy priorities. By analyzing the complexities of Israeli politics, the research seeks to identify key challenges facing the nation - tensions between religious and secular forces and uncover opportunities for fostering greater social cohesion, promoting democratic values, and addressing issues of religious pluralism. The main question investigated here is if we can trace an accelerated Israelization of Haredim due to local and global political changes and the fight for existence against terrorism that have changed the social and cultural nature of Israel in the last year?

THE INTERSECTION OF RELIGION AND PAKISTAN'S FOREIGN POLICY DECISIONS: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY

This research paper outlines a framework for understanding and analyzing the influence of religion on foreign policy in the context of the 'post-secular' shift in internationa l relations. As religion becomes progressively relevant to statecraft and foreign policymaking, its impact varies significantly across various states. The primary aim of this research is to examine the influence of religion on the foreign policy choices of Pakistan and to compare these influenc e s with those affecting India's foreign policy. By exploring these dynamics, the research seeks to uncover the possible implications for Pakistan and to identify how Pakistan can leverage religion as a tool of soft power in its statecraft methods. Furthermore, this study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on the role of religion in global politics, providing insights that could inform diplomatic strategies and international relations theory. Ultimately, the findings could help policymakers understand the nuanced ways in which religious factors shape internationa l interactions and state behavior.

Indonesia According to Sam Ratulangie: a Contribution of thoughts from Minahasa to Indonesia

This article departs from the central issue that Indonesia is currently again faced with the issue of religious radicalism and ethnic sentiment. The roots of the Pancasila ideology, namely nationalism, religion and communism, which are the basic values ​​of the nation's ideology and philosophy, are starting to be opposed to one another. Religious people once again put forward the issue of communism as the source of the nation's problems. Meanwhile, lay people and academics tend to see the politicization of religion in it. This also had an impact on national-local ideological turmoil. The assumption that Pancasila is not yet fully understood and fully supported at the local level, so it is full of conflicts and interests, makes the author interested in raising this title. Minahasa, as part of Indonesia which has a Christian majority, feels that it has contributed to the process of becoming Indonesian. Using a descriptive-analytical method, this article aims to describe the ideas of Sam Ratulangie - thinker, fighter and futurologist from Minahasa - about being Indonesian, then analyze them to obtain the contribution of Minahasa ideas and thoughts to Indonesia. This article ultimately concludes that Minahasa plays a very important role in the process of becoming Indonesian.

Strengthening Religious Tolerance with Islamic Views in the Era of Diversity in Indonesia

This qualitative study delves into the dynamics of religious tolerance within the diverse societal fabric of Indonesia, with a particular focus on Islamic perspectives. Through interviews with 10 informants representing various religious backgrounds, the research elucidates the role of Islam in fostering tolerance amidst religious diversity. Key themes emerge, highlighting Islamic teachings on tolerance, challenges to religious harmony, and strategies for promoting interfaith understanding. While Islam emphasizes principles of acceptance and coexistence, the study uncovers persistent challenges such as the politicization of religion and the influence of extremist ideologies. Nevertheless, the findings underscore the agency of individuals and communities in promoting religious tolerance through dialogue, education, and community engagement initiatives. Ultimately, the study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the interplay between Islam and religious tolerance in Indonesia, offering insights for fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect in diverse societies.

Religion as a tool for authoritarian legitimation: The case of Bangladesh

AbstractIn recent decades, the relationships between religion and politics, particularly between religion and the state, have been widely discussed, yet relationships between authoritarian rulers and religion have not received their due attention. This fourth article in the 2024 World Affairs special issue addresses this lacuna and argues against the conventional wisdom that these two entities are always hostile to each other. The study contends that authoritarian rulers have used three strategies vis‐à‐vis religion as an ideology and religious actors as a political force. Autocrats have adopted repression and cooptation strategies to deal with religious actors and utilized religion as a tool of legitimation. The article offers a case study of Bangladesh which has witnessed the growing salience of religion in politics since 1976, although its 1972 constitution pledged secularism as a state principle. The article examines the strategies used during three phases of military and civilian authoritarianism—1976–1981, 1982–1990, and since 2011—and discusses the relationship between the authoritarian rulers and religion.

Orthodoxy in Diplomacy: An Overview of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Religious Diplomacy and Role in International Relations

Following the revitalization and politicization of religion that happened in Serbia during the late 20th and early 21st century, the Serbian Orthodox Church became an important non-state actor in the country. This article explores its involvement in Serbia’s relations with other countries, with a particular focus on the Church’s and the country’s religious diplomacy efforts. It provides an overview of the Church’s multifaceted roles, including advising Serbian and foreign diplomats, engaging in track II diplomacy, as well as other small-scale initiatives.

RELIGIOUS FACTOR IN THE SYSTEM OF ENSURING REGIONAL SECURITY IN THE NORTHEAST CAUCASUS (AXIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS)

The authors write about the philosophical and political threats of the religious factor’s influence on the spiritual security in the North Caucasus region. The article provides that in order to develop the civil, spiritual and moral education and to level out the politicization of religion here it’s necessary to: 1) compliance with the constitutional principles of freedom of conscience and religion, of a person and citizen, regardless of nomenclature trends in the socio-political sphere; 2) distance of religious associations and the state; 3) the state non-interference in the internal affairs of religion; 4) equidistance of religious associations from the state; 5) equal legal personality for religious associations under the jurisdiction of the state.

Blasphemy in the Electoral Politics of Pakistan

This paper aims to contribute to the existing corpus of literature on the role of religion in Pakistan's politics by taking the issue of blasphemy as a central variable. The research examines how the issue of blasphemy is used in Pakistan's politics by the mainstream political parties across the political spectrum, from far-right to center-left, by analyzing the parties' slogans, manifestos, rhetoric, and mobilization tactics in the 2018 general elections. To make sense of why these parties are utilizing blasphemy as a political tool, the paper also employs a conceptual framework towards the end of the paper. By understanding how blasphemy is instrumentalized in the country’s politics, the paper seeks to provide a fresh perspective on the interplay between religion, and politics in Pakistan.

Religion, Identity and Tribal Sub-national Politics in India

What is the role of religion in tribal politics? Does religion shape tribal political imagination? If so, how and in what manner? Politically, tribal movements since the colonial period have been deeply rooted in religion, and even in post-independent India, they continue to inspire and shape tribal politics. The article argues that tribal politics and religion interact in complex ways. First, the article shows how groups and organisations incorporate religious ideas within their political ideology. Second, religion and politics also come into conflict with one another in terms of the use and interpretation of religious beliefs and commitments for political ends, mainly when it involves the use of violence. This is examined through the case of the Mizo movement for independence in northeast India, where religion was interwoven with the politics of identity, nationalism and violence.

DAMAI Model as a Prototype of Religious Moderation

The first principle of Pancasila states that Indonesia as a nation that believes in God Almighty. Although Indonesia is officially secular, it is a diverse nation in terms of culture and religion. This diversity presents the possibility of disputes arising from religious matters in different areas. This article emphasizes how elements like the politicization of religion, exclusivism, and identity politics may lead to religious insecurity. The use of the DAMAI paradigm (Dialogue, Adaptation, Mediation, Accommodation, Integration) to build religious moderation in the context of Christian theological education in Papua is also covered in this article. Descriptive qualitative research methodology is employed in this study. Forty participants—representing staff, instructors, and students—were interviewed, and observations were made in order to gather data. The study’s findings demonstrate the high degree of DAMAI model application at Sentani State Protestant Christian College (STAKPN Sentani), with scores ranging from 80% to 99% for indicators including Communication, Justice, Love, Security, and Innovation. The DAMAI paradigm is presented in this article to foster inclusive and peaceful religious moderation in Papua while shedding light on the challenges related to religious moderation in Christian theological education settings.