Religious Adherence Research Articles

Structural equations modeling for the entry into becoming a sport sponsorship of the halal product in Thailand

This research study aims 1) to create a structural equation model for sports sponsorship of halal products in Thailand and 2) to examine the direct and indirect influence of variables that are components of the structural equation model for halal products, specifically in the context of becoming a sports sponsorship for halal products in Thailand. The study focused on a sample group of Thai Muslims interested in watching and following the news and participating in Thai sporting events. The researcher chose a sample size of 400 participants from this population, excluding backup data gathering and data analysis, to ensure the questionnaire’s quality and dependability. The results of the data analysis from the structural equation model created show that it is consistent with empirical data. The results of the statistical hypothesis test reveal that the level of religious adherence and the level of awareness of entering into sponsorship have both direct and indirect influences on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions with statistical significance at 0.01. It can also be identified that if a sponsor increases awareness among Muslim viewers through branding or product presentations in events that feature halal symbols or indicate compliance with religious standards, it will lead to a more positive attitude and higher purchase intentions. This insight can be applied to marketing promotion in administrative regions or countries where the majority of the population is Muslim.

AURANGZEBS APPROACH APPLIED IN THE MUGHAL MILITARY CAMPAIGN INVOLVING THE DECCAN REGION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Aurangzeb (1658-1707) was the Mughal emperor who succeeded his father Shah Jahan after successfully defeating his siblings in his efforts to seize the throne of the Mughal Empire. He is known for his strict religious personality and adherence to Sunni beliefs, besides exercising a firm and disciplined leadership. Aurangzeb decided to launch a military campaign during his reign into the Deccan region with the intention of overthrowing the Bijapur and Golconda Sultanates. Aurangzeb decided to conquer the region as he had the experience of once being the Viceroy of Deccan and faced numerous conflicts that threatened the Mughal rule. Hence, Aurangzeb designed an approach to expand his power and deal with the problem. This study aims to conduct a literature review of Aurangzebs approach in the Mughal power expansion campaign into the Deccan region. This qualitative study adopted the historical study and content analysis methods for the data collection and analysis processes, particularly involving primary and secondary data sources. The literature review was divided into three main sections, namely the history and development of the Deccan region, the Mughal Empires relationship with the Deccan region and Aurangzebs political biography. Discussions of the three main themes of this literature review facilitates further research, specifically in identifying factors that influenced the expansion of the Mughal Empire into the Deccan region.

Coping strategies associated with art adherence among older adults living with HIV, South Carolina

ABSTRACT People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) are living longer due to improvements in HIV care including antiretroviral therapy (ART). Even though ART improves HIV prognosis and life expectancy, its adherence is hindered by many factors. As the population of older adults living with HIV (OALH) continues to increase, it is important to understand the psychosocial factors that are associated with living with HIV to improve ART adherence. The aim of this study was to determine the association between coping strategies and ART adherence. Data were obtained from 91 OALH at an immunology clinic in Columbia, South Carolina via purposive sampling. The participants were at least 50 years or older and living with HIV. Coping was assessed using the Brief COPE Inventory. Crude and adjusted linear regression models, controlling for age, race, gender, and were used to determine the association between coping strategies and ART adherence. Subgroup analyses were done to determine if the association between coping and ART adherence varied by gender. The analyses were conducted in SAS version 9.4. The mean difference in ART adherence was statistically significant for race (p = 0.0292). There was a statistically significant association between religion and ART adherence (β = −0.718, p = 0.024). Males who use venting as a coping mechanism had higher ART adherence (β = 1.227, p = 0.048), and males who use behavioral disengagement had lower ART adherence (β = -1.624, p = 0.003) after adjusting for age and race. OALH who use religion as a coping strategy were less likely to adhere to ART treatment. Venting and behavioral disengagement tend to be associated with ART adherence among men. Qualitative research is needed to delve deeper into the relationship between religious coping and ART adherence, especially among OALH.

The Role of FoMO and Hedonism in Shaping Consumptive Behaviors and Religious Adherence Among Sibolga's Muslim Millennials

This study aims to uncover the impact of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and hedonism on consumptive behavior among Muslim millennials in Sibolga, North Sumatra, and how these behaviors interact with religious and social values within a culturally and religiously significant context. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research collected data through observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving eleven Muslim millennials in Sibolga. The findings reveal that FoMO and hedonism contribute to increased consumption of luxury goods and experiences, driven by the desire to stay connected with global trends and achieve instant gratification, often at the expense of local religious values and traditions. This tension between engaging in modern lifestyles and maintaining cultural and religious identities presents a significant dilemma for the youth. The study suggests that educational and social interventions focused on sustainability values and spiritual awareness are necessary to help the younger generation balance the pressures of hedonism and excessive digital connectivity.

Resilient non-radicalisers: beating the odds through non-radicalisation despite significant suffering

ABSTRACT This study explores how and why some individuals are resilient to radicalisation by focusing on individuals who were labelled “terrorists” for their alleged involvement or support for an attempted coup that took place in Turkey on 15 July 2016, yet who have shown no sign of violent radicalisation since. Drawing from 15 interviews, it assesses both the potential radicalisation risk factors that the participants display, such as political persecution, imprisonment, torture, social pressure and forced migration. Then, it explores participants’ explanation for why they have not become radicalised, including the role of the Hizmet doctrine, their religious adherence, individual personality traits and resources (e.g. social capital) through a socioecological framework. While terrorism studies have focused extensively on pathways towards radicalisation and countering radicalisation, this study contributes to a small body of research to explore the notion of “non-radicalisation”, informing the literature on resilience and protective factors towards larger populations.

Pemikiran Politik Islam dalam Moderasi Beragama

Religious moderation is one of the national priority programs. Religious moderation can be interpreted as an effort to moderate religious adherents, so that in understanding and practicing their religious teachings they are not trapped in two extreme poles of being too strict or too loose. This also concerns religious tolerance, which means respecting other people's beliefs and actions even though they are wrong in our view. And this is a new thing, namely the people as a civil society which in history has experienced creation and turned into resistance and activism. Various things happened in Islamic political thought, including the repositioning of NU and Muhammadiyah. The flow of Islamic politics in Indonesia has actually been structured around Pancasila which is the basis of the state administration system presented by the first vice president, namely Bung Hatta, containing five precepts or principles that are the foundation for the state and the entire Indonesian nation.

Religious beliefs and social practices

ABSTRACT Working within the framework of a conception that makes social practices central to religion, I present an account of religious beliefs as beliefs that are targets of group-specific social practices organized around the norm that these beliefs are to be held. In addition to opening up new avenues of investigation regarding the ways religious adherents negotiate the expectations of their communities around issues of believing, the account generates reasons to resist the idea that religion is characterized by a distinctive kind of doxastic or quasi-doxastic propositional attitude. On my understanding, belief-targeted social practices can generate cognitive dissonance when they make religious adherents responsible for holding beliefs that they do not have good reasons to hold. And the variety of results produced by this dissonance suggests that there is no uniform resolution to this situation, but rather that belief-targeted social practices generate considerable instability within religious communities.

Dressing the Empire: Clothing, Identity, and Social Control in the Ottoman Millet System

This article explores the intricate relationship between the millet system and dressing within the Ottoman Empire, emphasizing how attire served as a potent symbol of communal identity and religious affiliation intertwined with the socio-political fabric of society. By analyzing historical texts, images, and clothing artifacts, the study illustrates how the Ottoman administration employed dressing as a cultural identity marker and a means of religious and social control. The Empire managed its diverse population through the millet system by allowing religious communities, or millets, significant autonomy within a structured governance framework. Dressing styles within these millets were not merely functional or aesthetic choices but were imbued with deep symbolic meanings that reflected the complex interplay of identity, status, and religious adherence. Each community’s distinctive attire helped reinforce social boundaries and foster a sense of belonging and collective identity among its members. The research highlights significant transitions in the traditional dress codes influenced by political reforms, such as the Tanzimat’s push towards modernization and secularization, which gradually shifted public expressions of identity. This shift was marked by a tension between preserving traditional attire and adopting more homogenized, secular dress styles, reflecting broader socio-political changes within the Empire. In conclusion, the article provides insights into how dressing transcended mere personal adornment to act as a crucial medium through which communal identities were negotiated, expressed, and maintained within the Ottoman public sphere. This examination enriches the historical understanding of the Ottoman millet system and contributes to broader discussions on fashion, religion, and identity formation.

Quality of Life and Spiritual Health in Motorcycle Accident Survivors: An Analysis Using the SF-36 Questionnaire and Spiritual Scale

Abstract Introduction Motorcycle traffic accidents rate remained high in Taiwan letting post-trauma care an imperative issue. This study investigates the spiritual, psychological, and physical impacts of motorcycle traffic accidents in Taiwan, focusing on the role of the Injury Severity Score (ISS) in influencing quality of life (QOL) and spiritual well-being outcomes, aiming to enhance holistic recovery strategies for trauma survivors. Methods A prospective study was conducted from April 2022 to March 2024 in a level I trauma center. Patients aged 20 and above with trauma from motorcycle accidents were enrolled and divided into major (ISS ≥ 16) and non-major (ISS < 16) trauma groups. QOL and spiritual health were assessed using 36-item short-form general health survey measures (SF-36) and spiritual scale before discharge and six months later. Results Of 98 patients, we observed significant post-discharge declines in both physical and mental QOL scores, regardless of ISS. However, spiritual scores improved significantly after discharge, with notable enhancements in interpersonal relationships and adversity transcendence observed in patients with ISS < 16, but not in those with ISS ≥ 16. SF-36 analysis revealed that non-religious groups experienced significant declines in mental health scores post-discharge, unlike religious groups, which remained stable. Additionally, religious individuals showed significant post-discharge improvements in interpersonal relationships and adversity transcendence, while non-religious showed no improvement. This suggests a beneficial link between religious adherence and enhanced spiritual well-being. Conclusion Motorcycle accidents reduce QOL and heighten spiritual needs for survivors, regardless of accident severity categorized by ISS score. Integrating spirituality into rehabilitation processes can positively impact overall well-being. Holistic care, addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs, is vital for optimizing long-term recovery and improving prognosis in trauma survivors, especially in regions with high rates of traffic accidents like Taiwan.

Hermeneutika Sebagai Jalan Teologi Pembebasan Farid Esack

Liberation theology is a theological view that was born and developed as a self-liberation movement or group from oppression. Liberation theology is also a phenomenological discourse with plural social conditions and experiencing oppression and inequality that restrain religious adherents. Farid Esack, a South African intellectual who was in the Apartheid regime, held the view that believers should not submit to political authority and discriminatory social conditions of society. In this social condition, Farid Esack saw the need to reinterpret the Qur'an using hermeneutics as an approach. Through the concept of hermeneutics, he is able to give rise to new ideas about theology or what he calls liberation theology. This is an effort to answer existing social problems, especially in South Africa. The writing of this article uses the library research method with a literature study approach, which is carried out by collecting and analyzing information from written sources such as books, journals, articles, and documents related to the topic discussed. According to Farid Esack, the concept of hermeneutics is very necessary considering that the books in religion are not only a teaching concept that only contains rituals but also contains universal human liberation from social inequality and oppression.

Rituals of Devotion: Unveiling The Intersection of Faith and Haj Practice for Muslims

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between religion and the confluence of faith, spirituality, and ritual within a historical and cultural/symbolic domain. Considering the diversity of religious concepts and the ongoing debate over definitions, the study argues that a rational foundation exists within religious adherents supporting arduous rituals due to historical and religious precedents. Drawing upon the works of Clifford Geertz, Tanya Luhrmann, and Talal Asad, the paper aims to harmonize their varied approaches and formulate a cohesive understanding. The theoretical framework aligns with Geertz's definition of religion as a system of symbols that engenders enduring moods and motivations by crafting conceptions of a general order of existence. This interpretation resonates with the act of pilgrimage, particularly Hajj, where devotees seek communion with God through spiritual sentiments and rigorous rituals. The convergence of Geertz's theory with the works of Luhrmann and Asad forms the basis for comprehending the motivations that propel Muslims onto the well-trodden path of pilgrimage.

When Non-Muslims Visit Muslims: A Study of Ethnic Chinese Pilgrimage Practices at Ong Tien's Grave in Astana Village, Cirebon

Cirebon, one of the areas that still preserves traditions from ancient times to the present, upholds pilgrimage as one such tradition. This article highlights a pilgrimage phenomenon whose tradition remains in Cirebon Regency. In Cirebon's pilgrimage tradition, which is quite 'unique,' the Chinese ethnic group carries out a pilgrimage when visiting the grave of Ong Tien in Astana Village, Gunung Jati Subdistrict, Cirebon Regency. According to local beliefs, Ong Tien, a descendant of the Chinese ethnicity, embraced Islam and was one of the wives of Sunan Gunung Jati. In this study, three religious adherents visit Ong Tien's grave: Buddhists and followers of Confucianism. Several questions are outlined: First, what are the beliefs of the Chinese ethnic group when visiting Ong Tien's grave? Second, what are the purposes of the Chinese ethnic group visiting Ong Tien's grave? And third, what activities do the Chinese ethnic group carry out when visiting Ong Tien's grave? I answer these questions using a Social-Anthropological approach. In analyzing the data, I employ a qualitative descriptive analysis method, aiming to explain and analyze the phenomenon of pilgrimage carried out by non-Muslims at Ong Tien's grave

Religious values and poverty in Douala

Religion actively encourages and participates in alleviating poverty thereby influencing the response to poverty This article examines how religious affiliations affect the quality of life of its members. The questionnaire was self-administered, employing the systematic sampling method. It was discovered that atheists and Pentecostals do not only have good feeding habits, but also have a relatively better health seeking behaviour. Atheists and Protestants are more independent than other religious adherents especially the Catholics who are significantly dependent. Although Muslims suffer from poor feeding habits, health seeking and domestic comfort, and some of them are significantly homeless, they have the most stable homes where they live in harmony with their spouses. Although Catholics and Protestants relatively have a much more domestic comfort and health seeking behaviour as compared to the Muslims, they are significantly in conflict with their spouses. The more people get closer to the original religion, the more the rate of conflicts in their household reduces thereby clearly confirming the sect-church theory.

Identifying and Marketing the Spiritual Tourism Destination: A Case Study on Gokarna, Karnataka

Purpose : India has an elusive history as a spiritual destination. The study investigates if a beach destination exists to be a contested site for ‘pilgrim tourists’ and spiritual tourists or could it be the destination which facilitates co-existence. Methodology: The research is undertaken at Gokarna, a significant religious destination in the coastal Karnataka. The study privileges quantitative techniques of descriptive statistics and Cluster Analysis to recognize statistically evident and discriminant visitor types backed by qualitative analysis and interpretation. Findings: The study presents statistically significant clusters of Religious Adherents, Health/Lifestyle seekers, New Age Spiritually Inclined Tourists and Recreational Tourists. The study establishes the elusive connect the new age tourists share with the well-established religious destinations. Implications : The study convincingly recommends that Gokarna could be promoted as a spiritual destination while being acclaimed as beach tourism destination for the new age tourists who seek philosophical and life experiences. Study assists the destination to retain its core offerings and the policy makers to devise well informed development plan to sustainably manage the place and its aura.

Assessing Religious Obligations: A Phenomenological Approach to Value and Legal Perspectives

This research begins an effort to overcome the complex challenges of formulating the concept of religious obligations among diverse Indonesian society. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding aspects of these obligations in the context of Indonesia's national ideology, Pancasila, which emphasizes the principle of Belief in One Almighty God. Facing the legal and ethical complexities involved, this research uses a juridical-normative approach as an analytical framework to examine and understand policies surrounding religious obligations in Indonesia. The juridical-normative approach is very useful in identifying and interpreting government policies and societal norms that influence religious adherence in a country. Although the Indonesian government does not strictly require its citizens to adhere to only officially recognized religions — namely Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism — there is a fundamental tension between formal recognition and actual practice. The research results show that in practice, adherents of local beliefs such as Sundanese Wiwitan, Kaharingan, and Parmalim, which are inherited from generation to generation, often face discrimination that is contrary to the spirit of the first principle of Pancasila. This research illustrates the tension between official lists of religions and the reality that not all spiritual denominations are treated equally. This gap between policy and practice raises questions about the consistent application of Indonesia's constitutional law and the basic ideology of Pancasila across the diverse religious spectrum. This study aims to be a first step to further explore and discuss the complexity of religious obligations and freedom in Indonesia, especially in the context of the legal and ethical framework.

Religion and Fertility: A Longitudinal Register Study Examining Differences by Sex, Parity, Partner's Religion, and Religious Conversion in Finland.

We use longitudinal data on religious affiliation in Finland to examine childbearing behavior. All analyses are based on detailed fertility information from the Finnish national register of each person's religious denomination for men and women born in 1956-1975. We identify higher fertility according to parity among members of the Evangelical Lutheran state church and other Protestant churches, and lower fertility among individuals with no religious affiliation. Most other religious groups-Orthodox Christians, Jews, Muslims, and adherents of Eastern religions-have intermediate levels of fertility. We also find that religious converts, that is, those observed with more than one religious denomination over their life course, typically are similar to the non-converts of the group they convert to, though with more distinct deviations from the Finnish population. Women show larger differences by religious affiliation than men. We find the largest differences across religions when we examine the proportion of childless men and women. Overall, differences between religious groups are rather modest, and childbearing patterns are quite similar. Our results provide, to our knowledge, the first examination of religion and fertility using national-level longitudinal data.

Quantifying the effects of religious distance on trade misinvoicing

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of religious distance on trade misinvoicing, using bilateral data from 87 countries over the period 1990–2018. Trade misinvoicing refers to the combined occurrence of export under-invoicing and import over-invoicing. Religiosity is utilized as a measure of personal trust in God and adherence to religious values and principles. To capture religiosity, a composite index is constructed, considering three components: the number of religious adherents, the significance of religion, and religious service attendance. The empirical findings reveal that countries with greater religious distance exhibit reduced trade misinvoicing. Within the three dimensions of religiosity, belief and the importance of religion act as deterrents to trade misinvoicing, while religious service attendance is found to facilitate such misinvoicing. Furthermore, the effects vary across different types of misinvoicing, time periods, and sectors.

The Effect of Multidimensional Spiritual Psychotherapy on the Quality of Life of Bone Cancer Survivors with a History of Lower Extremity Amputation.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of multidimensional spiritual psychotherapy on anxiety, depression, and attitude towards self and god in bone cancer patients after amputation. Forty one cancer patients with a history of Below-The-Knee amputation were recruited in this quasi-experimental study. The design included pre-and post-tests in experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 15 sessions of multidimensional spiritual psychotherapy. Cattell Anxiety Inventory (CAI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Religious Adherence Questionnaire (RAQ), and Self-concept-God concept questionnaire were administered for data collection. There was a significant difference between the control and experimental groups in terms of anxiety (P=0.0001), Depression (P=0.0001), God-image (P=0.035, F(1,38)=4.79), God-concept (P=0.006, F(1,38)=8.58), self-image (P=0.0001, F(1,38)=98.62), and self-concept (P=0.0001, F(1,38)=120.56), psychological evolution (P=0.0001, F(1,38)=19.36), and religious adherence (P=0.0001, F(1,38)=84.21). The results of the study indicated that the emphasis on spirituality and the implementation of spiritual care could improve the cancer amputated patients' well-being.

Menjaga Keautentikan Al-Qur’an dalam Keberagaman Indonesia

The authenticity of the Qur'an is one of the important aspects in understanding and respecting the Qur'an as a holy book in Islam. The purpose of this study is to find concrete efforts in maintaining the authenticity of the Qur'an in cultural diversity in Indonesia. The term authentic refers to something that is original, valid, or maintains its authenticity and integrity. In the context of the Qur'an, authentic means that the text remains, does not change, and is in accordance with what was conveyed by the Prophet Muhammad. The method used is descriptive analysis. The authenticity of the Qur'an can be seen in three dimensions; first, reading the text; second, writing the text; third, understanding the text. This study found that concrete efforts in maintaining the authenticity of the Qur'an are through collaboration between the community, both scholars, religious leaders, government, and religious adherents in Indonesia.

When a yarmulke Stands for All Jews: Navigating Shifting Signs from Synagogue to School in Luxembourg

In the lives of students in Luxembourg’s Liberal Jewish complementary school, flexibility and mobility are highly valued as key characteristics of modern living. Complementary school students feel they easily meet these criteria—they are multilingual, cosmopolitan, and their approach to Jewish life is flexible, and equally importantly, they look, dress, and comport themselves “like everyone else.” These factors are understood to facilitate multiple movements and belongings in the contemporary world. The students directly contrast their ways of being with those of more observant Jews whom they refer to as “religious”; the material, embodied, and visible nature of observant Jewish life is perceived to be an impediment to participation and success in the secular sphere. However, when Jewishness appears in these students’ secular school classrooms, it is most often represented by Orthodox-presenting men—often a man in a yarmulke. Further, these men and their yarmulkes are taken to represent all Jews, framed as a homogeneous group of religious adherents. For many complementary school students, these experiences can be jarring—they suddenly find themselves on the “wrong” side of the religious–secular divide and grouped together with those from whom they could not feel more distant. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and a material approach to religion, this article argues that the yarmulke comes to point to different levels and modes of observance and identities and enable different possible belongings in the secular public sphere as it travels across contexts that include different definitions of and attitudes toward religion and Jewishness.