Religious Beliefs Research Articles

INTRODUCTION: Africa's quest for inclusion: Trends and patterns

Social inclusion is a multifaceted concept and is a critical pillar for transformative economic development. Its opposite, social exclusion entails the lack of or denial of resources, rights, goods and services, and the inability to participate in normal relationships and activities, available to people in a society, whether in economic, social, cultural, or political contexts. It affects the quality of life of individuals, the equity and cohesion of society and the lived experiences of citizens (Levitas, Pantazis, Fahmy, Gordon, Lloyd, & Patsios, 2007). Social inclusion, considers the terms of engagement of individuals and or groups in society, assessing the ability of the system to improve the capability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged based on their identity (World Bank, 2024). The inability of individuals or communities to make meaningful and consistent contributions reflects their exclusion. Exclusion can be based on age, gender, occupation, ethnicity, race, religious beliefs, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation (World Bank, 2024). There are differing levels of exclusion. When exclusion is deep, it is characterised by a lack of access to one or more domains resulting in severe negative consequences to quality of life, well-being, and future life chances (Levitas et al., 2007).

Perspectives on barriers to traditional sources of sexual and reproductive health information and services: Are mHealth technologies the answer?

Background: In Ghana, several qualitative studies have explored users’ perspectives on conventional sources of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and factors which influence provision of and access in rural settings. However, there is a dearth of qualitative studies on healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives on factors that deter access to conventional sources of SRH information among young people in rural Ghana and innovative ways for addressing barriers. This study explored perspectives on barriers to traditional sources of SRH information and services and innovative ways of using mHealth technologies for addressing provision and access challenges among young people in rural Ghana. Methods: This study used a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with HCPs in rural areas in three regions of Ghana between May and August 2021. Participants were selected from rural communities using the convenience snowball sampling and were interviewed via Zoom. The interviews explored the experiences and perceptions of HCPs on conventional SRH information and services and young people’s access to this information and services. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo software version 12, following the approach outlined by Braun and Clarke. Results: Twenty HCPs were interviewed for this study. The participants identified different sources of SRH information and services used by rural young people. Peers or friends, health facilities, health providers, and community settings were reported as the main services and sources of SRH information. Participants reported several barriers and challenges to the provision of and access to SRH information to young people, including socio-cultural norms, religious beliefs, unfriendly health facility environments, negative health providers’ attitudes, lack of privacy and confidentiality resulting in unfriendly youth SRH services, distance, and financial challenges due to costs of transportation which limits rural young people’s access to, and use of, SRH services. All the participants indicated that in addressing provision and access barriers, the use of mobile phones could be beneficial. Conclusion: This study highlights several barriers and challenges that deter provision of, and access to, SRH information and services for young people in rural Ghana. The findings indicate the use of innovative mobile health (mHealth) technologies may be one solution to some of the barriers and challenges.

Culturally responsive modifications to Gottman's Seven Principles Program for Arab American Adults: A feasibility study

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of implementing a culturally responsive version of Gottman's Seven Principles relationship education program in a community‐based setting for married Arab American adults.BackgroundTo provide high‐quality couple and relationship education, it is necessary to acknowledge the population's needs and cultural backgrounds. One ethnic minority group that needs special attention is the Arab American community, which shares protective factors in terms of family support, religious beliefs, resiliency, and collectivist culture.MethodWe adapted Gottman's Seven Principles Program and conducted a qualitative feasibility study to examine recruitment capability, program acceptability, demand, and participant response among 16 Arab American married adults.ResultsThe results emphasize the vital role that thoughtful cultural and linguistic program adaptation played in increasing the acceptability and engagement of Arab American participants. However, results identified the ongoing stigma in Arab American communities against overtly seeking help for marital issues.ConclusionThis feasibility study provides helpful methodological and practical guidance to inform the design of larger scale randomized trials examining the efficacy of culturally responsive marriage education programs.ImplicationsThis study outlined actionable strategies, adaptations, venues, and communication channels to reduce barriers and optimize the delivery of marriage education to Arab American couples and families.

“We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda

BackgroundFemale Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) play a crucial role in advocating for, delivering modern contraceptive methods (MCM) to reproductive-age women and potential users. Despite the high frequency of women seeking healthcare annually, less than half receive adequate contraceptive counseling and services. Investigating FHCWs’ adherence to these practices and understanding the obstacles they encounter is essential. This study aimed to explore challenges with utilization of MCM among FHCWs at the two tertiary teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study employing a qualitative approach at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor (SMHL) and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH), Northern Uganda. Qualitative data were explored using the principles of descriptive phenomenology to gain deeper insights into the experiences of twenty (20) FHCWs.ResultsFindings revealed various challenges faced by FHCWs, including patient barriers such as religious beliefs, contraceptive myths, fear of side effects, and provider barriers like lack of knowledge, training, and discomfort. Additionally, health system barriers like limited time and competing priorities were identified.ConclusionFemale Healthcare workers experience challenges with utilization of MCM. Efforts should focus on enhancing contraceptive services, particularly in faith-based facilities and among married individuals. Besides, addressing perceived barriers at the patient, provider, and system levels through comprehensive health education, ensuring method availability, and provider training is imperative.

A reflection on making ‘Religion’ in China: The Genealogy of Zongjiao through cultural exchange

The term Zongjiao [宗教] originally referring to the teachings of Buddhism and Chinese ancestral worship was not considered the equivalent for the English term ‘religion’ until the late 19th century when Japanese translated religion as shūkyō [宗教]. The later introduction of the concept of Zongjiao into China via Japan triggered a deep exploration of the differences between religion and Jiao among Chinese intellectuals like Liang Qichao, Kang Youwei and Peng Guangyu, representing Chinese scholars’ conceptualisation and reflections of Chinese traditional religious belief, practices and phenomena within the context of Western religious culture. Rather than a simple lexical selection, the translation of ‘religion’ essentially was a process of making the notion of ‘religion’ in China, which had provided valuable insight into the nature of Chinese Confucianism culture and was closely related to the understanding of the state–church relationship in China. With continuous cultural exchanges and integration, reflecting on this translation process will provide a more inclusive perspective on the complexity and diversity of religions and facilitate mutual learning.Contribution: This article briefly reviews the process of accepting Zongjiao [宗教] as the equivalent for the Western term ‘religion’ in China, in order to shed light on how such translation has influenced people’s understanding of religion and the inclusiveness contained in the study of religion.

The Gods as Latent Causes: A Statistical Inference Theory of Religion

ABSTRACT The statistical brain hypothesis posits that the brain constructs probabilistic models of the environment. Here we examine whether this perspective can provide any insight on religion. We propose that religious ideas represent an attempt to explain away residuals, that is, to explain discrepancies between observations and predictions. The framework postulates probabilistic generative models where gods are described by latent variables whose possible states correspond to the actions available to the gods. As examined in the paper, our proposal offers a plausible interpretation of typical religious phenomena such as miracles, omens, and divination. Moreover, it captures important characteristics of religious beliefs including the notion that gods control multiple spheres of reality, are organized hierarchically, and control aspects that are salient for believers. Besides offering an intriguing new perspective on religion, the paper corroborates the possibility that the statistical brain hypothesis represents a unifying theory of the mind.

How Sexism in Institutions and Everyday Interactions Shapes Early Childbearing

Early childbearing is associated with poor outcomes for parents and children, potentially exacerbating inequality within and across generations. Building on the structural sexism and health perspective, we argue that systemic gender inequality is a conceptually important—and understudied—factor in early childbearing. Using survey data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health ( N = 5,052 female respondents and 32,595 person-years) merged to state, county, and school characteristics, we investigate how exposure to structural sexism during adolescence shapes early childbearing. We measure structural sexism in institutional domains with state and county-level measures of economic, cultural, and reproductive health. We also generate a novel measure of structural sexism in interactional domains, capturing gendered expectations, power dynamics, and conservative religious beliefs among school peers. We find that institutional sexism is associated with a higher likelihood of early childbearing among young women racialized as Black, but not among those racialized as White. Interactional sexism is also a significant predictor of early childbearing, and is especially salient for adolescents as they turn to peers for social cues about gender roles. Our results underscore the importance of institutional and interactional forces for shaping families and raise questions about increasingly polarized gender climates post- Dobbs.

The influence of religiosity on medical treatment choice

Religiosity can significantly influence the choice of medical treatment, as each religious belief has its own guidelines and teachings about health, illness, and healing. For example, some religions may prefer naturalistic treatments or alternative medicine, which are often not scientifically proven. On the other hand, some individuals opt for more conventional approaches, such as Western medicine. Furthermore, religious beliefs may also affect the use of certain medications or procedures, including surgeries and blood transfusions. It is important to emphasize that the choice of medical treatment should take into account not only the patient’s religiosity but also their clinical condition and specialized medical guidance. Decision-making should be conscious and responsible, always aiming for the well-being and health of the individual.

Designing persuasive communication models for vaccine acceptance in isolated communities: A mass communication approach

This study introduces the Persuasive Communication Model as a novel approach to address vaccine hesitancy in isolated U.S. communities, where infectious diseases such as measles and influenza continue to pose significant public health threats. By integrating mass communication theories like the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), with AI-driven message personalization, the model effectively tailors health communication strategies to the cultural, cognitive, and socio-economic contexts of vaccine-hesitant populations. In a randomized controlled trial, the model increased vaccination uptake by over 20% compared to traditional methods, while also enhancing trust in healthcare systems. The model’s adaptive communication, utilizing both digital platforms and community leaders, was instrumental in overcoming barriers related to geographic isolation, religious beliefs, and cultural resistance. These findings are particularly relevant for enhancing national public health security and reducing the economic burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. The study highlights the model's superiority over static communication frameworks, offering scalable applications for broader public health interventions.

“When you provide abortion services, you are looked upon as a bad guy”: experiences of abortion stigma by health providers in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background Abortion stigma as reported globally has been inadequately documented empirically in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with a restrictive abortion law and a high rate of unsafe abortions. Objective The objectives of this study were to investigate the ways in which abortion stigma is experienced by Nigerian health professionals and how such experiences influence health professionals’ practice of safe abortion and post-abortion care. Methods The study utilized qualitative research consisting of in-depth interviews with 10 abortion providers. We elicited information with an open-ended interview guide that investigated the understanding of participants’ experiences of abortion stigma in Nigeria. The data were analysed qualitatively and thematically using Atlas.ti. Results The themes centred on perceptions and experiences of stigma among the providers interviewed. Participants’ experiences of abortion stigma included the following: being treated differently to other health professionals; experiencing disapproval and disrespect; name-calling and societal judgement; tagging and profiling of clinics by anti-abortionists; and social isolation. Participants attributed stigma to cultural and religious beliefs, the restrictive national abortion law, and pointed to hypocrisy. Some reported effects of stigma on providers included a feeling of insecurity, social exclusion, secrecy, and insincerity in clinical practice, discouragement, and guilt feelings. Despite the negative impacts, many respondents reported a sense of satisfaction stemming from their views that they were saving lives. Conclusion Systematic efforts to address these adverse factors could reduce the level of stigma experienced by providers, with a potential follow-through effect of improving women’s access to safe abortion care in Nigeria.

Church surroundings as spaces with a health-promoting function – possibilities and dilemmas

Motives: Climate and socio-economic changes exert a negative influence on human health, both physical and psychological. Therefore, various solutions are needed to address this problem, and the spaces surrounding religious sites should be analysed to determine whether they can improve health. Can plant and garden arrangements accompanying parish churches have health-promoting properties?Aim: The aim of this work was to answer the above questions by analysing selected parish churches of the Lublin Archdiocese.Results: An analysis of the compositional structure of vegetation and the functional-spatial arrangement of religious sites revealed that these spaces have vast, albeit not fully utilised potential. Despite the fact that these spaces are addressed predominantly to believers, their unique features can promote recreation and even improve health, regardless of one’s religious beliefs and practices.

The intersection of anatomy and spirituality.

The intersection of anatomy and spirituality offers a profound exploration into how the physical and spiritual aspects of our being interrelate, enhancing our understanding of wholeness. These domains are often seen as distinct, with anatomy rooted in the tangible study of the human body, while spirituality is considered intangible and deeply personal. However, as our understanding of both fields has evolved, a more integrative approach is emerging, recognizing that the physical and spiritual are not separate but interconnected aspects of human experience. In this unique special issue, we explore the diverse ways in which spirituality influences the field of anatomy. To provide a comprehensive perspective, the issue is organized into three sections. The first section examines how spirituality shapes students' learning experiences in anatomy. The second section focuses on the role of religious beliefs in body donation practices. Finally, the third section considers the interplay between spirituality and culture, and how this dynamic has influenced the discipline of anatomy over time. This special issue emphasizes the connection between anatomy and spirituality, bridging the divide between the physical and spiritual dimensions of educators, students, body donors, and community members. More needs to be done in the future to embrace the connection between anatomy and spirituality and build upon it to advance our discipline.

When religious beliefs become an ideology to motivate a war

ABSTRACT Historical records confirm the peaceful coexistence of individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. This paper seeks to analyse the enduring conflict between Israel and Palestine as a case in point to illustrate how prolonged conflicts can transform religions into ideologies fuelling the quest for survival and justice, rendering political resolutions futile. Through a narrative review, it contends that decades of occupation, forced displacements, and expulsions from the sacred territories of various faiths have led to significant loss of life, economic stagnation, and global health crises, despite numerous United Nations efforts to broker peace. Emphasising the centrality of religion in this conflict, this narrative suggests avenues for future research and political deliberation.

Why did Southern Christians maintain their pro-slavery stance before and during the Civil War

The paper explores the reasons behind Southern Christians’ staunch pro-slavery stance before and during the American Civil War, focusing on the religious perspective rather than the more commonly studied economic aspects. The paper examines how Southern Baptists, in particular, justified slavery as a part of their religious beliefs and identity, viewing it as a divinely sanctioned institution integral to their way of life. The paper highlights the role of the Southern Baptist Church (SBC) and its significant influence on the pro-slavery ideology, emphasizing the theological arguments made by Southern pastors and theologians. These religious leaders believed that slavery was morally and religiously justified and that the North’s attempts to abolish it were an infringement on their religious freedom. The study utilizes both primary and secondary sources, including speeches and letters from Southern Baptist leaders, to illustrate how deeply entrenched these beliefs were in Southern Christian thought, ultimately arguing that this religious justification was a central factor in the South’s resistance to abolition.

Research Progress of Bronze Ware Ornamentation in the Shang Dynasty of China

Bronze ware is an important representative of ancient Chinese culture, and the Shang Dynasty is the peak of China’s bronze casting technology. As an important symbol of ancient culture, the bronze ornaments of Shang Dynasty in China. Deeply reflect the religious belief, social structure and cultural value at that time. Through a systematic literature review of the origin, classification and evolution of the bronze ornament, this paper aims to deepen the understanding of the Shang Dynasty bronzes and their cultural connotation. Among the existing studies, the current research on Shang Dynasty bronze ornament mainly focuses on the categorization of ornament, its relationship with culture and the evolution rules. Specifically, the classification of bronze ornament is diverse and represents the different symbolic meanings. Shang Dynasty bronze ornaments are closely related to religious beliefs and social structures, and evolved over time. In general, these studies have enriched the cultural knowledge of Shang Dynasty bronzes, while some rare ornaments have been understudied and the research methods need to be further innovated. The significance of this study is clear: by examining Shang dynasty bronze ornament, it can increase people’s understanding of ancient Chinese religious culture and feudal social structure, and also contribute to the identification and conservation of modern bronzes. Future research can apply modern scientific and technological tools to further reveal the deeper connotations and historical value of Shang culture.

The Role of Religious Metaphors in Cognition Based on the Bible

The intricate relationship between religion and metaphor has long been a focal point of academic inquiry. This study uses the Bible as its main research topic to analyze the function and varieties of metaphors in religious texts and their effects on human cognition. It does this by drawing on cognitive linguistics and hermeneutic techniques. The study divides religious metaphors into two categories: single- and multi-interpretation kinds. It then uses concrete examples to examine how these metaphors are expressed and what cognitive underpinnings they have in the Bible. The paper underscores the diversity and dynamic nature of metaphor interpretation, revealing the essential role metaphors play in religious communication and belief formation. Ultimately, this study not only enhances our cognitive understanding of religious metaphors but also offers new perspectives for cross-cultural religious research.

One faith for different realities: accounting and management practices of Benedictine monasteries

Purpose This paper aims to explore how the accounting and management practices of monastic institutions were shaped by their surrounding social, political, geographical and economic environments, as well as religious ideologies, during critical historical periods. Design/methodology/approach By applying institutional theory and the comparative international accounting history perspective, this study conducts a comparative analysis of archival records from two monasteries, examining how their accounting and managerial practices were influenced by differing institutional logics. The research relies on systematic archival data collection, complemented by secondary sources, to analyze how religious beliefs shaped the accounting and management practices of these institutions and the degree of convergence between the two. Findings This study found that both monasteries adapted their accounting and management practices to their external environments. San Placido demonstrated resilience amidst disruptions such as wars and earthquakes, while Silos showed financial sophistication through diverse income streams. The resilience of these institutions was driven by their ability to align internal operations with external political, economic and social factors. This adaptability, coupled with strategic management, enhanced their capacity to maintain financial stability, illustrating the direct link between external changes, organizational resilience and improved financial health. Research limitations/implications This study highlights the historical interplay between religious principles and accounting management practices in Benedictine monasteries by comparing two monasteries. It reveals how external environments shape internal operations, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of these institutions in maintaining financial sustainability through the alignment of external pressures with internal resilience mechanisms, which in turn bolster their financial health. Originality/value This research contributes valuable insights to historical managerial and accounting literature, shedding light on the financial resilience and strategies used by Benedictine monasteries. It underscores the enduring respectful legacy of their accounting practices and the unique interplay between spiritual devotion and organizational structure within these institutions.

Barriers to young people’s use of sexual and reproductive health services in Asia-Pacific

Abstract Background Qualitative literature extensively documents young people’s barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Asia-Pacific countries. However, efforts to synthesise this research for practical use in healthcare policy and practice are lacking. This systematic review aims to systematically review and synthesise published qualitative literature focusing on young people’s utilisation of SRH services and understanding common access barriers. Methods We systematically searched five electronic databases from inception until 24 June 2022: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Google Scholar and reference lists of all included studies were also searched. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for appraising the quality of included studies and analysed the data using a thematic synthesis approach. Results We included 31 papers reporting the experiences of over 1800 young people from 16 Asia-Pacific countries. Thematic synthesis identified several factors affecting adolescents’ utilisation of SRH services, which were grouped into six descriptive themes: navigating puberty; lack of SRH knowledge; embarrassment and confidentiality concerns; low decision-making autonomy; traditional practices and religious beliefs; and socio-cultural norms. Our overreaching analytical theme highlighted the role of shame as a key emotion hindering young people’s utilisation of SRH services. Conclusions Direct communication about SRH issues is crucial for teenagers. Embarrassment, privacy concerns, and stigma significantly affect their service utilisation decisions. Inclusive interventions for both youth and their communities by addressing socio-cultural factors are essential for optimising service accessibility and guiding evidence-based interventions and policies across diverse cultural contexts. Key messages • Understanding young people’s SRH service barriers in Asia-Pacific countries: Socio-cultural norms are highlighted as crucial for optimising service utilisation among young individuals in this area. • Inclusive interventions and policies are needed for enhanced accessibility.

Religious Belief: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis on the Experience of Minority Students in Implementing Religious Education

This study aims to explore students’ minority experiences while participating in religious education (RE). An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to answer the objective questions. Data were collected using the undergraduates’ diaries and in-depth interviews with 9 senior high school students which were selected by purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to categorize the information obtained. The result showed the three major themes that emerge in the IPA analysis, which include the strength of faith, basic knowledge, and a sense of religion. The finding interprets that informants have complete belief in the God they worship because of the basic understanding of religion that has been obtained from the family, community, and social media, even informants’ religious participation and activities have reached the level of sense. This study explains how the informants stand firm in worshipping their God despite receiving RE in various schools. This study concludes that even though informants are in a minority environment, they can still get religious education that is appropriate to their conditions through diverse activities and upholding the values of differences.

Enhancing Organizational Efficiency of the Lantern Festival in Penghu, Taiwan Through Information Technology: Key Factors Analysis

The Lantern Festival in Penghu, Taiwan, has become one of the region's most important cultural events, attracting numerous tourists and garnering extensive media coverage. This festival combines local traditions and religious beliefs, serving as not only a symbol of the holiday but also a key attraction for Penghu's tourism. However, despite the festival's long history, the growth in visitor numbers has been relatively limited. To enhance the event's impact effectively, organizers face several challenges, including resource allocation, event content design, and promotional strategies. This study systematically analyzes and evaluates the key success factors of the Lantern Festival using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and establishes a related framework. The results reveal three major dimensions: A. Event Planning and Resource Support, B. Event Execution and Promotional Communication, and C. Cultural Heritage and Industrial Activities. These three dimensions encompass a total of twelve specific indicators, such as the design of the event theme, government funding and policy support, marketing and promotion, local community involvement, and cultural innovation and preservation. Through an analysis of the Penghu Lantern Festival, this study identifies the core factors contributing to the event's success and how they are integrated with local culture and tourism development. These findings provide a valuable reference for other regions planning similar festivals, helping improve the quality and appeal of events and laying the foundation for long-term development. Additionally, the study offers festival planners a practical action framework to review key factors during the preparation phase, ensuring smooth execution and meeting the expectations of all stakeholders.