Religious Communities Research Articles

Pengantar Media Dakwah Kontemporer

This research aims to analyze the development process of da'wah media in contemporary times. This research uses a qualitative approach, with the type of literature review research collecting data from books, articles, and credible sources from the internet. The use of media in da'wah is not only limited to traditional methods such as lectures or sermons, but has developed into a more modern and innovative form with the existence of various digital platforms, the potential for disseminating information to the public is getting wider. However, this also brings its own challenges, especially related to ethics in preaching. Therefore, it is important to understand the concept of da'wah media and the history of its development and second, the relevance of the media in the contemporary context, and the ethics that should be upheld in its use. This study discusses the definition of da'wah media as well as the history of its development and the relevance of da'wah media ethics in contemporary times. The results of the study show that the development of da'wah media shows that da'wah media is a means used to convey religious messages to the wider community and transforms from traditional forms such as live lectures and magazines, to digital platforms such as social media, podcasts, and online videos and the ethical relevance of da'wah media covers various aspects, ranging from honesty in conveying information, maintaining harmony between religious communities, to respecting differences of opinion through an inclusive and dialogical approach.

Tasteful Play: Christian Artists, Ambiguity and the Theo-politics of Taste.

Émile Durkheim (1912) argues that art is an essential part of religious life-it 'refreshes a spirit worn down by all that is overburdening in day-to-day labor' (385). For Durkheim, making art in religious contexts is akin to sacred play. We explore how contemporary Christian artists use play, frivolity and experimentation to intentionally, and more often unintentionally, challenge, or at least, reveal various social and theo-political dynamics within their religious communities. We will explore some of the pressures artists face to 'fit in' to church environments, their encounters with various arbiters of 'taste', and the threat that artists pose to power structures in churches that have been traditionally derived through the interpretation of text. This work is part of a multi-sited ethnography that investigated the relationship between visual art and religious innovation in Canadian Christian communities, including 4 years of ethnographic observation and interviews in Alberta, Southern Ontario, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The impact of cultural competence in family law: An overview of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism

AbstractIn contemporary multicultural societies, the family law profession requires a nuanced understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds to facilitate equitable and effective resolutions. Cultural competence in the family law profession entails recognizing and respecting the beliefs, values, and practices of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Understanding the impact of religion on family dynamics, decision‐making processes, and conflict resolution is essential for family law professionals to navigate sensitive issues such as divorce, custody arrangements, and parental rights. By delving into the teachings, traditions, and rituals of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism, this paper elucidates the unique cultural considerations that influence family law disputes within these religious communities. It examines key aspects such as dietary preferences, religious observances, and extended family dynamics, shedding light on how these factors shape co‐parenting arrangements and legal proceedings. Furthermore, this paper underscores the importance of incorporating cultural sensitivity into the family law process to promote mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among parties. By fostering an environment where diverse religious perspectives are acknowledged and valued, mediators can facilitate more equitable and satisfactory outcomes for families from different cultural backgrounds. Ultimately, this paper advocates for the integration of cultural competence training into family law practices, emphasizing the need for mediators to continuously educate themselves on the religious and cultural nuances of the diverse populations they serve. By embracing cultural competence, family law practitioners can better serve the needs of all families, regardless of their religious affiliations, and contribute to a more inclusive and just legal system.

"To Whom Should I Refer Her?" Factors Contributing to Religious Informal Helpers' Referral Decisions for Women with Mental Illness and At-Risk Women: The Case of Israeli Balaniyot.

Religious informal helpers may play a crucial role in recognizing and providing referrals to mental health professional for at-risk individuals, including those with mental illness, especially since members of religious communities tend to conceal their difficulties and to view religious leaders as a sole source of assistance. This quantitative study aimed to explore Jewish bathhouse attendants ("balaniyot") who assist women in their monthly immersion, a unique situation in which mental health symptoms (e.g. obsessive-compulsive disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders) and intimate partner violence may come to light. The Health Belief Model (HBM) which suggests factors explaining the likelihood of seeking or referring to professional help for physical and/or mental illness guided the selection of the variables. Israeli Balaniyot (N = 166) completed self-report questionnaires assessing factors deriving from HBM: religious affiliation, mastery, spirituality at work, knowledge of mental health, and tendency to assist IPV victims. Binary regression analysis examined the contribution of variables to choice of referral source (professional vs. spiritual/rabbinical). The findings indicated that most participants (69%) tended to refer at-risk women to professional help. Predictive factors included religious affiliation (with a higher tendency among Orthodox balaniyot), weekly workdays, mental health knowledge, a focus on protecting women's safety and family integrity, and high mastery conditioned by low spirituality at work. The findings validate the HBM and its application among religious informal helpers and suggest the need to increase balaniyot's knowledge of mental health issues and trust in professional figures and to respect their religious beliefs.

Religion and Secularism: A Critical Examination of Their Interplay in Modernity

This study examines the evolving relationship between religion and secularism, emphasizing the critique of secularism in the context of the contemporary world. While advocates for religion argue that its presence in public life offers meaningful benefits and enhances democratic values, secularists contend that maintaining a separation between church and state is essential for protecting individual rights and freedoms. The research critiques the prevailing view of secularization as synonymous with modernization, which assumes that religion will inevitably decline. It highlights the ongoing significance of religious communities within contemporary pluralistic societies and reassesses the boundaries of the public sphere in light of this persistence.

The Role and Conception of Madrasah Institutions in Responding to Religious Moderation

Religious moderation is an important principle in the life of religiously diverse societies. This principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance, tolerance, and inter-religious harmony in a society. Religious moderation is essential to maintaining Social Harmony. Religious moderation helps prevent conflict and tension between religious communities. This creates a harmonious environment where people with different beliefs can coexist peacefully, for that the process of internalization of Religious Moderation is important to be applied and encouraged in madrasah programs, so that the role of Islamic educational institutions becomes harmonious in line with the programs of the Ministry of Religious Affairs

‘Intertwined worlds’: How religion as a cultural system shapes social workers’ motivation for policy engagement

Abstract In an era of increasing social inequality, social workers are increasingly called upon to engage in policy shaping processes to advance social justice. In multicultural societies, this may include social workers whose cultural systems are often characterized by shared religious beliefs, values, and lifestyles. However, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding how these cultural systems influence social workers’ motivation for engagement in policy arenas. This article addresses this gap by conducting a qualitative study that included twenty-five in-depth interviews with religious social workers who were employed in public welfare agencies in localities with a large concentration of ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel. The research explores how their religious-cultural system influences their motivation for policy practice engagement, and it identifies ways that may increase this engagement. The findings reveal that cultural systems encompassing religious beliefs, cultural behaviours, and religious community affiliation shape social workers’ motivation regarding policy practice. Building on these insights, the study emphasizes that increasing engagement in policy practice in multicultural societies necessitates providing culturally contextualized knowledge, resources, and opportunities tailored to the unique backgrounds of social workers.

Identity and Self-Positioning of the Community of Sant’Egidio: A Faith-Based Organization on the International Stage

Religion in international relations should not be viewed solely as a source of conflict or cultural differences; it also has a constructive dimension, as demonstrated by the international activities of faith-based organizations (FBOs). FBOs have benefited from the post-Cold War expansion of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in global affairs. Their growth is often linked to raising awareness among various social groups about security challenges or issues traditionally addressed by state and inter-governmental actors, as well as increasing international interconnectedness. While FBOs differ from classical NGOs in their strong religious motivation, they too often organize around specific missions or messages. The Community of Sant’Egidio (CSE) is a distinctive example of a faith-based organization that operates both as a religious community within the Roman Catholic Church and as an internationally active NGO. Unlike many NGOs, which are founded in response to a singular issue, CSE has broadened its scope over time, addressing a wide range of concerns, from poverty alleviation and peacebuilding to humanitarian aid and, more recently, environmental issues. This paper explores the process by which the CSE has discursively constructed its identity and examines how this process has contributed to its growing influence on the international stage.

Schisms in the History of Hindu Law

Abstract It has been well documented that the marriage, inheritance, and succession laws of Hindus as a religious community in India are a product of British colonial intervention and engagement with Sanskritic legal traditions. However, what has been relatively ignored are the writings and the views of colonial administrator James Henry Nelson on the lack of a Brahmanical Hindu law in the Madras Presidency. Nelson's controversial viewpoints brought him into confrontation with Justice Lewis Charles Innes, a Madras High Court judge. The elements of this confrontation lays bare the fractured nature of Hindu law and its dependence on colonial legal conceptions. This article sheds light on the jurisprudential basis of this debate and concludes by looking at the consequences for Hindu law as a legal entity.

Interaction between Religious Communities of Klaipėda City and Soviet Authority in 1945–1954

The purpose of this work is to describe the life conditions of religious communities and Soviet authority’s fighting against ecclesiastical institutions in 1945–1954 year in Klaipėda. The research is based on official documents, periodical press and memoirs of people were used. After the World War II Klaipėda was rebuilt, demographic situation had changed, the city was repopulated. Traditional, as well as new religions emerged the city were trying to get places for their activities and a right to execute rituals, the same time Soviet regime continued the policy of atheism. Soviet authority was trying to create the typical soviet atmosphere in Klaipėda, but it wasn’t able to stop the development of religious communities.

(De)Humanising People in Discussions around Race and Religion

Welcome to our conversation about the complex entanglements of racialization and Islamophobia in Denmark. The following panel discussion was part of a Gendering in Research seminar which took place the 26th of May 2023 at Aarhus University. We invited three speakers from three different disciplines to offer their take on how race, or rather racialization, and religion intersect in different Danish contexts. Coming from the field of Educational Psychology Associate Professor Iram Khawaja from Danish School of Education spoke about Muslimness as a racialized category. In her talk she offered examples from her interview data about how religion and race intersect in Denmark, especially in the educational system where discourses contrasting religiosity and secularity govern. Professor Lene Kühle from the Department of the Study of Religion at the School of Culture and Society offered a talk entitled Is the regulation of religious individuals and communities in Denmark discriminatory or racist? As the title indicate she offered a more judicial take on how we navigate religion in a Danish context. And finally, we had Professor Christian Suhr from the Department of Anthropology at the School of Culture and Society offer the talk Muslims, Muslims, Muslims: flimflam about Muslims in Europe. Suhr’s talk was based on his experiences as a film maker, and he drew attention to how the framing of movies about minorities (like Muslims) shape our understandings of what it means to belong to a particular minority. So, this is where our conversation starts - welcome.

Roleplay Based English Language Learning Strategies and Interactive Programs to Improve the Speaking Skills and Interest of Elementary School Students in Rural Areas in Indonesia - Systematic Literature Review

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of roleplay-based English learning strategies and interactive programs in improving the speaking skills and interest of elementary school students in rural areas in Indonesia. Through a systematic literature review, various community service activities conducted by the team from the Nursing Study Program at STIKes Mitra Husada Medan have shown positive responses from various parties, including religious leaders, community leaders, and local government. These activities combine theory (60%) and direct practice (40%), where the roleplay method has proven effective in improving the English-speaking skills of children aged 10-13 in Bangun Sari Village, Silau Laut District. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of early English language learning in the era of globalization. Interactive, media-based, and game-based methods have been proven to increase students' interest, motivation, and speaking skills. These innovations are expected to address challenges such as limited resources and learning support in rural areas, reducing the quality gap in language education between urban and rural regions. Thus, children in villages will have greater opportunities to compete globally.

Islamic Law Approach to Mitigate the Impact of Early Marriage: A Case Study in Sapeken district, Sumenep, Madura

The study analyzed the impact of early marriage in Sapeken district, Sumenep, Madura, from the perspective of Islamic law, with a special emphasis on reproductive health, education, and the well-being of young women. This study investigates the social, cultural, and religious factors that drive the practice of early marriage as well as its negative effects. This research was conducted using a qualitative case study method. The results of the study showed that early marriage worsened physical and mental health, limited educational and employment opportunities, and increased women's economic dependence. Reproductive health education, premarital counselling, and economic empowerment programs are suggestions to address this problem. Following the principles of Maqasid Sharia which emphasizes the protection of individual life and welfare, religious leaders and community leaders have an important role in educating the public about the importance of physical and mental readiness before marriage. This method is expected to change the perspective of society and reduce the prevalence of early marriage. In addition, the study provides policy advice based on Islamic law that can improve the welfare of young women through the incorporation of social, educational, and health reforms in the island community

Development of Vocational Education Based on Independent Curriculum at BIM Jombang Center of Excellence Vocational School

The independent curriculum is structured and organized as a refinement of the previous curriculum with a more dynamic and adaptive learning approach. It frees educators and students to carry out a learning process that continues to develop based on religious values, community culture, and Pancasila. The Government authorizes each SMK PK to plan and implement an independent curriculum focusing on students. The focus of this research is (1) How is the independent curriculum planning in the development of vocational education at SMK PK BIM Jombang, (2) How is the implementation of the independent curriculum in the development of vocational education at SMK PK BIM Jombang? This research method uses descriptive qualitative techniques in data collection triangulation, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions and verification. The results of this study are (1) Planning for vocational education curriculum for SMK PK in the independent curriculum by participating in training through IHT, compiling curriculum content, curriculum organization, curriculum content organization preparing methods and strategies in learning carried out by the curriculum development team and all teaching Staff, (2) The implementation of the PK vocational education curriculum in the independent curriculum is still in the second stage of development.

The Role of Husbands in Teaching Hinduism to Sudhi Wadani Wife in Interfaith Marriages

Interfaith marriage in Indonesia is a complex issue that involves legal, social, and religious dilemmas. Marriages must be legal under both religious and state law, which requires the bride and groom to be of the same faith to be recognized as religiously valid. This provision has caused controversy and injustice, especially regarding religious freedom and human rights in a multicultural society. The Study aims to focuses on the role of husbands in providing an understanding of Hinduism to wives who have undergone Sudhi Wadani who previously adhered to other religions, especially in the context of interfaith marriages. This research uses a qualitative, phenomenological method, in-depth interview techniques, and participatory observation. was conducted in Palu City in 2024 with 13 informants husband. The results showed that the husband plays a central role in guiding his wife to understand the teachings of Hinduism, which is realized through direct teaching, accompanying in religious activities, and being a role model. The obstacles husbands face include limited religious knowledge, lack of time due to busy work, and wife's sensitivity. The strategies husbands apply to overcome these obstacles include inviting wives indirectly to engage in religious activities, patient communication, and utilization of religious communities to learn. This concludes that the husband's role in guiding his wife to understand the teachings of Hinduism in an interfaith marriage is vital and requires consistent, flexible, and practice-based efforts. Practical recommendations for interfaith couples and relevant institutions to strengthen support for Hindu husbands of wives who have undergone Sudhi Wadani in interfaith marriages.

Anti-Religious Struggle against Tajik Ismailis in the 1920s (Based on Archival Documents)

The article covers the anti-religious struggle of the Soviet State against Islam in Central Asia with a focus on the Ismaili community of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) of Tajikistan. The study is based on archival documents from two Russian archives — the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GA RF) and the Russian State Archive of Social and Political History (RGASPI). The study involved a critical analysis of archival documents, considering the context of when these documents were created. The study attempted to comprehend and scientifically evaluate the fact that the transmitters of knowledge about the Ismailis in the region included members of the Joint State Political Directorate (OGPU), who themselves had very superficial knowledge about the history of this Islamic branch. In spite of the biased approach of declassified archival documents concerning the anti-religious struggle in the early years of the Soviet State, they nevertheless provide researchers with a lot of useful information — both statistical and shedding light on the socio-political context. The OGPU members had quite sufficient information regarding the amount of zakat for Aga Khan III, the ways of delivery and the people involved in this process. These data help researchers to further investigate the socio-economic condition of religious communities, the role of their activists in establishing contacts between ordinary community members and their spiritual leader, etc. A comparative analysis of the materials prepared by government officials and the documents in the personal archives of the GBAO Ismailis is also important. They differ not only in writing style, but also in content. The anti-religious fighters, when preparing their letters and report notes to the center (Tashkent or Moscow), had the goal of promptly “ridding” the population of “religious prejudices”, while the spiritual leaders (in our case, the residence of Imam Aga Khan III) strove to preserve the spiritual bond that had developed between Imam and his followers over millennia.

Examination of adolescent and youth modern contraceptive users’ perceptions on how religion influences contraceptive use and their rationale and circumstances of use: qualitative evidence from Burkina Faso, Kenya and Niger

While religion is a key determining factor of contraceptive use, few studies examine how religion influences adolescent and youth contraceptive attitudes, beliefs, and use. We use recently collected (August–November 2022) qualitative data from Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Niger among young users of modern contraception who practice Christianity or Islam. In-depth interviews with married and unmarried young women ages 18–24 years were conducted in two sites in each country to obtain a mix of religions and method users. In each country, many young Christian and Muslim women perceived that their religion is not supportive of contraceptive use. Some nuances around perceived acceptability of use were identified in Niger and among Muslim women in Kenya particularly for married women for spacing or health reasons. Reasons given for using related to realities of life, personal choices, and that use is their prerogative and God will forgive them. Most married women felt there would be few consequences if their religious community learned of their use whereas unmarried young women feared more consequences from their religious and broader community. These findings demonstrate that while religion is important in all three study contexts, decisions around contraceptive use among the young women included were not necessarily influenced by their religious beliefs and practices. As a greater number of young people adopt contraception, with or without perceived religious support, social norms are likely to change leading to increased access to contraception for all young women, married and unmarried, when or if they need it.

The Legal Definition of Religion in the Context of Modern Religious Exercise with Psychedelics: Protection, Double Standards, and Potential Expansion under RFRA

In the United States, the convergence of religious freedom and the prohibition of controlled substances is legally complex, increasing, and evolving. As interest in psychedelic religious practices expands, legal protection of religious exercise pursuant to the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) enables certain religious communities to use controlled substances in rituals through exemptions from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). RFRA was enacted in response to a Supreme Court case that failed to safeguard sacramental drug use as a legitimate religious exercise and requires application of stricter analysis of federal government activities that infringe religious freedom. Key to this protection is defining what constitutes a legitimate religious belief when it involves illegal substances. By analyzing court precedents, this essay explores how the legal definition of religion has preferred Judeo-Christian concepts and determined, with a bias, that psychedelic religious practices are not recognizable enough as religious. It argues that the evolving nature of society and religious practice necessitates a reevaluation of legal standards to ensure that the legal right to religious exercise, as applied and intended, protects the minority and remains consistent with modern expressions of faith and ritual.

Disharmonisasi Pengaturan Pengelolaan Wilayah Izin Usaha Pertambangan Khusus bagi Organisasi Masyarakat Keagamaan di Indonesia

Exploration of mining wealth is an effort to accelerate the economy. Polemics arise when PP 25/2024 and Perpres 76/2024 are juxtaposed with positive law in the form of laws that have a higher hierarchical position. The three religious community organizations that have received WIUPK concession offers are Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah, and Persatuan Islam. Mining concessions are often wrapped in political nuances, even allegedly ridden by the interests of certain groups. Leading to a number of controversies that arise, it is interesting to discuss the regulation of special mining business permit areas for religious community organizations in Indonesia and related to efforts to harmonize laws and regulations regarding the management of special mining business permit areas for religious community organizations as a concrete step to realize people's welfare. This research is qualitative and juridical-normative type. The research approach used is conceptual and legislation. The enactment of PP 25/2024 is a responsive effort accommodated by the government regarding the WIUPK arrangement. The issuance of Perpres 76/2024 states that WIUPK is a former PKP2B area that is given priority to religious mass organizations in order to promote community welfare. However, there are a number of risks that the involvement of religious community organizations could potentially result in conflicts of interest and have a negative impact on social and environmental balance. Despite normative controversy, this policy distributes benefits and provides access to natural resources previously controlled by large entities. Concrete steps that can be taken are harmonizing applicable regulations, such as revising the Minerba Law and the Ormas Law, or drafting inclusive and specific implementing regulations. Thus, religious community organizations can understand the technical, economic, and socio-environmental aspects of mining management, and are able to be responsible for realizing people's welfare.

Al-Qur’an dan Worldview Keagamaan Baru (Holistik, Rekonsiliatif, dan Mediatif)

The Qur'an, as the last revelation revealed to the Prophet Muhammad SAW, has a very wide role in the lives of Muslims. Apart from being a guideline for worship, the Qur'an also serves as a source of law, ethics, and guidance in living social, political, and cultural life. Along with the development of the times and the complexity of global problems, there is a need to understand the Qur'an through a new religious worldview that is more holistic, reconciliatory, and mediating. A holistic approach integrates the teachings of the Qur'an in all aspects of life, including morality, social, political, and ecological. The reconciliation approach aims to promote peace and conflict resolution both between individuals and between religious communities, prioritizing the values of tolerance and harmony. Meanwhile, the mediation approach directs the Qur'an as a bridge that connects differences, both in the internal context of Muslims and in dialogue between religious communities. This research aims to explore and analyze these three approaches in order to provide new insights in interpreting the teachings of the Qur'an in the era of globalization and plurality. With this approach, it is hoped that the Qur'an can contribute to creating a more peaceful, just, and harmonious world, as well as relevant in facing the challenges of the times.