Religious Communities Research Articles

A Study Was Conducted With the Aim of Gaining Insight into the Transformation of Religious Communication Knowledge among Buddhist Religious Counsellors in Bandar Lampung

This research discusses the transformation of religious communication knowledge among Buddhist religious instructors in Bandar Lampung. This transformation is important because of the challenges faced by the counsellors in responding to the increasingly complex spiritual needs of the community. Against the backdrop of the socio-cultural and educational diversity of the congregation, this research explores how Buddhist religious counsellors adapt their communication methods and how this knowledge is developed and applied in the local context. Through a qualitative approach, the research reveals the dynamics of religious communication and its contribution to the spiritual development of Buddhists in the region.

Suicide Risks and Protections in Religious Communities: Two Exploratory Studies

It is imperative to understand possible protections against suicide because of the steadily climbing U.S. suicide rate. Religion has been associated with fewer suicidal behaviors. This study sought to explore the perspective of congregants experiencing suicidal behaviors (CESBs) on the risks and protections that they experience in their religious communities (RCs) in two separate studies. Study One included a purposive sample of 15 Christian congregants yielding seven codes: routine practices and deliberate suicide prevention efforts were inconsistent both before and during the pandemic lockdown, though RCs continued to operate. Cultures provided participants both protections and risks, while the pandemic amplified deep cultural divides already present before the pandemic. Study Two included a purposive sample of 20 congregants yielding six codes, core protections of a routinely provided worldview and deliberately provided theological teachings, risks of absent protections, aspirational tasks for faith leaders and RCs, inspiring stories of recovery, and some consistency with human flourishing with caution. CESBs in some RCs that have a norm of well-being hide their norm violation and expect rejection. RCs need training in order to provide deliberate suicide prevention protections and CESBs may provide counter-narratives to stigma in RCs and cultures.

Implementation of Manonob Culture (Mutual Cooperation) as a Local Wisdom of Religious Moderation in South Central Timor District

This research will look at the Implementation of Manonob Culture (mutual cooperation) as a Local Wisdom of Religious Moderation in South Central Timor District. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method to explain the Implementation of Manonob Culture (mutual cooperation) as a Local Wisdom of Religious Moderation in South Central Timor District. Commitment to nationality, tolerant life, non-violent life, and acceptance of tradition are the indicators used to measure the tolerance of the TTS community. Manonob culture (mutual cooperation) has been applied in various aspects of the life of the people of South Central Timor, including in religious moderation. In the context of religious moderation, Manonob (mutual cooperation) culture becomes an institution to mobilize community solidarity and create harmonious relationships in society and reduce polarization between religious communities. This concept encourages people to help and support each other, and respect the differences that exist between them. Thus ethnicity, religion and race do not become obstacles in instilling Manonob culture (mutual cooperation) such as building houses, cleaning gardens, harvesting garden produce and burying the dead. From the implementation of manonob culture (mutual cooperation) there are values contained therein such as the value of kinship, togetherness, brotherhood, supporting each other, helping each other, sharing each other and which is the main value of got culture.

Gus Baha’s Perspective on Religious Tolerance and How the Public Respond

Tolerance in religion practices among different groups or differen religious communities is always important in plural societies like Indonesia. However, the fact shows that many intolarance cases still occur in the country. This study is an endevour to explore the tolerance teaching brought by Gus Baha in his traditional islamic lectures. In addition, the reaction of the public to the teaching was also examined. It adopted a digital ethnography approach employing virtual data as the main sources, including YouTube Video, and the comments of netizen following them. The ideas of tolerance were analyzed thematically, and the comments were classified, following the Appraisal theory (Martin & Rose, 2005). Based on the analysis, it reveals that Gus Baha makes use of old stories involving prophets, the Prophet and his companion as they implemented tolerant practices of daily business and religious matters. The stories there proved upscaled tolerance exemplified by the best models for Moslem communities. The public (netizen) have shown positive responses toward the ideas, as it is proved from their positive emotion (80%), and judgment (74%), meaning they like the idea and agree that they are right. In turn, it is expected that they would practice the models of tolerance in their own daily lives.

Gender segregation in the friendship networks of Muslim youth in Germany: the role of chastity norms

ABSTRACT Western Muslim youth engage less in romantic relationships than their non-Muslim peers, an observation usually attributed to chastity norms that oppose Muslim youths’ premarital sexual activity. In this study, I ask whether chastity norms also shape cross-gender interaction beyond romantic relationships and lead to fewer cross-gender friendships among Muslim than non-Muslim youth. To isolate the consequences of chastity norms from institutionalized practices of gender segregation in Muslim religious communities, I study friendship-making in German coeducational schools, which provide ample opportunities for cross-gender friendships. I apply multilevel exponential random graph models to large-scale data on adolescents’ school-based friendship networks, finding cross-gender friendships to be generally infrequent but notably rarer among Muslim than non-Muslim youth. However, this lack of cross-gender friendships is limited to Muslim youth who hold strong chastity norms, while more liberal Muslim youth have as many cross-gender friends as non-Muslims. Among non-Muslims, chastity norms are unrelated to cross-gender friendships.

Стильно, модно, православно: опыт исследования кофейни «ANTIПА»

The article describes the experience of field research conducted during 2023–2024 on the territory of the church of the Holy Martyr Antipas of Pergamon in Kolymazhny Dvor (Moscow), where the “ANTIPA” coffee shop is located. The research addresses the issues of creation, organization, functioning and structure of the public space initiated and supervised by a religious community, as well as social agents who interact with it. The coffee shop “ANTIPA” is proposed to be examined through the lens of five aspects: 1) spatial, 2) social, 3) aesthetic, 4) organizational, 5) economic and labor. The church complex’s adjacent territory can be characterized as a secular space with religious elements, which performs the following functions: 1) a meeting place (as a point on the map where people can meet), 2) a place of communication (as a place where one can spend time socializing), 3) a mediator between the city and religion (as a place that allows residents and visitors of the capital to encounter the religious).

Działalność Zgromadzenia Sióstr Karmelitanek Dzieciątka Jezus w ostatnim okresie życia m. Teresy Kierocińskiej (1945–1946)

The last period of Mother Teresa Kierocińska’s life was a difficult time for Poland, marked by chaos and instability. The years 1945–1946 were at the same time a period of intensive ministry of the Foundress of the Congregation as Superior General. After the end of hostilities, Mother Teresa and her sisters immediately joined the new tasks of the Church and responded to the needs of their surroundings.The congregation had to take urgent care of the premises for its activities. The sisters in Wolbrom were in a particularly difficult situation, being deprived of their own dwelling. In a short time, the Carmelite Sisters renovated the building assigned to them, at the same time carrying out care and educational activities. They ran two kindergartens and courses for girls. The work of the sisters in Polanka Wielka also required new organisation. There, within a few months, a semi-public chapel and rooms for a kindergarten were erected using the planks of a former German barrack. Between 1945 and 1946, work was carried out to adapt the building in Sosnowiec, where the various sectors of the educational establishment were located. In addition, care was taken to allocate an abandoned building in Wiejska Street to the state authorities for the purposes of an orphanage.Since 1945, in all Carmelite institutions of the Child Jesus, a wide range of apostolic activities have been resumed, including kindergartens, tailoring and embroidery courses, religious instruction, charitable services, and nursing. A retreat house in Czerna was resumed. The development of activities was accompanied by Mother Kierocińska’s concern for the spiritual development of the congregation. Mother Teresa took care of the formation of the professed sisters, as well as of the numerous group of candidates she accepted into the religious community. She was keen to deepen Carmelite spirituality and to ensure that the sisters were guided by the Discalced Carmelites. The new situation allowed for regular visits from the Carmelite fathers with the ministry of retreatants and confessors.At the beginning of July 1946, m. Teresa fell ill with peritonitis and, after suffering for several days, passed to eternity on 12 July 1946 in the presence of the sisters. This was shortly before the scheduled General Chapter at which she was to resign as Superior General. The funeral ceremony took place on 15 July and was presided over by Bishop Stanisław Czajka. After the Holy Mass celebrated in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Sosnowiec, a numerous funeral procession with the body of the deceased went to the cemetery in Józef Mirecki Avenue. The funeral became a real manifestation of the population who wanted to honor the “Mother of Workers and Zagłębie”.

Dilemma of Licensing Mining Business Activities by Community Organizations in Indonesia Between State, Society, and Human Rights

The presence of Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 25 of 2024 Article 83A paragraph (1) confirms that religious community organizations WIUPK is offered on a priority basis to businesses owned by religious community organizations. Mining activities often cause harm and even make the surrounding community a victim of mining. The incompatibility between the management of mining activities and the principle of "Ormas" which should be a non-profit organization, is also a big question in the midst of society because religious mass organizations that should be oriented toward the benefit of the community are now collapsing their values. This leads to dilemmas and problems in applying regulations that provide different opportunities for community organizations. This research applies normative juridical research methods with statutory, conceptual, and historical approaches. Community organizations, which in this case are business entities in mining, should be able to take advantage of their position to stay focused on providing services and security for the community. Instead of just making a profit. The provisions of PP No. 25 of 2024 Article 83A paragraph (1) need to be followed by clear provisions so that community organizations in the mining world do not exacerbate the situation but can instead be used to improve the safety of the community.

Protecting People from Their Own Religious Communities: Jane Doe in Church and State

Suppose that people seek confidentiality in what would otherwise be a public process—such as litigating or applying for a firearms license—because they are afraid that publicly identifying them will stigmatize them in their (or their families’) religious communities. Should the law allow them to proceed anonymously to better protect their interests and to avoid discouraging their lawsuits or applications? Or would that unduly stigmatize the religious community by branding it as improperly censorious or judgmental—or interfere with religious community members’ ability to evaluate for themselves how their coreligionists are using the courts and other government processes?

ETHIOPIAN PERSPECTIVES AND SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS OF THE SUN HALO PHENOMENON ON APRIL 7, 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze the many interpretations and reactions to the sun halo phenomenon reported in Ethiopia on April 7, 2022, with a particular focus on religious perspectives and scientific analysis. The diameter of the sun halo was measured to be 0.092 km, indicating the peculiarity of this atmospheric occurrence. A study among various religious leaders and community members showed that 80% of respondents considered the phenomenon required special prayers or religious rites, suggesting a significant tendency towards spiritual significance. Additionally, 14% of respondents indicated curiosity regarding the event, suggesting a normal human reaction to odd or incomprehensible situations. Meanwhile, 3% of responders mentioned ceremonial offerings or no specific activities to the sun halo. From a technical aspect, picture analysis of the sun halo revealed an initial pixel count of 108,584 with a standard deviation of 43,265 and a noise standard deviation of 0.0962994, resulting in a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 33.744. This study underlines the clarity and prominence of the sun halo in the obtained image. Furthermore, the study analyzed the relationship between the sun halo and atmospheric conditions, revealing a correlation coefficient of 0.49 on Day 7, coinciding with occasional cloud cover and atmospheric disturbances. The correlation coefficient slightly reduced to 0.48 on Day 8, when the sky was clear. These findings show a probable relationship between the presence of atmospheric disturbances and the appearance of the sun halo, offering a detailed explanation of this remarkable natural phenomenon. To understand the underlying atmospheric dynamics and probable seasonal trends, future studies should concentrate on a more thorough analysis of sun halos, combining a bigger dataset of occurrences across diverse geographical regions and climatic conditions. Further research could examine the psychological and cultural effects of celestial phenomena, such as sun halos, on different cultures, offering more insight into how these occurrences affect cultural norms and belief systems. Keywords: Sun, halo, scientific, people thought, image

Penerapan Sanksi Hukum Terhadap Pelaku Pencabutan Penjor Sebagai Rangkaian Upacara Galungan Pada Umat Beragama Hindu di Desa Adat Taro Kelod Kabupaten Gianyar

Indonesia as a rule-of-law country has statutory regulations, relating to criminal sanctions and sentencing. In addition, some laws apply throughout the area called Customary Law, including in Bali. Perpetrators of the destruction of goods as well as religious blasphemy can be punished with the general criminal code or, in comparison with the Applicable Customary Law. This research examines 2 things: 1) How is the existence of the Hindu religious community in carrying out its obligations and legal protection for Hindu religious people in terms of Human Rights? and 2) What is the application of legal sanctions in the event of the revocation of the penjor for Hindus in the Taro Kelod Village area, Gianyar Regency? The method used in this research is Empirical Research. The purpose of this research is to emphasize the study of the protection of penjor removal victims in Taro Kelod Village, Gianyar. With the results of the study showing that a person deliberately destroys goods together and harms someone, it is possible to be subject to Article 170 paragraph (1) and Article 156A letter A concerning religious blasphemy, because the penjor being revoked is a sacred symbol and has religious meaning for Hindus.

A Conditional Process Analysis of Siblings’ Religious Communication (Non)accommodation, Surface Acting, and Shared Family Identity

ABSTRACT This study tested the conditional direct and indirect associations between siblings’ religious (non)accommodation and shared family identity (SFI) vis-à-vis surface acting. Participants included 218 young adults who reported on a target sibling’s (non)accommodation of their religious beliefs, as well as their family’s conversation and conformity orientations. Results indicated that the sibling’s religious (non)accommodation was directly and indirectly associated with the participant’s SFI with the sibling via the participant’s surface acting during religious conversations. The associations varied in magnitude, however, as a function of family conversation and conformity orientations. For sibling accommodation, the positive indirect association with SFI grew in magnitude for families low to moderate in conversation orientation as conformity orientation increased. For sibling nonaccommodation, the negative direct association with SFI diminished in magnitude as both family orientations increased, whereas the negative indirect association increased in magnitude for families low to moderate in conversation orientation as conformity orientation increased.

Space Of Religious Moderation: The Relationship Between Muslims and Hindus in Bengkulu

Harmony between religious communities has become a best practice in the lives of Muslims and Hindus in Indonesia. This study aims to prove the existence of a space of moderation created by two religious groups that live side by side, and religious differences can create social harmonization. This study used a qualitative descriptive method with a field approach. This study was conducted in Sunda Kelapa village, Central Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu, Indonesia. Research data was obtained using interviews, observation, and documentation. The data analysis of this research was carried out in three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results show that the moderation space is built on social interaction awareness to build a peaceful life together in social harmonization. A moderation model based on religious and cultural wisdom can be developed as a collective foundation in building a harmonious community life.

Religious Affiliation, Internalized Homonegativity and Depressive Symptoms: Unveiling Mental Health Inequalities among Brazilian Gay Men.

Different religious narratives associate same-sex sexuality, in its various manifestations, with moral deviation or sin. Gay men who are socialized in more religious communities appear to experience and internalize greater levels of homonegativity, as well as to present greater indicators of depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate indicators of perceived homonegativity in the community and internalized, and signs/symptoms of depression reported by Brazilian gay men with a nominal religion and compare them to those reported by Atheists or Agnostics. Our sample comprised 194 Brazilian gay men, distributed into three groups: Christians (Protestants and Catholics, n = 71; 36.6%); Spiritualists (Kardecists or religions of African origin, n = 52; 26.8%) and Atheists or Agnostics (n = 71; 36.6%). The following measurement instruments were used: sociodemographic questionnaire, Internalized Homophobia Scale and Beck Depression Scale. High mean scores of depression were verified in all groups, and 60% of the sample presented some level of depression. There was a higher level of self-reported homonegativity among Christians and Spiritualists compared to that reported by Atheists or Agnostics, with the differences between the groups being significant. The regression analysis indicated a significant effect of religion on homonegativity, but not on depression. Our results suggest that gay men's chronic exposure to non-affirming religious affiliation contexts may harm the construction of a positive gay identity and should be taken into consideration when addressing mental health inequalities of sexual minorities.

Environmental Ethics Relevance in Theology Perspective: An overview from Islamic, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and Confucian

Environmental ethics is an important issue in the context of sustainability and environmental protection. This research aims to discuss Islamic, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and Confucian religious perspectives regarding environmental ethics and its importance in the context of sustainability. This research method uses literature study and analysis of sacred texts and religious teachings according to religious perspective. This research found that each religion has different views, but emphasizes the same important aspect of protecting and caring for the environment as the moral responsibility of religious communities. The concept of stewardship is emphasized considering the role of humans as managers and protectors of the universe. Environmental ethics in this religious perspective has similarities in teaching the importance of protecting and caring for the natural environment. This view can be the basis for individuals and communities to develop awareness and responsibility for environmental sustainability. Understanding and practicing religious-based environmental ethics is very relevant to overcoming the environmental challenges facing humanity in this century.

BUDAYA TABLIGH DI MEDIA SOSIAL: NILAI SPIRITUAL TERHADAP TABLIGH USTADZ HANAN ATTAKI DI MEDIA INSTAGRAM PADA GENERASI Z DI INDONESIA

This research examines the impact of Ustadz Hanan Attaki's tablig on Instagram on the spirituality of Generation Z. This research uses a phenomenological culture approach to analyze Instagram as a new social media. Through content analysis of Instagram posts and an online survey involving 100 Generation Z respondents, this research explores how digital tabligh messages influence personal relationships with oneself, others, nature, and God. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method through a phenomenological cultur approach to understand how Generation Z interprets and internalizes the spiritual values ​​conveyed through digital tabligh. The findings show that social media, especially Instagram, plays a significant role in shaping the spiritual experiences and religious identities of young people in the digital era. This research contributes to new phenomenon culture regarding social media as part of religious communication and its impact on the spirituality of Generation Z in the digital era.

Representasi Toleransi Beragama Dalam Film “Bidadari Mencari Sayap” Karya Aria Kusumadewa Tahun 2020

Indonesia is a country with religious diversity that can unite or divide. This research aims to analyze the representation of religious tolerance in the 2020 film ‘Bidadari Mencari Sayap’ by Aria Kusumadewa using Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis. The film was chosen because it depicts conflict and tolerance between religious communities, which is still an important issue in Indonesia. This literature research uses the film as the primary data source and books on religious tolerance as secondary sources. Data collection was done through literature study and documentation. Data validity was ensured through increased diligence and the use of references. The results showed four values of religious tolerance in the film: respect, respect, agree in disagreement, and sincerity. The film illustrates the implementation of tolerance in society, such as sharing angpao during the lion dance performance, advice on interfaith marriage, and sincere attitude towards differences in beliefs. The research also reveals that sincerity can solve the problem of intolerance, while religious discrimination can trigger conflict. This research provides insight into the importance of religious tolerance in strengthening the unity of the Indonesian nation. Through film analysis, this research highlights the role of media in learning the values of tolerance and understanding between religious communities.

Intellectual Formation for Professionalism in Catholic Education: The Sister Formation Conference

Abstract: The Sister Formation Conference originated as a movement of Catholic women's religious community leaders to improve a new member's understanding of her spiritual compatibility with her religious community and her training in the professional apostolate(s) engaged in by her community. This study documents the pre-history and first two decades of the Sister Formation Conference as it sought to advance professionalism within the ministries of women religious. During those years, Sister Formation influenced both regionally and nationally the standards for training and certifying religious sisters, especially those engaged in teaching.

Gentleman Joe: Marist Father Joseph Buckley's World War II Chaplaincy and His Service to the Worldwide Church

Abstract: Father Joseph Buckley, S.M. (1905–1981), a professor, pastor, and administrator for the Society of Mary, served as an Army chaplain during World War II and as an advisor at the Second Vatican Council. His early life uniquely prepared him for life as a religious, as he lived in religious communities from the age of five until he was in his late thirties. His intelligence combined with unusual academic abilities made him well-suited for his early role as an educator. However, serving as chaplain during World War II had an enormous effect on Buckley, both personally and as a future administrator for his religious congregation. His experiences informed his beliefs, particularly as related to religious liberty and mixed marriages, and led to a commitment to reexamine the role of missionaries in the South Pacific while working toward the redevelopment and self-sufficiency of those territories.

Power and its exercise in the Vatican City State

AbstractThe problem of relations between Church and state has existed from the very beginnings of Christianity and has evolved over centuries. The dominant model today is one of separation between the state and religious communities. In the context of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican City State remains the only exception to this principle. This article examines the tensions inherent in the way in which the Roman Pontiff, as head of the Vatican City State, exercises both religious and secular power, and how rule of law principles operate to constrain the operation of power as between the various organs of this state.