Religious Conflict Research Articles

‘I will not eat with you’: Shylock and the Value of Vegetarianism in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice (1598)

ABSTRACT Beyond a mere dietary preference, eating meat and vegetables in Shakespeare’s drama is also indicative of the consumer’s identity, social status and religious beliefs. This article probes the dietary language in early modern culture with a particular focus on Shylock’s seemingly violent flesh-eating rhetoric in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice (1598). If eating meat connotes early modern sacrifice rituals and masculinity, then vegetarianism becomes a source of communal virtue, spiritual wealth and the celebration of religio-cultural diversity. Shylock’s vulgar rhetoric, his references to meat-eating (both animal and human), and his preference for a rotten, Christian pound of flesh are all situated within a context of religious conflict. Yet Shakespeare’s depiction of Shylock’s violent, carnivorous language is ultimately in ironic service of the moderate individual who is always willing to set aside self-interest and social biases for the sake of peaceful coexistence.

Merenden Tedong di Mamasa: Integrasi Pendekatan Struktural dan Kultural dalam Memitigasi Konflik Sosial Keagamaan

The Mamasa community has the Merenden Tedong tradition which is rooted in customary law as an effective conflict resolution model in resolving social problems. This tradition is deeply rooted and has become a unique cultural icon in overcoming social challenges and conflicts in society. The integration of this traditional approach with a formal approach from the government has strengthened the mechanism for mitigating socio-religious conflict in social life. This article aims to describe the integration between two conflict resolution models, namely the cultural approach through customary law and the structural approach through government policy, as an effort to mitigate socio-religious conflict in Mamasa. This research used a phenomenological analysis approach involving in-depth interviews. Informants consisted of traditional leaders, community leaders, government officials and community members to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Merenden Tedong tradition as a model for conflict resolution. This research found that the integration of cultural and structural approaches in the Merenden Tedong tradition contributed significantly to mitigating social and religious conflict. Collaboration between traditional institutions and the government strengthened the role of customary law in conflict prevention, proving that an integrative approach is more effective than a unilateral model. Further research is recommended to explore the role of the younger generation in maintaining the identity of Pitu Ulunna Salu as a conflict mitigation strategy. Keywords: Merenden Tedong, Conflict Resolution, Integrative Approach, Mamasa

Ally Identity Versus Behavioral Intent: The Role of Knowledge, Hate, and Religious Conflict

Ally Identity Versus Behavioral Intent: The Role of Knowledge, Hate, and Religious Conflict

NILAI-NILAI KEMANUSIAAN YANG MELINTAS BATAS KEAGAMAAN DALAM NARASI ORANG SAMARIA YANG BAIK HATI

The narrative of the Good Samaritan as written in the Gospel of Luke is a familiar narrative among Christians. Some researchers have raised this narrative in terms of ethnic differences, but researchers are interested in examining this narrative from another point of view, namely religious differences. The dispute between the Jews and the Samaritans implied in this narrative is not only due to ethnic differences but also to religious differences. One of the religious conflicts that has occurred before is the imposition of Judaism on the Samaritans that occurred in Hyrcanus' time. Using a descriptive analysis approach, the researcher came to the conclusion that the narrative contains human values in terms of equality, compassion, and totality.

Strategy Of The Local Government Of Mamasa Regency In Preventing Religious Conflicts To Realize National Security

Managing diversity based on local democracy is a preventive step to prevent prolonged conflicts toward social reintegration. Religious segmentation is used as a way to unravel the political conflicts that previously echoed in this area. Efforts to carry out the representation of religious identity (Islamic-Christian) in each Regional Election event are used as a new political format to minimize the tension of identity politics that can erode the spirit of community togetherness. Representation politics is then manifested in the form of pairs of candidates to occupy the position of regional head until the last twenty years have been institutions that have the ability to maintain unity and unity. This research uses a qualitative approach. For data collection techniques, researchers conduct interviews, observation, and documentation procedures. The theories and concepts used in this study include strategy theory, peace theory, conflict theory, conflict prevention concept, Conflict early Warning and Early Response System (CEWERS) concept, and state defense concept. Based on the results of the study, it can be understood that overall, conflict management carried out by the government, both the central government and local governments, is very poor. Efforts to resolve conflicts only occur at the elite level and do not include people who suffer more and lose more due to conflict. An elitist resolution will only meet the interests and demands of the elite. The demands of the masses that should also be accommodated are ignored. As a form of strategic steps of the local government of Mamasa Regency in preventing conflicts in the administration of government and its relationship with the roots of religious conflicts in Mamasa Regency, some of the descriptions of the steps taken include the Education and Socialization Approach, Increasing the Role of the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), Strengthening the Economy and Social Welfare, Fair and Transparent Law Enforcement, and Inclusive Infrastructure and Public Facilities Development.

The Quest for Identity and Self-Discovery: A Study of Existential Crisis in Anuradha Roy’s The Folded Earth

The main objective of this term paper is to analyze the theme of existential crisis in Anuradha Roy’s famous novel The Folded Earth. The term “existential crisis” refers to facing the crisis of one's existence. This mainly talks about how people view themselves, as well as their meaning and goals in life. When people feel unsure about their purpose, options, or freedom in life, they are experiencing an existential crisis. Many persons who experience existential anxiety believe that life is meaningless and that there is no purpose to it. Confused thoughts concerning one's sense of identity might also result from an existential crisis. Some of the greatest existential philosophers and writers are Friedrick Nitzsche, Hegel, Soren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, Karl Marx, Franz Kafka, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Albert Camus and Simon de Beauvoir, etc. This novel The Folded Earth is written by Roy, a recent Sahitya Akademi Award winner, which traces the story of a young woman Maya who creates a new life for herself in the foothills of the Himalayas. It deals with how she becomes alone in her life and questions her existence in this world. It is a time of internal turmoil for Maya when she struggles with self-identity, meaning, and purpose in life. She fights with many traumatic experiences like alienation, anxiety, depression, identity crisis, etc. Then, after leaving her tragedy behind, he decides to go for exploring a new life. Thus, this novel explores the "new woman identity" in modern-day society. The theme of this novel is based on political and religious conflicts in society, patriarchal suppression, inequality, the psychological instincts of a person, identity crisis, and the desire for a new peaceful life. Although the novel has various themes the effect of existential crisis is dominant over the novel.

Pancasila as State Ideology and Pillar of Religious Harmony in Indonesian Society

Religious diversity in a country is natural, but even so, an arrangement within the country is needed to accommodate differences in religion and belief. Without a fair arrangement, this can make the state less stable and cause religious conflicts in a country.This article examines Pancasila as the state ideology in forming religious tolerance. This research is a qualitative research with a literature study approach, namely by using books, documents, journals and other related sources as sources of research data. This study discussed about Pancasila as state ideology and religion, Pancasila Philosophy in Islamic Views, and Pancasila as an ideology forming religious tolerance. While data analysis is carried out by grouping, sorting and then looking for themes that are in accordance with the focus of research for later interpretation. Results of studi show;1) Pancasila as the state ideology has been fully supported by religious normativity. 2) The values and norms contained in Pancasila have compatibility with the values that become the teachings of Islam. and 3) Pancasila plays an important role in creating religious tolerance, mutual respect and respect for adherents of other religions, and not forcing beliefs on other parties.

“Pilgrims Speaking Angry Words: Change and Anger in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales”

Medieval literature presents emotions such as anger as negative and destructive for the development of the medieval subject and society and defines anger not as a positive constructive affect but as an emotive reaction that should be suppressed, controlled or avoided. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, written against a background of tremendous change generated by political and religious conflict, the Black Death and the Peasants’ Revolt, acknowledges anger as an essential element of medieval culture although it does not give much space to the causes of it. The Canterbury pilgrims experience and perform anger as a result of the unstructured and fast change taking place in the traditional stabilities. Indeed, the changing society represented by the pilgrims in the Canterbury Tales appears to have anger issues and accordingly is characterised by situations of conflict and emotional crises. The pilgrims are presented as failing in terms of conformity and obedience to the regulatory principles of the feudal structure also because they foster anger and have angry responses when they are expected to suppress, avoid and control their anger. Anger in this context is presented as an essential element of the new culture that produces it. This paper reads Chaucer’s representation of anger as an affect/emotion in the Canterbury Tales and argues that as an emotive/affective agent, anger performed by the defiant pilgrims represents and forms the cultural response to the pervasive change and its results in the medieval feudal social structure represented in the Canterbury Tales.

Public Perception of Hate Speech on Social Media (Facebook) during the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria

In the contemporary global landscape, the advent of information and communication technology has interconnected societies, fostering increased civic engagement. Notably, social media platforms, a manifestation of this technological innovation, play a vital role in political discourse, drawing active participation from politicians, political parties, and their supporters. However, the utilization of these platforms in the context of electoral campaigns, particularly in nations like Nigeria, has raised concerns due to the dissemination of political information carrying adverse repercussions. This study delves into the examination of the public's perceptions regarding hate speech on Facebook during Nigeria's 2023 general elections. Employing a survey research strategy and leveraging convenient sampling, data were collected from residents within the geographical scope of Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria. The research framework drew upon the public sphere theory to elucidate its core objectives. Findings underscored the prevalence of hate speech on Facebook during the 2023 elections, attributing it to factors such as financial inducements, conspiracies, lack of citizen journalist training, religious interests, and sectional, tribal, and political influences. Notably, Facebook emerged as a platform for disseminating speeches that fueled animosity toward politicians, tribes, religions, and sections, instigating widespread antipathy without substantial knowledge of the targeted individuals or candidates. The research also highlighted the use of Facebook for insults, harassment, and the propagation of divisive narratives, contributing to tribal and religious conflicts, heightened tensions, attacks, disparities, and internal discord. This study's implications suggest a potential undermining of Nigeria's democratic progress. As a remedy, the study advocates for the responsible and positive use of social media platforms by users, especially during critical events such as elections.

MODERASI BERAGAMA DI INDONESIA SEBAGAI BENTUK PENGUATAN IDENTITAS NASIONAL

Religious moderation is an approach that prioritizes tolerance, discussion, and respect for the diversity of religious beliefs. It is important in Indonesia, as the country has many different cultures and religions. The goal of religious moderation is to maintain stability, create a strong and inclusive national identity, and prevent religious conflict. This study investigates how religious moderation helps strengthen Indonesia's national identity. The method used is a literature study by analyzing various related literature. The results show that religious moderation promotes justice, tolerance, and openness, which helps create social harmony. By accepting religious diversity and strengthening national commitment, religious moderation strengthens national identity. Implementing religious moderation is expected to create an atmosphere of inter-religious harmony in Indonesia and improve the overall quality of life of the community. Research on the religious moderation movement and its relationship with national identity needs to be conducted further to gain more information.

The Role of Kei Culture in Preventing Religious Conflict Muslim-Christian in Southeast Moluccas

The Role of Kei Culture in Preventing Religious Conflict Muslim-Christian in Southeast Moluccas

Comments on Suraj Yengde’s lecture

Emerging out of religious conflict in early modern Europe, the terms race and caste as we understand them today went on to define hierarchical relations in different parts of the globe. Yet, they have never completely parted ways and Suraj Yengde’s essay explores these hidden connections in the use that American sociologists made of both categories. They generally did so by setting one term against the other in the attempt to account for racial discrimination in the United States. Race and caste were mediated by class in these debates, a category seen as being more modern and progressive than either of them. The comments that follow argue that caste and race are not simply the precursors of class and continue to interact with each other without the latter’s mediation. Anti-race and anti-caste politics are also more connected to religious forms of universality.

Трудовые ресурсы в условиях военной опасности как ключевой фактор повышения промышленного потенциала

The article examines the problem of mobilising the industrial potential of Russia in terms of the growing military danger during SMO under decrease in the demographic and labour potential of the Russian Federation. The authors emphasize the effective involvement of labour resources is a key element for development of the industrial potential. Those are necessary to counter the increasing escalation of the military conflict and the desire of Western countries for military and political defeat of Russia. However, the reduction of labour potential and the aging of the population can cause serious socio-economic and political problems. A liberal approach to migration poses long-term threats to the State. Unregulated migration processes will inevitably cause an increase in unemployment, a decrease in the share Russian nation itself, loss of national identity, social tension, and cultural, ethnic, and religious conflicts. It requires a thorough systematised approach and effective monitoring of demographic trends. The state should find a balance between attracting labour from outside and increasing its own labour resources. It also should provide the rational use of existing labour resources.

Unity in Diversity of Religions in Bumi Flobamora, Indonesia: From Traditional to Modern Pluralism

The religiously diverse society of NTT (Bumi Flobamora) has received national title as the most tolerant province in Indonesia. However, reality shows that there are religious conflicts, such as the rejection of the establishment of Islamic places of worship and the emergence of various forms of violence with religious nuances. This study attempts to provide a new contemporary social philosophy explanation for the development of religious social conditions. With the help of philosophical methods, the results show that the ideology of pluralism has long lived in Bumi Flobamora. However, this model of "traditional pluralism,” which is based on local wisdom and supported by the government's policy of harmony, is currently no longer in line with demands for universal human rights, because "traditional pluralism" shows the unequal treatment of people of different religions. Therefore, contemporary social philosophy develops a "modern pluralism,” which is built on the principle of equality. To strengthen this new model of pluralism, efforts are needed to overcome the weaknesses of communitarianism. The main weakness of communitarianism is that it opens up a space for religious appreciation that only emphasizes the togetherness and unity of a spiritual community and views those outside the community as other people who may or should even be excluded. The study concludes that the unity of religions in Bumi Flobamora will only survive if traditional pluralism is replaced with modern pluralism, which is in line with the Political Ethics of the Indonesian nation, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and the basic philosophy of Pancasila.

Beyond the Boundaries of Faith: A Multidimensional of Religious Spatial Segregation in the Context of Urban Society

This study aims to analyzes the spatial dimension of religion contributes to polarization and conflict between religious groups in urban societies. Using a qualitative descriptive approach and literature review method, this research explores the forms, impacts, and prevention efforts of religious spatial segregation through analysis of cases involving the dissolution of religious rituals and rejection of houses of worship construction. This study argues that the spatial dimension of religion reinforces the boundaries of religious differences, transforming them from imaginary to clear and practical boundaries, thus giving rise to tensions between religious groups. In order to address religious violence resulting from segregation, this study proposes a peacebuilding design with an integrative structural and socio-cultural approach. The research findings indicate that the concept of religious spatiality is both ambiguous and paradoxical, with blurred categorizations of space trigger contestation of meaning between groups, potentially leading to conflict and violations of religious freedom. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of religious conflict in urban contexts and highlights the importance of a spatial approach in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.

THOUGHT OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS AS CONFLICTS OF EPISTEMOLOGIES

In this paper, we will present a distinction between belief, religious belief, religion, theology as the religious teaching of belief, an explication of the concept of religious conflicts, the (im)possibility of realizing the ideal of theological epistemology, and the consideration of religious conflicts as a clash of epistemologies. Hypothesis, as a statement that is assumed to be true in order to explain certain facts or as an assumption based on facts, is reflected in the thesis that religious conflicts become serious clashes of epistemologies when we elevate our understanding from the realm of phenomena that religions largely operate within to the realm of principles upon which these phenomena are based. Thus, we will contemplate religious conflicts through the lens of theological epistemologies, which can be reduced to three basic categories: fundamental theology, with Revelation or Sacred Text as the source of faith; rational theology, which takes reason as the source of faith, and spiritual theology, which considers personal experience or revelation as the source of faith. Although the subject of this paper is the consideration of religious conflicts as clashes of epistemologies, it will become evident that it is necessary to contemplate the specific religious phenomena that emerge based on various theological epistemologies. This is in line with the necessity of understanding the phenomenal domain where religious conflicts arise. However, the main focus of this paper is the consideration of the clash of theological epistemologies as an explication of religious conflicts.

The Black Dog of Bungay: Religious Conflict and Supernatural Terror in a Suffolk Parish

The Black Dog of Bungay: Religious Conflict and Supernatural Terror in a Suffolk Parish

Rediscovering Bruegel: Art and History in Michael Frayn’s Headlong

British playwright and novelist Michael Frayn’s 1999 novel Headlong centers on an art historian’s discovery of the lost sixth painting from the collection Months or Seasons that Flemish painter, Pieter Bruegel is believed to have painted in 1565. Throughout the novel, driven by a quest to authenticate and possess the painting, the protagonist Martin Clay is engrossed in a thoughtful and thorough examination of Bruegel’s art renowned for busy tableaus of peasants, harvesters, hunters engaged in daily and rural activities. From religious conflicts, biblical conventions to allegorical landscapes, labors of the months within the framework of changing seasons, Bruegel’s artistic milieu has been interpreted and elicited in diverse and opposite ways. For that reason, Clay’s speculations about the political, intellectual and symbolic history behind the painting are not only the substance of the book, but the lengthy and diligent research he takes on also provides historical backdrop of the Netherlands in early sixteenth century, a time of atrocity and oppression as a result of Spanish rule. In view of that, this study aims to examine and understand how Martin’s journey turns into a headlong venture carrying thematic elements found in Bruegel’s works delving into the complexities of human behavior. Frayn not only brings the missing masterpiece to life with relevant descriptions projecting Bruegel’s idiosyncratic style and legacy, he also explicates its iconography-iconology in a political, and art historical context showing affinity with the narrative and artistic traditions of Dutch genre paintings.

On the Spread of Christianity in the Fayum Oasis

Abstract One of the most intriguing periods of Egyptian history, associated with the spread of Christianity, is still poorly understood. Recent excavations shed more light on this process. During excavations conducted by the Centre of Egyptological Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences on the Deir el-Banat necropolis in the Fayum an unusual burial was discovered. It contained the remains of a young man who had been subjected to a cruel punishment: an arrow had been shot into his body and he was hanged by the neck. According to the tomb’s inventory and the shrouds found in the grave, the man lived in the fourth century AD, when the persecution of Christians by Roman authorities was particularly virulent. Although it is currently impossible to clearly determine the cause of such a severe violent death, some findings suggest that the execution was caused by religious conflicts. If so, this case is a rare illustration of the death penalty on religious grounds imposed on the ordinary inhabitants of the oasis during Roman rule.

Dialectics of Islamic and Christian Public Sphere in Kediri

Islam and Christianity are religions that have been present in Indonesia for centuries, the history of these two religions cannot be separated from the existence of the Indonesian nation. As time goes by, the relationship between these two religions fluctuates (between conflict and harmony), in certain areas Islam becomes dominant, but in other areas Christianity is the dominant religion. National History records that several times Islam and Christianity were involved in religious conflicts. The dialectic of the relationship between the two religions in the public sphere is the key to fluctuations in the relationship between Islam and Christianity, such as what happened in the Kediri area where Islam and Christianity both exist in the public sphere. Therefore, this research attempts to portray the relationship between Islam and Christianity in public spheres by using a qualitative approach in research, while the technique for obtaining data in research uses interview and observation techniques. The research results show that religion's control of public sphere has exceeded formal and informal boundaries as discussed by Jurgen Habermas. These formal and informal boundaries are exceeded in "public values", namely viewing religious teachings in the public sphere based on the principle of beneficial value. This also goes beyond Jurgen Habermas's thinking about "Public Reason" in looking at the formal and informal areas of religion in the public sphere.