Religious Expression Research Articles

“Lascivious Poison?” Street‐songs as a Source for Popular Expression: The Case of Jansenism, c. 1687–1737*

AbstractFamed for its austerity, Jansenism nonetheless prompted a slew of salacious street‐songs throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. If historians have increasingly examined early modern urban singing practices, underlining the social porosity and intergenerational hold of many street‐songs, little research has been devoted to unpicking what songs offer to the study of religious history. The aims of this article are two‐fold. First, it seeks to assess the value (and sketch out some limits) to street‐songs as a source in recovering some of the more popular facets of religious controversies — here, the Jansenist movement. Second, and as a corollary of this, the article uses street‐songs to emphasise the political sophistication to popular interest in Jansenism. It suggests that this antedated and ran alongside the convulsionary movement, which has been typically viewed as the apogee of popular engagement with Jansenism. This article first considers how the hold of specific literary themes and popular tunes over generations impacted discussions on the Jansenist debate, before turning to examine the suitability of songs in capturing devotional and theological content, and finally discussing the complexity of the popular political and ecclesiological ideas on the Jansenist movement that the street‐songs conveyed. The article ultimately seeks to underline the value of street‐songs as a source on urban popular religious expression.

Ritual Meals of Chaṭha: Exploring Gastronomical Activities in a Religious and Festive Setting

Festivals and rituals have been pivotal for transmitting and preserving cultural values, with food assuming a central role in these communal observances. This study delves into the intricate interplay between culinary practices, cultural identity, and religious expression by examining the Hindu festival of Chat.ha. The investigation centers on the multifaceted nature of Chat.ha. By closely examining the processes of procurement, preparation, offering, and consumption of ritualistic foods during the festival, this research looks into how these gastronomic traditions contribute to fostering a sense of unity, highlighting cultural heritage, and intertwining between religious beliefs and societal norms. Exploring the culinary landscape of Chat.ha unveils the profound religious and sociocultural dimensions inherent in food-related practices, emphasizing how the daily act of sustenance transforms into a bridge for religious connection and collective bonding. Based on our fieldwork in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Patna (Bihar), and Sahibganj (Jharkhand), we document several aspects of the festival food of Chat.ha and how they offer a window into the many culinary customs of societies, emphasizing the connections between food and cultural identity, interpersonal interactions, and religious beliefs.

Comparative Study of Essential Religious Practices under Secularism in India, France, and the USA

This paper compares and contrasts the idea of fundamental religious practices under secularism in France, India, and the US, examining how each nation strikes a balance between religious liberty and official impartiality. A positive secularism approach exists in India, where the state interacts with religion to guarantee equality while courts decide what "essential religious practices" are worthy of constitutional protection. France adheres to a more rigorous form of secularism called laïcité, which emphasizes a clear separation between religion and state, frequently limiting religious expression in the sake of maintaining governmental neutrality, particularly with regard to Islam. Under the First Amendment, the United States employs a separationist approach that guarantees both the free exercise of religion and its non-establishment. However, there are obstacles in balancing religious liberty with public policy and anti-discrimination laws. The study comes to the conclusion that although all three nations strive to maintain secularism, there are differences in how different historical, cultural, and legal settings are interpreted, making it difficult to accommodate religious practices.

Pastoral Reflection on Depictions of Contemporary Religious Subcultures in Online Discussions: An Analysis of Stereotypes (A Case Study from Slovakia)

In terms of ethnic and religious characteristics, the majority of the Slovak population identifies with Slovak nationality and Christianity. Recent quantitative and qualitative research on the value orientations of Slovaks has revealed negative stereotypical and dismissive attitudes towards “difference”, which is often perceived as “non-Slovak” or “not ours”. In this social, cultural, and religious context, the question arises as to what understanding and tolerance of religious expressions can be expected in the current, often conflict-ridden society and what pastoral challenges arise from this. The aim of the research was to identify whom participants in online discussions consider to be the most “different” from themselves, which specific attributes of other religious subcultures (i.e., those other than the majority Christian) the discussants consider the most “different”, and how they evaluate this “difference”. The research method used was critical discourse analysis (CDA), which focuses on identifying and addressing social issues by analysing how these problems are presented in language—in our case, in written online comments within selected online discussions. The research confirms that the attitude of participants in online discussions towards the differences of other religious groups in the context of Slovakia is often accompanied by suspicion and majority negativism. The research findings point to the need for in-depth research focusing on the meaning and practical possibilities of reducing the social distance of the majority population concerning religious and ethnic minorities.

Faith and Governance: A Study of Mawlid in Contemporary Morocco

ABSTRACT The Mawlid, a sacred holiday commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, holds immense power in Morocco as a communal prayer event that animates citizens, transcending its religious significance to become a potent sociopolitical tool. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of Mawlid, examining its dynamic role as both a collective expression of faith and a means of governmental control. Through the example of the Qadiri Boutchichiyya Sufi order’s annual Mawlid programming, it explores how the Moroccan government has skillfully harnessed Mawlid’s enlivening energy to further its political agendas, utilizing it as a vector to transmit the kingdom’s particular brand of Islam. However, while the government may seek to manipulate Mawlid for political gains, Moroccans are not mere pawns in this dynamic. On the contrary, the Mawlid’s animating quality extends well beyond the public sphere and resonates deeply within the private lives of individuals. By delving into this intricate web of interactions, we can better grasp the vibrant and multivalent nature of religious expression in Morocco and its implications for the broader dynamics of faith-based governance in the country today.

Trajectories of Public Islam: Public Religious Expressions among American Muslim Advocates

Abstract In American mainstream cultural discourse, Islam is often constructed as undemocratic, violent, and un-American. How do American Muslim advocates react to these tarnished representations of their religion? This paper examines the ways in which Muslim advocates construct public discourse around Islam by exploring the possibilities for and recognizing the constraints on their public religious expressions in U.S. civic life as advocates navigate cultural templates infused with de-sacralized Christian meanings. Based on participant observation in two Muslim advocacy organizations, the article demonstrates that advocates map Islam differently, depending on whether the imagined audience of their public discourse is other Muslims or non-Muslims. When advocates imagine addressing non-Muslims, the public discourse of both groups similarly emphasizes Islamic compatibility of Muslim with American values. Among both groups, there is a process of filtering certain religious expressions for more expansive social maps that uncovers the unequal power dynamics shaping trajectories of public religion in civic life for one of the most stigmatized ethno-religious groups in the United States today. This paper contributes to expanding our understanding of how civic culture enables and constrains historically marginalized groups’ attempts at redefining belonging.

Inked Expressions: An appreciation of selected contemporary tattoo art among Ghanaians in Kumasi and Accra metropolises

Tattooing has been practiced for several years across the world. It is considered an art form that transmits cultural expressions and reflects the differences between groups of people globally. In Ghana, the popularity of contemporary tattooing has soared for various reasons. However, there is little scholarly research on tattoo culture in Ghana. Therefore, the study attempts to appreciate the aesthetic elements of selected contemporary tattoos in Kumasi and Accra metropolitan areas to reveal their social, philosophical, and other underpinnings. Qualitative ethnographic approach was employed in which a total of twenty-two (22) tattooed respondents were obtained for data collection using homogenous purposive and exponential discriminative snowball sampling techniques. Unstructured-Interviews and naturalistic observations constituted the data collection instruments. The study found that contemporary tattoo designs in Kumasi and Accra metropolises diversely included minimalist designs, religious symbols, portraits, decorative designs, philosophical symbols, among others, which aesthetically convey the religious identity, philosophy of life, and self-expression of tattoo wearers. While the study concludes that contemporary tattoo art in Ghana (Kumasi & Accra) is an embodiment of a dynamic and evolving art form that symbolically resonates with the persona, philosophy of life, sociocultural and religious expressions of tattoo wearers, it is recommended that further research should be conducted on the side effect of tattoo art on the health of tattoo wearers in Ghana. This will help determine whether or not tattoo art should be formalised as an acceptable academic field of study as well as be promoted by art institutions, galleries and museums in Ghana.

Symbolic Cohesion and Interpretive Freedom

Within contemporary Australian and Indonesian society, diverse cultural and religious expressions are celebrated to promote mutual understanding and tolerance. However, while such expressions are treated as symbolic of broader pluralist or liberal ideals, the interpretive dynamics of these traditions are rarely considered integral to shaping mainstream discourse on social cohesion. In this article, we consider two distinctive contexts of Indigenous and minority engagement with aspirations for unity in diversity, a concept that can encapsulate a range of responses to varied contexts, such as religious diversity or the need for interdependence within social organisation. Specifically, we explore Warlpiri Australian formulations of kinship through ngurru-kurlu and Indonesian Christian engagement with Pancasila. Showing the potential for these perspectives to enrich broader discourse on social cohesion, we suggest that similarities in the originating impetus of these frameworks can stimulate heuristic enquiry and critical reflexivity across diverse settings. While upholding distinctly localised traditions and experiences, intimations of gift in traditional Warlpiri ceremony and Christian experience underscore the importance of relational generosity to the embodiment of unity in diversity.

Revisiting Gubbio: Settlement Patterns and Ritual from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Roman Era

The Gubbio Revisited project, initiated to reinterpret the archaeological evidence collected during the 1980s Gubbio Project, primarily by a conversion from a paper to a digital record, has revealed significant insights into the evolving settlement patterns and religious expression in the Gubbio valley in Central Italy. This reanalysis of the survey evidence underscores the rhythms of settlement and ritual practice from the Neolithic through the Bronze and Iron Ages, into Roman times. Key excavations in the 1980s at Monte Ingino, Monte Ansciano, San Marco Romano, and San Marco Neolitico added details not only of settlement activity but also of embedded ritual, evidenced by material culture including pottery, faunal remains, and votive offerings. The foundation myth of indigenous religious practices, even amidst Roman influence, is documented through the Iguvine Tables alongside the introduction of new cults, showcasing a blend of local and imperial religiosity, a common feature in the Roman world. This research enriches the understanding of Gubbio’s historical and cultural landscape, emphasizing the demographic rhythms of the valley alongside the integral role of ritual in its societal evolution.

Lived religion and digital homemaking: The case of Indonesian marriage migrants

The article examines the intersection between two key fields in which international migrants respond to displacement and negotiate a sense of home: digital media and religion. The example chosen is the vlogging strategies used by Indonesian marriage migrants to navigate complex religious relationships with their followers and weave these into wider homemaking practices. The vlog analysis and in-depth interviews with the Indonesian marriage migrants in France and Belgium show that religion is an important element in constructing a sense of home in new locations. However, the immediacy of vlogs exposes them to religious expectations from followers back in Indonesia. As a result, homemaking is shaped by a complex interplay between the feelings of belonging and alienation in relation to their followers. Using vlogs, the marriage migrants seek to maintain control over their sense of home by building a mediated form of religious tolerance with their followers through adapted religious expressions in the vlogosphere.

Religious Expression and Exemptions in the Private Sector Workplace: Spotting Bias

Abstract Courts tasked with ruling on religious freedom claims in the private sector workplace have been faced with the following challenge: too weak a protection of religious freedom and it will become meaningless; too strong, and individual freedom will be stifled. Recently, courts on each side of the Atlantic have, respectively, leant towards each of these two extremes. In Europe, courts have afforded minimalist and, as I will argue, too restrictive a protection to religious interests. Whether out of deference to state constitutional traditions or economic interests, they have often undermined the protection of religious freedom. Conversely, in the United States, the Supreme Court has granted a maximalist and, as I will argue, excessive protection to religious interests. The article will demonstrate the flaws of each approach. It will unravel the main three types of bias that underlie these extreme positions, namely the state, the economic and the religious bias.

Religious Expressions and Discursive Politeness in Synchronous Communication

Religious Expressions and Discursive Politeness in Synchronous Communication

Youth and Faith: A Deep Dredge into Modern Religious Expressions

This research delves into the intricate world of religious practices among the youth in Pakistan, investigating how these practices are influenced by individual beliefs, cultural diversity, technological advancements, and societal dynamics. This research underscores the significance of addressing the evolving relationship between religion and youth in a rapidly changing world. This study is qualitative in nature. The sample size of this current study was N=6. The sample consisted of 6 university students from age ranging 18 to 24 years (3 males and 3 females). Semi-structured interviews were carried out. Willing participants were included, ensuring confidentiality. Data was analyzed through Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Personal transformation, Influence of Religious Scholars via social media, Distraction Resources, Denominational Discord, Educational Influence, Personal Devotion, Ethical Conduct, Spiritual Coping, Ethnic Religiosity, these themes emerged. Results showed that religion has a great impact on their lives and how these values and beliefs inform moral choices and relationships. Results highlighted a deep-seated fight for religious devotion's authenticity in the face of technological improvements, highlighting the value of each person's perseverance and commitment to the religion.

Exploring the Intersection of Religion and Cinema: Trends and Reflections in Contemporary Film Culture

This article delves into the complex relationship between religion and film, and studies the latest trends and ethical reflections in the field of film culture. Through an interdisciplinary perspective, this article explores how movies serve as a medium for communication between audiences and religion. By paying attention to the use of religious symbols and themes in movies, audiences are invited to reflect on spiritual themes and religious culture. The analysis of the social response of religious expressions in movies highlights the interactive relationship between social beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and religious narratives. This study focuses on the rich and diverse interpretations of religious themes in global film works by showcasing different depictions of religious elements in global films. In addition, the study also explored the role of film festivals as active platforms for religious dialogue and cross-cultural exchange, promoting a deeper understanding of religious diversity in contemporary society. The article also showcases the constantly evolving trend of religion in movies, as well as the ongoing academic enthusiasm for the ethical significance of depicting religious elements in movies.

Islamic Civilization in the Digital Era: The Diversity of Muslim Religious Expression in Social Media

<em>This article studied the development of Islamic civilization in the digital sphere. The discussion aims to portray the diversity of religious expressions in social media. The researchers employed Bourdieu’s concept of religion as a symbol system, this study tried to reveal the historical background and the patterns of religious expression. This research aims to study and understand the phenomenon of Muslim religious expression in internet-based social media The discussion resulted in the findings that Muslim religious expression in social media develops from traditional, modern, liberal, radical, and recently becomes moderate religious expression. This research is quasi-qualitative research using an ethnographic approach. The basis of the analysis is interpretive on the phenomenon of the diversity of religious expressions of the ummah on social media. The result of this research shows that the emergence of religious websites mostly represents these various expressions. These religious websites and the existence of celebrity preachers then lead to the shifting in the pattern from the traditional to the moderate one.</em>

Kirpan Sikh in Indonesian Legal Context

This research delves into the nuanced interplay between religious freedom and legal norms in Indonesia, with a specific focus on the Sikh practice of carrying the kirpan. This ceremonial dagger, integral to Sikh faith and identity, presents a unique challenge within Indonesia's diverse legal and socio-cultural landscape, marked by the country's commitment to Pancasila, which emphasizes religious freedom, unity in diversity, and social justice. By employing a normative juridical approach, this study scrutinizes the tension between the kirpan as a manifestation of religious expression and public safety concerns, utilizing comparative analysis to explore international perspectives and solutions. The investigation reveals a critical need for Indonesia to refine its legal and policy frameworks to more effectively accommodate religious practices like the kirpan. Drawing lessons from countries such as India, the UK, Canada, the US, and Sweden, the research advocates for inclusive legal reforms, enhanced public education, and robust intercultural dialogue. These strategies aim to reconcile the practice of carrying the kirpan with public safety imperatives, reflecting a deeper understanding and respect for religious diversity. The findings underscore the significance of integrating Indonesia's foundational principles of Pancasila into the contemporary discourse on religious freedom and minority rights. The study posits that respecting the kirpan within this ideological framework not only aligns with Indonesia's commitment to diversity and tolerance but also strengthens national unity and social harmony. This research contributes to the broader discourse on balancing religious expression and public safety in pluralistic societies, offering a comprehensive blueprint for policy and legal reforms that honor both religious freedom and collective well-being. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue, education, and legal inclusivity in fostering a society that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, irrespective of their religious practices. Keywords: Kirpan, Sikh, Freedom of Religion and Human Rights (FoRB), Criminal Law, Indonesia

Digital Piety and Preaching: The Role of Social Media in Shaping Islamic Practices and Discourses in Bangladesh

This paper explores the mediatization of Islam through the lens of piety and preaching on social media in Bangladesh. It investigates how the digital realm influences religious practices, particularly focusing on Waz-Mahfil, a traditional form of Islamic sermon that has gained significant traction online. The study delves into the role of social media on religious consciousness, examining how digital platforms facilitate the spread of Islamic teachings and foster religious engagement. It also addresses the dual role of online Islamic discourse in promoting both peaceful religious values and political agendas, as well as its potential to intricate violence against minorities. The paper highlights the complex interplay between technology, religion, and politics in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for balanced digital literacy to mitigate online extremism and encourage harmonious coexistence. The findings underscore the transformative effects of mediatization on Islam, shaping both individual piety and collective religious expression in contemporary Bangladesh.

Bias in Observed Assessments in Medical Education: A Scoping Review.

Observed assessments are integral to medical education but may be biased against structurally marginalized communities. Current understanding of assessment bias is limited because studies have focused on single specialties, levels of training, or social identity characteristics (SIDCs). This scoping review maps studies investigating bias in observed assessments in medical education arising from trainees' observable SIDCs at different medical training levels, with consideration of medical specialties, assessment environments, and assessment tools. MEDLINE, Embase, ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles published between January 1, 2008, and March 15, 2023, on assessment bias related to 6 observable SIDCs: gender (binary), gender nonconformance, race and ethnicity, religious expression, visible disability, and age. Two authors reviewed the articles, with conflicts resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. Results were interpreted through group review and informed by consultation with experts and stakeholders. Sixty-six of 2,920 articles (2.3%) were included. These studies most frequently investigated graduate medical education (44 [66.7%]), used quantitative methods (52 [78.8%]), and explored gender bias (63 [95.5%]). No studies investigated gender nonconformance, religious expression, or visible disability. One evaluated intersectionality, with SIDCs described inconsistently. General surgery (16 [24.2%]) and internal medicine (12 [18.2%]) were the most studied specialties. Simulated environments (37 [56.0%]) were studied more frequently than clinical environments (29 [43.9%]). Bias favoring men was found more in assessments of intraoperative autonomy (5 of 9 [55.6%]), whereas clinical examination bias often favored women (15 of 19 [78.9%]). When race and ethnicity bias was identified, it consistently favored White students. This review mapped studies of gender, race, and ethnicity bias in the medical education assessment literature, finding limited studies on other SIDCs and intersectionality. These findings will guide future research by highlighting the importance of consistent terminology, unexplored SIDCs, and intersectionality.

'She Has The Heart!’ Communicative Strategies of the Linguistic Expressions of Illnesses in Jordanian Arabic and the Effect of Religion in Their Manifestation

This article explores how illnesses are linguistically expressed in Jordanian Arabic (JA). It also investigates the extent to which religion and social norms influence this expression. To this end, we collected authentic data from a number of interactions of JA speakers, particularly within interactive radio and TV programs addressing various life issues, where discussions about illness arise. A total of 834 linguistic expressions of illnesses were found and categorized according to the type of illnesses and the inflicted organ. Afterwards, we interviewed 13 participants to identify the major factors responsible for the use of the expressive strategies of illnesses in JA. Our results indicate that illnesses in JA are predominantly expressed by two distinct sets of expressive strategies: euphemistic expressive strategies (EESs) and non-euphemistic expressive strategies (NEESs). The former are used with cancer and mental health disorders and essentially include the replacement of the name of the illness with a religious expression or a conventional term. On the other hand, NEESs are used to express other illnesses (e.g., heart problems, diabetes, etc.). The effects of (folk) religious beliefs and social norms in determining the use of these expressive strategies are discussed. A number of implications for future research are highlighted.

The Evolution of Odissi Dance: from Temple Rituals to Modern Revival

Odissi dance, originating from the ancient temples of Odisha, India, has evolved from a sacred ritual performed by temple dancers (Maharis) to a renowned classical art form. This essay explores the historical progression of Odissi, highlighting key transformations, including the decline of Maharis and the emergence of Gotipuas—a class of boy dancers trained in acrobatics and religious expression. The 20th century marked a significant revival, spearheaded by figures like Kalicharan Patnaik and initiatives such as the Jayantika project, which standardized and codified the dance. Odissi's modern form integrates elements from ancient texts, temple sculptures, and regional music, characterized by its expressive storytelling (Abhinaya) and intricate movements. Today, Odissi is celebrated globally for its grace, emotional depth, and cultural richness, standing as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this ancient dance tradition.