Religious Landscape Research Articles

Increasing irreligious trends among a younger demographic in Ireland: are there potential benefits?

ABSTRACT There is scholarly consensus among theologians and their disciplinary partners that religion closely links with identity formation, unmatched by identification with any other social group. However, detachment from organised religion in Western cultures among young people is increasingly evident. This paper presents research findings for theological reflection derived from an empirical sequential mixed-method, ethnographic Gadamerian doctoral study exploring Ireland’s rapidly changing religious landscape. Survey findings (n = 178) and follow-up interviews (N = 22) of a random sample of 18–39 year olds suggest that while Irish Catholicism remains culturally important there is increasing disconnection from the institutional Church. It appears that privatised, self-referential forms of spirituality related to a wellness culture are growing. However, this paper suggests that a positive benefit may also accrue from these trends, specifically that sectarianism as a historically pernicious form of racism may diminish.

Ghana to Become a Majority Muslim Nation by 2096: A Critical Examination of Ghana’s 2000, 2010, 2021 Censuses and its Implications for Christian Missions

This study analysed Ghana’s demographic patterns as shown by the 2000, 2010, and 2021 censuses and considered how these trends may affect Christian missions. According to the analysis, Ghana’s Muslim population has been steadily increasing over time, and by the year 2096, it may have a Muslim majority. Christian mission organisations working in Ghana must reevaluate their methods and approaches in order to effectively interact with and minister to a shifting religious landscape as a result of this probable demographic upheaval. The study also investigated the probable effects of a Muslim majority in Ghana and discussed the consequences for Christian missionary work, emphasising the need for cultural sensitivity, interfaith communication, and contextualised approaches to engage with the diverse religious beliefs and practices of Ghanaians. This study further examined what this demographic trend suggests and its implication for evangelism and intentional Christlike disciple making if a reversal is to be envisaged. The thesis statement of the paper is that Islam in Ghana unlike Christianity is witnessing steady growth, and the Church is enjoined by her calling to make Christlike disciples for her future survival. This article belongs to the field of missiology. It employed a transdisciplinary approach that incorporated statistical hermeneutics, hermeneutics of comparative theology, history of religion and demography to interpret quantitative results and determine their place and meaning in the religious landscape and their implications for Christian Mission. Keywords: Christian mission, Islamic growth, population census, Disciple-Making.

Bridging Faiths and Empires: The Assumptionists and the Mission d’Orient (1863–1923)

This paper examines the Assumptionists’ mission, known as the Mission d’Orient, initiated in 1862 with the aim of uniting the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches against the backdrop of a changing political and religious landscape. Despite their aspirations, the mission encountered numerous challenges and obstacles, leading to its ultimate failure. The paper focuses on the Ottoman response to Roman Catholic missions, using the Assumptionists as a case study. It explores the factors contributing to the Mission d’Orient’s failure and scrutinizes the Assumptionists’ efforts to foster unity between the two churches. The study argues that the failure can be attributed to complex power dynamics between the Ottoman Empire and Western powers, resulting in a hostile environment for Christian communities. The Ottoman response encompassed state-level actions driven by political conflicts and the direct targeting of Catholic missions as symbols of Western imperialism. The paper examines historical sources and primary documents to shed light on the challenges faced by the Assumptionists and their impact on interfaith relations and diplomacy during this significant chapter in Christian missions’ history.

Daily Life Spatialities and Temporalities of Religion in Ottoman Tunis: Reflections on the Complexity of Urban Religious Landscapes

Daily Life Spatialities and Temporalities of Religion in Ottoman Tunis: Reflections on the Complexity of Urban Religious Landscapes

Streaming religious services during a public health crisis: how digital religion shapes population well-being and intergenerational learning

ABSTRACT This study employs the therapeutic landscape theory to explore how online religious services during lockdown restrictions shape experiences of well-being and intergenerational learning. We used qualitative data from in depth interviews and focus groups with older adults and pastors in five churches in Ghana to explore how online religious places are conceptualized as therapeutic landscapes for sustaining wellbeing goals amidst a global pandemic. We identified multiple pathways of meaning through which online religious services shape the lives of people in a faith community to sustain the experience of well-being in a difficult time. In addition, this paper reflects on the broader implications of COVID-19 in shaping a paradigm shift in digital religion and intergenerational learning experiences through a changing religious landscape precipitated by lockdown restrictions that have drastically altered traditional religious places.

Midwifing Social Movements: How Movement Chaplains Practice Pastoral Theology Through Accessible, Critical, and Collective Spiritual Care

ABSTRACT In recent years, individuals of myriad religious and spiritual persuasions have volunteered to serve as chaplains to social justice movements. Drawing on a thematic qualitative text analysis of online materials, I argue that movement chaplains enact the work of pastoral theology when they render spiritual care more accessible, critical, and collective. I delineate two resources that an analysis of movement chaplaincy contributes to pastoral theology. First, movement chaplains model the integration of the ethics of care and spiritual care practices. Second, they offer a generative metaphor for the work of pastoral theology: that of accompanying midwife. As the field grapples with the implications of a changing religious landscape, movement chaplaincy challenges us to develop a pastoral theology that cares for souls across a plurality of religious (dis)affiliations and that accompanies those souls as they endeavor to birth spiritual lives that nourish and sustain.

The Spires Still Point to Heaven: Cincinnati's Religious Landscape, 1788–1873 by Matthew Smith (review)

The Spires Still Point to Heaven: Cincinnati's Religious Landscape, 1788–1873 by Matthew Smith (review)

The Spires Still Point to Heaven: Cincinnati's Religious Landscape, 1788–1873 by Matthew Smith (review)

The Spires Still Point to Heaven: Cincinnati's Religious Landscape, 1788–1873 by Matthew Smith (review)

Dynamics of the Ethiopian Religious Landscape during Democratic Transition

Dynamics of the Ethiopian Religious Landscape during Democratic Transition

When Magnus Johanson turned fifty

This article examines birthday party decorations as a way of understanding the materiality and religious place-making of an expanding Baptist congregation in central Sweden in the early twentieth century. The fiftieth birthday party for Magnus Johanson, held at Salem Chapel in Falun, Dalarna county, in 1906, was decorated with birch branches, large Swedish flags and bunting and an elaborately laid table featuring coffee cups and refreshments. From an analysis of these material elements and a deeper investigation into the lives of Johanson and his wife Kristina, it can be seen that evangelicals had a flexible approach to their ‘sacred’ spaces. Social activities and the act of decorating them created not only a sense of congregational fellowship and belonging but also the opportunity for congregations to display their connection to external cultural and political identities. Through the construction of chapel buildings and their subsequent decoration, male and female members were able to demonstrate a complementary creativity. Together they contributed to the cre-ation of Salem as a multi-purpose, comfortable and accepted place within Falun’s evolving religious landscape.

Shaping Urban Religious Topography in the Iberian Peninsula between the Fourth and Sixth Centuries: “Coopetitive” Rivalry and Social Power

This study analyses the reshaping of the religious landscape of the cities of Hispania, from the disappearance of polytheistic sanctuaries to the construction of Christian churches, from the fourth to the middle of the sixth centuries CE. The focus is placed on the agents who financed these complexes and the motivations behind their euergetic activities. The study highlights that the configuration of places of worship in the urban landscape was a contingent process often dependent on individual (layperson) initiative, challenging the widespread assumption that the Church and its bishops were the main promoters of urban redevelopment in Hispanic cities during this period.

Harmony and Devotion: Exploring the Socio-Cultural Fabric of Chishti Khanqahs

This paper comprehensively analyses the historical significance of Chishti Khanqahs, particularly during the 13th and 14th centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It focuses on their profound impact in shaping the spiritual and religious landscape of the Indian subcontinent. Exploring various facets that contributed to the appeal of Chishti abodes, the study critically examines their multifaceted roles. The research investigates the pivotal role of Chishti Khanqahs in training and educating disciples. These centers were more than places of faith; they transformed individuals by instilling values of humility, compassion, and devotion under the guidance of Shaikh. The paper also highlights the symbolic importance of the Langar Khana (free kitchen) in Chishti Khanqahs, embodying their commitment to equality and selflessness across societal strata. Addressing the interplay between Sufis and local communities, the paper discusses how these spiritual enclaves acted as bridges between the spiritual and temporal realms, shaping the socio-political landscape. Cultural enrichment through Chishti Khanqahs is another aspect explored, where diverse faiths, cultures, and backgrounds converged, promoting mutual understanding and coexistence. The paper acknowledges Khanqahs' transformation into centers of learning, fostering knowledge dissemination and intellectual growth. Lastly, the research highlights the humanitarian dimension of Chishti Khanqahs, providing sanctuary to the marginalized. This compassionate outreach underscores their commitment to societal welfare.

Exploring The Gradual Islamization of Tana Toraja In South Sulawesi

The profound journey of Islam's expansion in South Sulawesi during the 15th century resulted in a gradual uptake of Islam within the Toraja region. This delayed acceptance, compared to other areas in South Sulawesi, is frequently attributed to the use of force during Islam's expansion. This perception highlights the challenge of promoting tolerance between the Muslim minority and Christian majority in the region. To understand the complexities of this phenomenon, this study seeks to explore factors beyond violence that contributed to the slow pace of Islamization. Employing a qualitative approach based in anthropology, the research delves into historical and cultural contexts. It finds that forceful Islamization efforts by figures like the Bone Kingdom, Kahar Muzakkar, and Andi Sose, actually hampered the spread of Islam due to the negative cultural impacts they created. Instead, it was the migration of Muslims to Toraja for trade that played a key role in introducing Islam to the region. Intermarriages further altered the dynamics, shifting Islamization from a conversion-focused approach to one based on family connections. This had consequences for how Islamic communities developed, depending on the choices of second-generation Muslims. The slow pace of Islamization also influenced various aspects of social and religious life, leading the Toraja people to develop nuanced responses. They managed change by emphasizing positive aspects of Islam while minimizing negative ones, aiming to maintain peace within their religiously diverse society. Thus, the Toraja actively engaged in managing the evolving religious landscape, adapting their practices to maintain communal harmony.

The Identity of Places of Worship as a Means of Spiritualism and Political Propaganda in Indonesia

Indonesia has a unique and diverse religious landscape, with differences in religious life due to the spread of religion assimilated by local culture. This study aims to explain the identity of places of worship as a means of spiritualism in Indonesia. In addition, how are places of worship also possibly a means of disseminating political propaganda. This study used a literature review research methodology through data collection techniques involving reviewing books, relevant literature in academic writings, notes, and various reports related to the article theme of Identity of Places of Worship as a Means of Spiritualism and Political Propaganda in Indonesia. It is known that a place of worship is a gathering place for people who seek to practice their beliefs and their faith, therefore such facilities are vital for inter alia, various religious practices and beliefs to be exercised. However, this maybe different if the existence of a place of worship is used as a means of practical political propaganda dissemination. Places of worship can have two sides of interest, namely first, places of worship are an effective means of spiritualism and spirituality for adherents of religions in self-healing related to psychological and divine values. Spiritualism is the metaphysical belief that the world is comprised of at least two fundamental substances, matter and spirit. There is of course also spirituality which connotes that people recognize and have a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than oneself, and thus a lot more to being human than only sensory experiences, and especially that the greater whole of which people are part and parcel, is in essence cosmic or divine in nature. Second, places of worship may also often be abused and used as a means of political propaganda spreading which is carried out intentionally and consciously to strengthen the intention of a political attitude or is an opinion desired by certain parties or even politicians.

Religious Affiliation and Consumer Behavior toward Biodiversity Conservation in Europe

This study examines the relationship between religious affiliations and consumer behavior toward biodiversity conservation versus economic development. The data was collected from 27 countries in the European Union and the United Kingdom, which are particularly affected by biodiversity loss and have a diverse religious landscape. The researchers applied a cluster analysis to identify three segments: Uninformed, Conservationist, and Preservationist. The cluster membership of individuals was then predicted using a stepwise multinomial logistic regression based on ten socioeconomic indicators, including religious affiliation. Results showed that religious affiliation was the fourth most important socioeconomic factor in predicting European citizens’ behaviors towards biodiversity. There was a significant relationship between religious affiliation and consumers’ perceptions of the importance of biodiversity conservation, with agnostics, non-believers, and atheists being more likely to hold conservationist views and Christians, Orthodox, Catholics, and Muslims being the most prominent segments of the Preservationist. These findings provide insights into the potential role of Social Marketing in promoting pro-biodiversity attitudes and behaviors.

Darrelyn Gunzburg and Bernadette Brady, eds, 'Space, Place and Religious Landscapes: Living Mountains'

Darrelyn Gunzburg and Bernadette Brady, eds, Space, Place and Religious Landscapes: Living MountainsLondon & New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2021. Hardback, 271pp.IBSN 978-1-3500-7988-5. Paperback £26.09. Ebook £20.87. Hardback £81.00.

A study on adaptive performance, work-related psychological health and demographics in Episcopal Church bishops

PurposeThe purpose of this research study was to explore the relationship between adaptive performance and work-related indicators of psychological well-being among ‘The Episcopal Church bishops.’Design/methodology/approachHierarchical regression models were used in this research study to explore the relationship between adaptive performance and work-related psychological health.FindingsThere was a positive correlation between adaptive performance and work-related psychological health. Demographic factors did not correlate to adaptive performance. However, a negative correlation was observed between the years ordained as a bishop and the interpersonal adaptability dimension of adaptive performance.Research limitations/implicationsManaging work stress has been revealed as an integral part of adaptive performance and satisfaction in ministry. Interpersonal adaptability and reactivity could be understood, then, as useful vehicles for increasing the capacity of bishops to manage work stress. In this research, the authors applied the Scale for Individual Adaptive Performance and the two scales Scale of Satisfaction in Ministry and Scale of Emotional Exhaustion in Ministry .Practical implicationsThe results provided insights into the behaviors necessary for adequate development of bishops in their role. The religious landscape was becoming more challenging from a revenue generation perspective. The resultant complexity and the financial strain would necessitate the need for development of different models of ministry for long-term sustainability. This could further necessitate a different set of knowledge creation related to a set of behavioral capacities like those of adaptive performance. Such insights would assist in the promotion and development of greater work-related psychological health in bishops while deepening their ability to deal with complex and uncertain environments. Furthermore, this would increase satisfaction in ministry through improved workplace management skills.Originality/valuePresently, very few studies empirically established the developmental needs of bishops as they entered, learned and grew into their leadership roles. Such insights would allow the formation programs for new bishops to be grounded in empirical data. Furthermore, this research study examined a largely unexplored population. This would provide a basis for a larger research agenda related to adaptive performance in judicatory leaders and their work-related psychological health. Consequently, it is posited that improved psychological health would result in better workplace learning.

University Chaplaincy as Relational Presence: Navigating Understandings of Good and Effective Chaplaincy in UK Universities

Chaplains are embedded in the culture and life of many universities and are a key part of university support for religious students. Yet university chaplaincy has rarely been researched by social scientists. This article explores the role of chaplains and chaplaincy in universities in the United Kingdom (UK), investigating understandings of what makes for good and effective chaplaincy among the different groups involved or working with chaplains. Case study research in five universities, comprising interviews with chaplains, university managers and representatives from religious bodies, and a survey of students, reveals an approach to chaplaincy upon which many participants agree, based around a combination of relational skills and presence. Conceptualizing this as relational presence, the authors argue that relational presence reflects the UK’s three-dimensional religious landscape, where religion is regarded as “vicarious,” and reflects the values of young people who attend universities.

Социокультурные ориентации студентов Белгородской области с нетрадиционной религиозностью (социологический опыт)

The relevance of studying the phenomenon of new (non-traditional) reli- gions and mystical teachings is due to changes in the religious landscape, which must be studied using new methodological developments of non-traditional religiosity. The article presents the results of the sociological research “How Belgorod Region Lives”, carried out by the Department of Ethno-demographic, Religious and Integration Pro- cesses of the RAS FNIC. The object of the research is students studying at four insti- tutions of higher education in Belgorod. The article is focused on the possible impact of the worldview foundations of non-traditional religiosity on some socio-cultural at- titudes of the students of the Belgorod region. To determine the level of non-traditional religiosity, we used a methodology based on methodological and methodical principles that allowed us to identify groups of respondents with non-traditional religiosity. The “practicing” and “non-practicing” typological groups were selected based on the re- sulting indicators of religious consciousness and religious behavior. The resulting in- dicator of religious consciousness consists of the following indicators: non-traditional religious beliefs, interest in non-traditional religions and teachings, and motivation for interest in non-traditional and mystical teachings. The resulting indicator of religious behavior: involvement in the vital activities of the practices of non-traditional religious teachings, awareness of the activities of non-traditional religions and mystical teach- ings, involvement in the vital activities of the practices of these religions and teachings. The group of interested in non-traditional religious teachings comprises 40% of the youth surveyed. Of these, 32% are “practitioners” and 68% are “non-practitioners”. The micro-environment influences attitudes towards religion, nationalities, faiths, mi- gration, etc. The “practicing” youth have significantly more acquaintances, relatives, and friends who study or practice these teachings compared to the “non-practicing” youth (30% and 10%, respectively). It should be noted that young people included in the practice of non-traditional, Eastern religions and teachings have a deeper motiva- tion of interest in these religious teachings, according to all key indicators. The results of the empirical analysis showed the impact of the respondent's non-traditional religi- osity on some religious, national, ethno-confessional, and migration orientations. It was revealed that in relation to religious organizations of traditional confessions, “practitioners” are more skeptical compared to “non-practitioners”. The “practition- ers” are more negative in their evaluations of the Russian Orthodox Church and Mus- lim communities, and they note the “clericalization” of public relations more than the “non-practitioners” group. In the sphere of national relations in the typological group “practitioners”, the level of tolerance towards ethno-confessional marriages is slightly higher than in the group of “non-practitioners”. In both groups the majority of respond- ents have a positive attitude towards representatives of other nationalities. The data recorded that almost half of the respondents expressed a desire to move to other regions of Russia. At the same time, a third of Belgorod residents in the groups “practicing” and “non-practicing” plan to leave the region for good. The reasons for migration in both groups are mainly of a professional nature: career growth and improvement of the quality of professional activity. Young people in the “practitioners” group are more motivated to move by all indicators compared to the “non-practitioners”. The interest in non-traditional, Eastern religions and mystical teachings among young people in Belgorod is significant, but at the same time has little effect on their life activities, as 40% are interested in these religious teachings, of which only 5% are fully included in the practices of these teachings.

Religion and ESL Teacher Identity in Malaysia Context: Does Religion Matter?

This paper aims to showcase the interrelationship between religion and ESL teacher identity by using the literature on religion, religion and English teacher, religion and English teacher identity, as well as religion and English Language Teaching (ELT). Despite the potential significance of religious beliefs in shaping teacher identity, this area has received little attention. By examining the literature on religion and ELT, this paper seeks to contribute to our understanding of the importance of religious beliefs in shaping teacher identity. The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform teacher training programs and promote culturally sensitive and inclusive learning environments. This study reveals that religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping ESL teacher identity. Religious beliefs are deeply personal and intimately intertwined with one’s identity, and they can influence teaching practices and interactions with students. The study proposes a conceptual framework for future research on the impact of religious beliefs on ESL teacher identity. The article also suggest that a study focuses on the impact of religious beliefs on ESL teacher identity, whether religion matters in shaping and negotiating ESL teacher identity, should be conducted in Malaysia, a country with a diverse religious landscape. These findings have important implications for teacher training programs and for creating inclusive learning environments that take into account the religious and cultural diversity of students.