Religious Mentality Research Articles

Шахматы как отражение культурного пространства Арабского халифата

The article examines the phenomenon of chess culture in the era of the Arab caliphate. It is shown that the golden age of shatranj (the Arabic version of chess) coincided with the rapid development of Arabic culture and science, thus reflecting the socio-cultural realities of that time. It is revealed that the treatise “The ethics of Chess” by the Arab thinker Raghib Ishafani demonstrates philosophical ideas in relation to the game of chess. The popularity of shatranj, which was demonstrated by the interest of state leaders and the holding of the first chess competitions in history, is noted, and attention is focused on the reason for its widespread use. The similarity of the rules of chess and the religious beliefs of the mutazilites, manifested in the concept of freedom of choice, is demonstrated. The reasons preventing the further development of the shatranj in the Arab caliphate are explained. It is shown that this fact was due to the religious mentality of the Arab-Islamic type of culture and the slow nature of the development of the social institutions of the East. It is noted that the further filiation of ideas from the Arab world to Europe led to the development of chess not only as a game, but also as a model reflecting the cultural and social processes taking place in society.

THE RELEVANCE OF STOICISM PHILOSOPHY TO THE SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE OF GENERATION Z

The development of all-digital technology has made Generation Z have a pattern of thought that tends to be unique and creative in terms of socializing and thinking. This uniqueness tends to be followed by the amount of information on the timeline that can be accessed through any platform. This affects how Generation Z acts in their social and religious lives. The influence of this information can lead to perceptions resulting from their thinking in processing an event. This research aims to find the relationship between the teachings of stoicism and Generation Z’s social and religious life in creating a wiser life and the ability for self-control. Generation Z’s social and religious life cannot be separated from digital advances that can influence their religious mindset. Meanwhile, the philosophy of stoicism is a form of teaching self-control through rational thinking behavior. This research uses qualitative methods with data collection through interviews and observations. In-depth interviews were conducted with Generation Z who have known the concept of stoicism in the age range of 18–23 years old and live in Kudus City. Secondary data was obtained through various journals related to the topic. The results of this study show that in carrying out social and religious life, Generation Z has been able to understand how to act properly without involving emotions and trying to think rationally. Furthermore, Generation Z can accustom themselves to doing spiritual activities in religion both personally and in groups, to provide religious awareness through self-control of the development of negative emotions. This is because there are similar indicators to achieve happiness in religious teachings and philosophy. In religion, the Qur’an is prioritized as the word of God with the main function of showing humans the essence of truth, while philosophy uses rationality as a tool to find truth without being bound by emotional factors. It can be concluded that the Qur’an and the philosophy of stoicism have the same concept related to gratitude and patience.

Symbol and Faith in Mircea Eliade

This article analyzes Mircea Eliade’s conception of the role of the symbol in the expression of faith. It points out that Eliade considers belief a constitutive structure of the human being, and that homo religious is par excellence a homo symbolicus. Approaching the nature of the symbol as a form of autonomous knowledge, and its structure, it highlights the specificity of symbolic thinking, which generates it. Focusing on the man of archaic societies, exemplary for the religious mentality, it develops the problem of the functions of symbols within traditional communities. It shows that on the basis of archetypal symbolic images, primitive man creates symbolic complexes through which he explains the world and pursues his integration into it—presenting some of the great religious symbolisms. Finally, it highlights Eliade’s position that symbols will never disappear because they are constitutive of the human being, like religious belief, to which they are inextricably linked.

Religious Attitudes Towards Ethical Problems in the Greenhouse Vegetable Cultivation in Türkiye

The main purpose of this study is to determine the level of influence of religious sensitivity regarding the ethical problems of greenhouse vegetable cultivation and to investigate the possibility of religious contribution to the solution of ethical problems arising on the ground of greenhouse cultivation. Religious sensitivities of greenhouse vegetable growers, where physical conditions are controlled and industrial production is dominant, were analyzed through main categories such as daily life and religion, pesticides and health, genetics and nature. The study aims to provide a background reading of specific moral issues in the context of religious sensitivity analysis.
 The data were collected by means of questionnaires arranged in accordance with the purpose, by interviewing 430 producers growing vegetables in greenhouses within the borders of Antalya province located in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. An index was created to analyze the religious mentality of greenhouse vegetable growers and to show their religious sensitivity levels in solving ethical problems. The characteristics of the producers, their attitudes and behaviors in the production process are known as the factors that affect the religious sensitivity towards the ethical problems of greenhouse vegetable cultivation. These factors were tested with a multiple linear regression model whose dependent variable was the religious sensitivity index.
 Producers who think that they are praying while doing their work in the greenhouse vegetable production process and quit their job to perform the Friday Prayer have been found to be more religiously sensitive to ethical issues than other producers. Religion was found to be important in the daily lives of the producers and it was stated that religion affected behaviors on the basis of mentality. The level of religious sensitivity was determined to be quite high, that a mistake they made in greenhouse vegetable growing activities would be punished not only in the hereafter but also in this world. This situation shows that in order to overcome the ethical problems in greenhouse vegetable cultivation, the strategies to be followed should be considered within the religious framework. In the linear regression model, it can be said that the producers with high school and undergraduate education levels have higher religious sensitivity to the ethical problems of greenhouse vegetable cultivation compared to the producers with primary education level. Certain experiences of greenhouse vegetable growers may be linked to their general religious attitudes. In this respect, it can be said that the religious sensitivity of the producers, who have been doing greenhouse cultivation for a long time, towards ethical problems is more important than the less experienced ones.
 The religious sensitivity index for greenhouse vegetable cultivation is the first in the literature. The religious sensitivity index, whose relationships are analyzed in the form of daily life and religious perception, genetics and nature, greenhouse vegetable production and the hereafter, chemical spraying and health, non-compliance with the spraying time and seeing the return in life, moral consistency and market conditions, seems to have the potential to guide further studies.

Mahdist Movement Political Dimensions in Sudan: Islamic State Creation Religious Mentality during the Nineteenth Century (1884 -1881).

This article examines the religious mentality in the nineteenth century Middle with reference to Mahdi movement political dimensions in Sudan during the early eighties. The study is organized into four sections which cover, historical background of the 19th Century Sudan, the emergence of the Mahdism in 1881 in Sudan, the political aspects of the Mahdist movement in Sudan, and local opposition against the Mahdist movement. The study key findings showed that the Sudanese Mahdi, Mohammed Ahmad, had been affected by number of factors shaping his religious mentality embodied in the idea of Mahdism. It was concluded that such mentality was evident in the political aspects the movement and local opposition. It was also revealed that those factors played such a vital role in the movement's prosperity that ordinary Sudanese people regarded Mohammed Ahmed, in sharp contrast to Mahdi-opposition loyal scholars (Ulama), as a savior capable of liberating Sudan from foreign rule.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in A Private Islamic Boarding School, West Nusa Tenggara

The COVID-19 vaccination program began in Indonesia in 2020, but it is still unknown how well it has been received by particular communities in places like the West Nusa Tenggara region's Islamic boarding schools. This research aimed to identify the characteristics and factors that contribute to the COVID-19 vaccine's acceptance at the Nurul Islam Sekarbela Islamic Boarding School. In August 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on a stratified random sample of chosen boarding school students using a validated questionnaire. Data on demographic factors, COVID-19 history, religious acceptance, and opinions were all examined descriptively. A total of 124 students, or 62%, gave their informed permission. Based on the findings, it was determined that the Nurul Islam Sekarbela Islamic Boarding School's level of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is still considered low (35%) and in doubt (65%). Acceptance of vaccines is mostly influenced by efficacy, safety, and family recommendations. Acceptance of vaccines is impeded by the dominant fatalistic religious mindset.

Developing An E-Learning Platform For Islamic Education That Incorporates The Principles Of Religious Moderation Within School Settings

The establishment of online Islamic religious e-learning with a focus on religious moderation in educational institutions is an endeavor aimed at broadening the availability of well-rounded and balanced Islamic religious education through digital learning platforms. This research aimed to create an e-learning system that specifically emphasizes the principles of religious moderation within schools. The research adopted a developmental approach (R&D), by utilizing the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). After conducting an analysis, the e-learning system was designed and developed using cutting-edge technology that enables active student interaction and engagement. Subsequently, the e-learning system was introduced as a pilot project in the school setting. Students and teachers actively participated in utilizing this system to access Islamic religious content that was customized to their individual needs and comprehension level. Throughout the implementation phase, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the e-learning system in enhancing comprehension of the Islamic faith and fostering a moderate religious mindset. The findings of this research demonstrated a significant demand for Islamic religious education focused on religious moderation. There was a pressing need for the development of efficient learning tools to facilitate successful comprehension of Islamic Studies materials, particularly among junior high school students. This conclusion is supported by the analysis of data using the Wilcoxon test, which yielded a t-value of -4.878 and a p-value of 0.00, indicating statistical significance (p < 0.05).

Evaluasi Pendidikan Menuju Insan Kamil dalam Perspektif Filsafat Ilmu

This article aims to explore the methods for conducting a thorough assessment using a scientific philosophical approach. Given that inconsistencies in educational assessment practices can yield suboptimal outcomes upon examination, it becomes imperative to employ appropriate techniques for a comprehensive review. The author has crafted this article using a research approach, gathering source materials from various repositories including library books, research reports, newspapers, books, theses, dissertations, and both printed and digital scientific journals. In the context of Islamic education, the objective of evaluation is to nurture al-Insan al-Kamil, or a well-rounded human being. Similarly, the primary goal of education is to instill faith, foster piety, cultivate a religious mindset, impart knowledge, and encourage the application of acquired knowledge in adapting to broader community life. Evaluation also serves as a means to furnish students with feedback regarding their accomplishments, as well as the depth of their perspectives and knowledge acquired throughout the learning journey. Furthermore, philosophy plays a pivotal role in educating individuals to think critically, gain insights, and reason comprehensively, enabling them to approach events or problems from multiple angles and ultimately arrive at correct solutions.

Islamic art and visualities of war from the Ottoman Empire to the Turkish Republic

AbstractThis article explores how Islamic art was produced and used in Turkey within the context of modern warfare during World War I, the War of Independence, and the nascent Republic – a subject still relatively understudied in Turkish history, as well as in international cultural histories of modern warfare and histories of modern art in the Middle East. Drawing on previously overlooked visual and textual sources such as calligraphic panels, miniature paintings, war posters, and religious timetables produced during the years 1914–1924, we examine the ways in which Islamic arts were articulated with the experience of war through both individual actions and official policies, revealing how Ottoman artists tried to make sense of war and how Islamic genres and motifs were appropriated, and sometimes subverted, in the service of the nationalist cause. We show that far from exhibiting a sharp discontinuity, the transition from Ottoman–Islamic to Republican–nationalist artistic content was gradual, involving the reappropriation and repurposing of Islamic motifs and techniques in a manner that reflected the religious mindset of the elites and masses in the early twentieth century.

The places of agency detection and predictive processing in the ontogenesis of religious belief; and “Who put the ‘H’ in the HADD?”

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the origin of the hyperactive (or hypersensitive) agent (or agency) detection device (HADD) and its ‘places’ in the ontogenesis of religion. In 1. I engage in a preamble surrounding correspondence with Robert McCauley, Justin Barrett, and Tom Lawson on the origins of the HADD idea. In 2. I explain the roles HADD is purported to have had in the evolution of religion and a religious mindset from two potentially conflicting perspectives. I claim there is confusion where these two perspectives are not properly demarcated. In 3. I trace the evolution of the HADD concept. At 4. I outline the current condition of the HADD idea in light of several objections to it. I conclude that a) although history does not support the origins of the HADD idea as having any one single author, it is Barrett who spearheaded it and defended it, thusly galvanising his name to the concept historically; b) that as it is described in 2a it is compatible with predictive processing as described in 2b; and c) that the concept of HADD in its variant forms still excites philosophical and empirical questions, the answers to which are relevant to the science versus religion debate.

The Migration of Religion to New Zealand in the Shipboard Diaries of Scottish Presbyterians

Abstract Drawing upon a collection held at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, this article studies expressions of religious belief and practices in the shipboard diaries of Scottish Presbyterians who emigrated to Otago, New Zealand, from the mid-nineteenth century. Through close reading, this article amplifies diverse migrant voices aboard these ‘floating villages’, albeit united by their remarkably literate denomination. Offering rare portholes into personal experiences of the voyage, this article explores, first, the religious impetus to emigrate to a new Presbyterian haven; second, the organised religious rituals throughout the ship’s passage to New Zealand; and third, manifestations of popular religion, which informed perceptions of morality, health and disease, literature, leadership, festivities, prayer and nature. This article strengthens recent challenges to the secular emphasis of nationalist histories of settler colonies wherein migrants somehow abandoned their religion in transit, instead underlining the ship as a space for Scottish migrants to concentrate their religious mindset.

Theological Issues of Reform Discourse in the Muslim World: Ijtihad and Taqlid in Fundamentalism and Traditionalism

From a semi-nomadic traditional society to a modern Kazakhstani society, which experienced violent Soviet modernization in the 20th century, the main condition for changing the identity of the main social components is decolonization and renewal of public consciousness. The task of this modernization is to get rid of archaic outdated ideas about human, society and the state, their interrelationships, obsolete traditions and customs, their rudiments and stereotypes in the national and religious mentality. However, at the same time, another unshakable principle of consciousness renewal is the unshakable preservation of the fundamental spiritual and moral values created during the historical development of the nation, that is, the religious and cultural code that forms the core of the national identity. These two trends need a scientifically based premise to find an effective balance between tradition and innovation. Therefore, consideration of the theological issues of the reformist discourse in the Muslim world, especially the analysis of the struggle between modernism and progressiveness that took place in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, leads us to the rise of the themes of ijtihad and taqlid in Islamic fundamentalism and traditionalism.

Cognitive polyphasia in the representation of mental illness in groups with different religious mentalities

This study examines the phenomenon of cognitive polyphasia in the representation of mentally ill people by religious groups of society. The aim of the study was the manifestation of cognitive polyphasia in the structure of social representations (SP) about mental illness in groups of Orthodox Christians and Muslims. The sample consisted of Muslims – N = 111 (men – 53, women – 58 people) and Orthodox Christians – N = 114 (men – 49 people, women – 65 people) living in Moscow. The following methods were used: the author's questionnaire, which included 29 statements, the modified scale of D. Feldes' “Psychological distanceˮ, the modified method “Incomplete sentencesˮ, the method “Bubblesˮ. The inconsistency of the SP regarding mental illness is revealed when analyzing the responses of the author's questionnaire aimed at identifying the content of the JV: the core of the representations in both groups of respondents contained sympathetic statements, but the results of the projective techniques “Incomplete Sentencesˮ, “Bubblesˮ demonstrate the predominance of negatively colored elements (fear of infection, aggressive actions of suicide of patients, unpredictability and inadequacy of behavior). Thus, there is reason to assert that the SP about mentally ill people is distinguished by cognitive polyphasia, i. e., the coexistence of modern knowledge about mental illness with archaic images of the disease.

The Identity of “Negeri Seribu Suluk” as A Control and Effort to Prosper the Society in Riau

This study discusses the control and effort to prosper society. Negeri Seribu Suluk is a tagline as well as a regional identity that the government used to control and prosper the society. The advancement of the era due to digitalization and excessive information accessed causes social diseases. The dialectic of identity and prosperity emerges as a result of social diseases thus becoming a barrier to society 5.0. This study aims to examine the efforts to control and prosper the society through the identity of Negeri Seribu Suluk using identity theory associated with the concept of social welfare. The results showed that: the Islamic infrastructure establishment, conveying the identity meaning, forming religious mentality, highlighting identity reputation, implementing religious activities actively and centrally, controlling social diseases and building relationships between government, customs, religion, and society. This is the government’s effort to control and prosper society. Society welfare has decreased due to the ineffective construction of identity and led to a dialectic between the society, political, customary, and religious figures to the government. Increasing digital media use is an effective solution to achieve a 5.0 society that is prosperous based on the identity of the Negeri Seribu Suluk.

Chinese Buddhist Narratives in Light of Indian Sources: A Case Study of the Sudāna/Vessantara Jātaka’s Reception in Early Medieval China

Abstract The Vessantara jātaka (also called the Sudāna jātaka in its Chinese versions) is one of the most highly renowned and widely circulated jātakas, or birth stories of the Buddha, in the Buddhist world. During the fifth and sixth centuries CE, the story was frequently depicted in Chinese murals and reliefs. Among a few sixth-century reliefs, scenes showing Prince Sudāna in exile appear to have been selected to crystallise the whole story, replacing the focus on Sudāna’s gifting of his children in the previous tradition. This study integrates early Indian sources with other relevant scholarship to explore the reason why Sudāna’s exile was selected. I argue that the choice of depicting Sudāna’s exile was shaped by two historical contexts. The first relates to a specific rhetorical strategy of integrating indigenous Chinese accounts of immortals into the story’s textual tradition in the third century. The second refers to the underlying religious mentality that focused on the quest for transcendence in the mountains, an idea that grew more popular during the flourishing of Buddhist meditation practice in the early sixth century. This article provides further methodological reflections on the study of Chinese Buddhist art, focusing on how important it is to incorporate more Indian sources and scholarship. It therefore engages with ongoing methodological reflections on China-India studies.

Endo Šusaku - pisac inkulturacije

Endo Shusaku's oeuvre is a fascinating literary attempt at reconciliation of (Western) Christianity and Japanese culture. As a Christian and a Japanese, Endo was a living embodiment of this religious and cultural struggle, but he was also a writer and thus in a fitting position to express the agonies of identity crisis that he and his Christian compatriots had to endure for centuries. Endo was, in other words, interested in the mission process known as inculturation, which signifies specific ways in which Christianity becomes a natural part of any given culture. The success of this process depends on the identification of the most important causes of conflict between Christianity and culture, while the solutions usually tend to produce something new. In most cases of successful inculturation, new images of Christ were produced in accordance with the religious mentality of the baptized community. Throughout his writings, Endo has managed to offer several such images. His Christ is a Suffering Servant of God, similar to the one described by Isaiah, a companion figure (dohansha), and a merciful God full of motherly love. While based on the Bible, these images are, at the same time, inspired by Japanese religious traditions, specifically Buddhist notions of merciful buddhas and bodhisattvas. Several controversial details in Endo's novels have aroused suspicions among Catholic clergymen, such as the presumed justification of apostasy in Silence and the pluralist tone of Deep River, but Endo was not trying to justify Asian religious mentality to Westerners. On the contrary, he was trying to present Christianity to the Japanese audience using the religious motifs they were familiar with. Thus, one might interpret Endo's images of Christ as an "experimental" inculturation - theologically imperfect but nevertheless valuable for pointing out the most significant issues in the evangelization of Japan.

ПРАВОСЛАВНЫЙ ФИЛОСОФСКИЙ ТЕИЗМ КАК СПЕЦИФИЧЕСКОЕ ПРОЯВЛЕНИЕ РОССИЙСКОЙ РЕЛИГИОЗНОЙ ИДЕНТИЧНОСТИ XIX ВЕКА

The article deals with the peculiarities of the existence of the Orthodox philosophical tradition of the 19th century which was formed taking into account the specifics of the Russian religious mentality. At the same time, the influence of European philosophical idealism on domestic spiritual and academic theism is shown. The fact of the phenomenon of religious philosophy or religious philosophy in higher theological schools is noted, while its role in the formation of Orthodox academic ethical and social teaching is determined.

Biblical paradigm for continuous management of Covid 19: an expository analysis of Exodus 12: 1-13 in the Nigerian context

The droning of the novel coronavirus pandemic has drummed hard around the globe. Experts have come to terms on the ravaging effects of the virus and the way forward. The popular mythical indifferences of coronavirus amongst Nigeria leading to unrealistic perception of the presence of the pandemic is crucial for the study. Currently, the initial threats and emotions fashioned around the presence of the virus is not as magnified, as it was during its inception. This abrupt relaxation is not the same in the Western world, where there are continuous awareness and protocols, regarding the virus. Stakeholders have tended to look at the issue from socio-psychological dynamics without complementing it with the spirituality of the biblical paradigm in making the guidelines sacrosanct for the religious mindset of the Nigerian people. The study adopts descriptive and expository methods of data analysis. The study will further create awareness of the biblical paradigm for the continuous management of coronavirus in Nigeria. It is discovered that there is a blend of measurements promoted by secular dynamics that are in conformity with Exodus 12 for disease control. This can be used for the management of coronavirus in Nigeria where the reality of the virus is becoming oblivious in social, religious and economic interaction. This paper therefore, recommend firmness and compliance towards the effective outcome of the pandemic control through collaborative efforts and constant reminders by the government and the church.

Christology in Contemporary African Christianity: Ontological or Functional?

This article examines the practical nature of Christology in contemporary African Christianity. The writers argue that though the religious mindset of the African people does not allow a dichotomy between ontological and functional Christologies, existential challenges have made many Africans tilt towards the functional end. The method adopted in the article is a descriptive approach. Christology is central to the orthodox Christian faith. It permeates all the pages of the Bible. The Old Testament consistently predicts the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament writers focused on Him in the light of His work on earth and the office he came to occupy concerning the Messianic predictions of the Old Testament. In history, the focus of theology has always been on the person and work of Christ. Contemporary African Christianity is not an exception to this trend. Many controversies have emerged in the process of the discussion on Christology. These Christological controversies surround the Person, picture, and deeds of Christ. A tilt towards functional Christology may cause a down-playing of God’s sovereign will to focus on what works. This may lead to syncretic beliefs and practices as people look for what gives a solution. The conclusion is that African Christology should blend ontology and functionality. The Christology that is both contextually relevant and scripturally balanced should be presented to the African people. Therefore, African theologians should make efforts to prepare theology that reflect a balanced Christological presentation intentionally.

Tarımsal Üretim Problemlerinin Çözümünde Dini Tutum ve Davranışların Analizi

Antalya özelinde kırsal yaşam ve tarımsal faaliyette dinsel tutum ve davranışların analiz edildiği çalışmada tarım algıları, tarımsal üretim problemleri ve dini tutumlar ölçekleri bağlamında tarımsal faaliyette bulunan çiftçilerin eylem ve tutumları üzerinden dinsel zihniyetlerinin analizi yapılmıştır. İnsan, en temel fizyolojik ihtiyacını karşılamak için toprağı işlemekte ve bu işleme süreçlerindeki aşamalar ise insanlık tarihinin gelişim merhalelerini oluşturmaktadır. Makineleşmeyle birlikte yapısal bir dönüşüm geçiren çiftçilik, bugün üretim-sağlık denkleminde en çetrefilli dönemini yaşamaktadır. Dünyadaki sürekli artan nüfus, ürünlerin çok üretilmesinin yanında çeşitlendirilmesi gerektiğini de doğurmuştur. Bu ise beraberinde tohumların ıslahını, toprağın analizini, üretim sürecindeki ilaçlamayı geleneksel formdan modern bir forma taşımış, ürün ve üretene yönelik güven problemini ön plana çıkartmıştır. Dini tutumların tarımsal üretim problemlerinin çözümüne etkisi nedir? sorusunu merkeze alan çalışmamızda veriler, Antalyalı çiftçiler ile yüz yüze görüşülerek anket yoluyla elde edilmiş ve tarım algısı, tarımsal üretim problemleri ve dini tutum şeklinde üç ölçek geliştirilmiştir. Tarım algısı ölçeği, çiftçilerin toprak, meslek ve teknoloji algıları üzerinden üç boyutla ele alınırken dini tutum ölçeği kader, halk inanışları, geleneksel uygulamalar ve fıkhî kurallar üzerinden dört boyutla ele alınmıştır. Tarımsal üretim problemleri ölçeği ise tek boyutlu olarak ele alınmıştır. Her üç ölçek özelinde toplanan veriler standart sapma ve ortalama, yapısal eşitlik modellemesi (YEM) tekniklerinden yararlanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Yapısal eşitlik modeli çerçevesinde dört hipotez geliştirilmiş ve bu hipotezler doğrulanmıştır. Yapısal Eşitlik Modeli verilerine kader algısı, tarım algısındaki varyansın %17’sini ve dini tutum algısındaki varyansın da %12’sini açıklamaktadır. Tarım algısı, üretim problemlerindeki varyansın %31’ini açıklarken dini tutum algısı ise üretim problemlerindeki varyansın %6’sını açıkladığı görülmektedir.