Religious Symbols Research Articles

Old lessons for new science: How sacred-tree metaphors can inform studies of the public-health benefits of the natural environment

Many studies have identified an association between exposure to the natural environment and improved public-health outcomes. However, much of this observational work lacks a theoretical foundation, so we look to the humanities for a stronger basis for green-health research, examining how trees have been used as religious metaphors and symbols for health and wellbeing. In particular, the tree of life, sacred trees, and other religious symbols provide a promising theoretical basis for green-health research. Based on this review, we propose the value of incorporating attributes such as vegetation species and size in exposure metrics, and considering the interactions between exposure attributes (e.g., species) and individual attributes (e.g., culture).

Creating a religious identity and impression management by Islamic banks

PurposeIslamic banks (IBs) place significant importance on their religious identity, prompting the utilization of impression management (IM) strategies to emphasize such identity. This paper aims to discuss the motivations behind using IM in the creation of religious identity by IBs, and to explore the use of religious symbols and language as a form of religious rhetoric. It is argued that to counteract the threats to their religious identity, IBs use IM techniques, predominantly through the inclusion of religious symbols and rhetoric.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical exploratory study, using content analysis, was conducted on the annual reports of the largest IBs for the year 2022. The analyses involved a total of 39 banks based on a filtered list from The Banker’s Top Islamic Financial Institutions of 2022. A manual content analysis was undertaken to extract religious symbols, images and contents.FindingsThe findings reveal the use of IM techniques that emphasize the religious identity of these banks. Notably, IBs consistently reaffirm their commitment to Sharia compliance and disclose their contributions to Zakah. In addition, the analysis reveals the incorporation of Quranic verses, religious iconographic images and other religious rhetoric statements in the annual reports of many IBs.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis concludes that the assertion by IBs that their guiding principles are rooted in Islamic values are supported by the religious terminology and imagery embedded in their annual reports. Alongside mere religious symbolism, the terms and images are integral part of the corporate identity of the Islamic that not only sends persuasive signals to stakeholders but also help build an impression on the activities of the IBs.Originality/valueIM has been a key objective and strategy of companies. This study aimed at exploring whether and how IBs used religious symbolism as an integral part of IM and corporate identity.

How and why does religion matter for the integration of Muslim minorities? Differentiating religiosity from religious orientations among Turkish Muslims in Germany

ABSTRACT The high level of religiosity of immigrants in general and Muslims in particular is often conceived of as a barrier to integration in European public and scholarly debates. However, existing survey research on the relation between religion and integration was limited to measures of religiosity and has yielded contradictory findings. For a broad range of outcomes spanning the domains of structural, social and cultural integration, there are studies showing positive, negative or no associations with immigrants’ religiosity. Arguing that religious cognitions are independent of religiosity, we examine whether the way immigrants reason about religion explains additional variation in immigrant integration. Drawing on original survey data of Turkish-origin Muslims in Germany (N = 500), we examine how religious literalism, symbolism and theological exclusivism relate to a broad range of integration outcomes (educational attainment, labour market participation, intergroup contact, civic and political participation, volunteering, sense of belonging to Germany and social distance), over and above levels of religiosity. Factor analyses reveal that a symbolic approach to religion (i.e. emphasizing the need to take the historical context into account when interpreting religious texts) is conceptually distinct from literalism and exclusivism and can explain variation beyond religiosity, particularly in the domain of civic integration.

Twisted knowledge construction on X/Twitter: an analysis of constructivist sensemaking on social media leading to political radicalization

PurposeThis study aims to identify how Brazilian followers of an X/Twitter profile engage in theory-building processes leading up to the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasília, the Brazilian capital. This paper seeks to understand how cognitive and sociocultural processes weave together to weaponize collective knowledge construction that, in isolation, could be seen as virtuous but, in specific contexts, might lead to radicalization.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses qualitative content analysis of comments on ambiguous X/Twitter posts published by a conspiratorial profile associated with former President Jair Bolsonaro. Content was published in the three weeks that preceded the coup d’état attempt by Bolsonaro supporters on January 8, 2023.FindingsFindings point to users’ resorting to intuitive knowledge to support sensemaking processes in their search for subliminal meanings in tweets. That includes, for example, attempts to crack binary code-encrypted messages. This study also identified practices of cross-media sourcing, where users collect evidence from alternative social media channels to interpret messages containing verbal and visual information. Finally, this study found that religious symbols are often instrumentalized and become a lens through which followers organize information to integrate with their existing knowledge and assumptions.Research limitations/implicationsWith this work, the authors build on existing scholarship on epistemologies used by conspiratorial and radicalized groups as they engage in systematic sensemaking and often refer to religion to interpret messages that motivate extreme political position-taking. This study addresses a similar phenomenon as it unfolds in an understudied geographical context (Brazil) and seeks to demonstrate how individuals engage in collective sensemaking practices. The authors hope that their findings inform educators as they explore the affordances of social media to foster positive collective learning experiences in reasoning supported by social media.Originality/valueThe originality of this study is twofold. First, this study uses an analytical lens that draws on the learning sciences and cognitive science for inquiry of radicalization happening around social media. The authors understand that social media lend themselves particularly interesting to the analysis, as they are settings where notions of mastery blur, and individuals engage in conversations on complex, controversial topics. With that engagement, they demonstrate willingness to reason collectively. Second, this study investigates how those phenomena unfold in an understudied context, responding to calls for more diversity in research in the learning sciences as well as in media studies.

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.

Praying against abortion: the re-publicisation of religion in Croatia

ABSTRACT In the post-Yugoslav context, anti-abortion activism has only recently transitioned from the institutional to the protest arena. Amid these evolving dynamics, continuous and strong ties persist between anti-abortion activism and Catholicism, with religion now operating through civil society and in physical public space, blurring the boundaries between religious and secular. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted during two ‘40 Days for Life’ prayer campaigns in 2021 at six distinct protest locations within Croatia, this study examines how anti-abortion clinic activism re-publicises religion. We show how the anti-abortion protests have re-publicised religion through the civil society sphere in three acts: (1) the establishment of religious protest spaces; (2) the utilisation of religious symbols and artefacts as meaning-making tools for materialising the protest as religious and political; (3) the enactment of performative prayers as ritualised protest performances. These acts collectively culminate in the construction of a sacred space, serving as a manifestation of the re-publicisation of religion. Contrary to other findings, we have also found that anti-abortion clinic activists use religious abortion framing.

The Struggle to Defend Minority Rights: The Role of Islamic Religious Counselor in the Realization of Religious Freedom

When the principle of tolerance is seen as an agreement on shared values, the forms of its practice can be diverse, even contradictory. On the other hand, the relationship between minority and majority groups in Indonesia continues to change over time, and this dynamic becomes a locus of control for the authorities. The government never ignores this problem. In addition to regulations, one of the facilities provided is the existence of Islamic Religious Counselors. The purpose of this study is to explain the role of Islamic religious counselors in realizing harmonious relations for minority groups in freedom of religion and belief. The research method used in this study is a qualitative method with descriptive analysis. The results of the study show the issue in understanding the extent to which the role of divine (heavenly) religious symbols is manifested in the social realm when the majority and minority groups of various religious believers interact with each other in a society, and when each different symbol touches each other intensely. Religious counselors can provide an important foundation for expressing religion amid diversity. The main thing that needs to be underlined is the moderate religious insight and attitude. This is what distinguishes a Islamic religious councelor from other religious figures although both convey religious messages through guidance and counseling activities. The efforts and roles of religious icouncelors are explained from the perspective of religious moderation, harmonization, and freedom of religion and belief. From the perspective of religious moderation, the councelors have a role as an agent of moderation, guardian of morals, and guardian of faith, while from the perspective of harmonization, the councelors have an informative and educative roles, the same thing also in realizing freedom of religion and belief.

The Meaning of Symbols in The Peucicap Aneuk Procession in Aceh: A Semiotic Study

The Peucicap Aneuk tradition is part of past culture with historical value. In its implementation there are religious symbols that have their own meaning. The approach used in this research is semiotic theory to read and understand the meaning of the symbols used by the people of Aceh during the implementation of the Peucicap Aneuk procession. with descriptive qualitative research design. primary data of this research comes from field observations of the Peucicap Aneuk procession and secondary data comes from journals, books, and ancient Acehnese manuscripts. This research showed that, in general, the Acehnese people perform the Peucicap Aneuk procession in the morning on the 7th (seventh) day after a mother gives birth to her child. When the peucicap ritual is carried out, there are 17 (seventeen) symbols, namely rice and paddy, sticky rice, Tumpo, On Peusijuek, free-range chicken egg yolk, rice kneaded into porridge, honey, Zam-Zam water, fruits, chicken thighs, chicken liver, turmeric, salt, sugar, coconut, mirror, Quran. In the Peucicap Aneuk procession, this article confirms the expectations of every parent for their children through the representation of cultural symbols. This article shows that there are several relations between the role of these symbols and the spirit of the community to preserve this culture in line with Islamic values.

EXPLORATION OF BLACK LIFE IN THE POST-RECONSTRUCTION ERA: A STUDY OF ZORA NEALE HURSTON’S JONAH’S GOURD VINE

The present paper critically examines Jonah’s Gourd Vine to understand better the complexities of Black existence in the post-Reconstruction period. Hurston’s writing portrays the complexity of African American lives during socio-political change, set against the background of a racially divided South. Identity, cultural resiliency, and the fight for autonomy under repressive systems are some of the topics covered in the research. This paper explores how religious symbolism, folklore, and the lasting effects of slavery interact with African American communities via an analysis of the protagonist’s journey. The study emphasizes the value of storytelling as a strategy for resistance and cultural preservation via Hurston’s tale. By shedding light on the ways that Hurston’s writing captures the hopes and realities of African Americans in the early 20th century, this paper seeks to further the conversation about Black literature.

Commodification of Religion in Marketing Communication for Sharia-Compliant Properties

This study explores the influence of integrating religious values and the use of religious symbols in marketing Sharia-compliant properties on consumer purchase decisions. Employing a netnographic method, this analysis observes consumer interactions on the Instagram account @shariagreenland, revealing how spiritual resonance and the commodification of religious symbols affect consumer preferences and behavior in the property sector. The findings reveal that religious symbols are strategically used in the marketing of Sharia-compliant properties, not only to support religious identity but also as a tool to create added value in consumer perception. These symbols are integrated into various marketing aspects, from property branding using the term “Islamic Housing”, to payment systems and facilities that comply with Islamic law, indicating the occurrence of religious commodification. Furthermore, this research identifies marketing strategies that commodify religious symbols as a major differentiating factor influencing consumer interest. The results of this study provide important insights for property developers in formulating effective marketing strategies, emphasizing the need for an authentic and transparent approach in integrating religious values into their product offerings. These findings contribute to the literature on consumer behavior in the context of Sharia-compliant properties and highlight broader social and cultural dynamics surrounding the commodification of religion in contemporary marketing.

Water Heritage Documentation

This research paper examinesthe use of digital documentation techniquesinpreserving culturalheritage, specifically Step Wells in Telangana, India. The aim is to preserve the Step Well's architectural, historical, and cultural significance through comprehensive documentation, historical context preservation, increased accessibility, virtual reconstruction using 3D modeling and virtual reality, educational outreach, and insights into the stepwell's condition and conservation strategies. The methodology involves a comprehensive field study, data collection through digital tools, and analysis of gathered information. It provides a detailed examination of the architectural features of Step Wells in Rachakonda, presenting 3D models and GIS maps to illustrate the documentation process. Challenges encountered during the digital documentation are discussed, along with strategies employed toovercome them. The cultural and historical significance of the documented Step Wells is analyzed, shedding light on their unique features and contextual importance. Advanced technologies like 3D modeling and high-resolution imaging have revealed the precise geometries, structural complexities, and decorative elements of Step Wells, revealing their engineering ingenuity and aesthetic sophistication. Digital documentation has facilitated comparative analyses across different Step Wells, revealing regional variations, evolution over time, and influences from diverse cultural traditions. Digitized historical records and archival materials have provided insights into construction techniques, social functions, and religious symbolism associated with stepwells, enriching our understanding of their roles in pastsocieties. Virtual reconstructions have also allowed for immersive experiences and educationaloutreach, fostering public appreciation and awareness of these architectural wonders. In conclusion, this research contributes to the evolving discourse on the intersection oftechnology and cultural heritage, showcasing the efficacy of digital documentation in safeguarding historical structures. The findings show how cutting-edge tools like virtual realityand 3D modeling may be used to create dynamic and immersive representations of architectural wonders. This improves public knowledge and involvement in step wells, which makes thorough documentation and conservation planning easier. In addition, multidisciplinary cooperation between Technologists, Architects, Archaeologists, Physical Planners, and Historians have encouraged by digital recording, which results in creative methods for researching and presenting Step Wells. This emphasizes how important it is to keep researching digital technology for upcoming generations.

Antropologi Tasawuf dalam Tarekat Qadiriyah Naqsyabandiyah di Madura

<p class="06IsiAbstrak">Madurese people who are synonymous with hard character and tend to be rude, are also known to be very religious so not a few are active in a tariqa, among which the popular one is Tarekat Qadiriyah Naqsyabandiyah (TQN). This article aims to examine the meaning of anthropological symbols in the practices and meanings of Madurese people towards the teachings of TQN, as well as how its implications in the personality and life of the Madurese. The methodology used is descriptive qualitative using Clifford Geertz's symbolic anthropology theory. This article concludes that symbolically anthropological TQN has a religious symbol system manifested in hybrid dhikr, <em>zikr jahr</em> (vocalised) and <em>zikr khafiy</em> (hidden). It also shows the existence of Madurese as spiritual subjects who know actively. The implications of dhikr in the lives of TQN pilgrims can be empirical, mystical and meta-empirical. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to have magical experiences due to the energy of the practised zikr.</p>

Turban–Sikh Identity and Religious Associations

The study established an understanding of the origin of the styles of Turban and further understand the relation that lies between the Turban as a headwear and the religious association it portrays about one’s identity. The complexity connecting an individual’s identity and popular religious connotations shall be unfolded. In other words, the turban is seen as a religious symbolism and also a style in itself for the young.

Religious discrimination at the CJEU and the social inclusion approach

The social inclusion approach to EU anti-discrimination law, as set out by Ringelheim, is aimed at achieving inclusion and participation in employment and wider society of all groups, including the most disadvantaged. But is the CJEU using this social inclusion approach, especially in cases concerning religious discrimination? This article argues that the CJEU, in cases regarding racial and ethnic origin, disability and sexual orientation discrimination as well as in some cases regarding religion or belief discrimination, has indeed applied a social inclusion approach, but that the six judgments regarding the wearing of Islamic headscarves at work are an exception. In the latter cases, the CJEU did not appear to pay any attention to the effect of the judgments on the employment opportunities of Muslim women who want to wear religious symbols at work.

Overwork as a concept to understand health inequities for ethnicised patients in health care.

Health inequities for ethnically minoritised patients are well-documented. In this ethnographic study, we follow thirteen patients categorised as 'ethnic minorities' in Danish health care during hospitalisation in three orthopaedic wards across two hospitals. The categorisation of 'ethnic minority patient' has been problematised for its Eurocentric origin and practices within Westernised health care. We use ethnicised to emphasise the process of becoming minoritised based on markers of physical appearance, religious symbols, language or names. Access to health care also rely on perceived legitimacy as health-care recipients which requires work by patients. We demonstrate the workings patients categorised as 'ethnic minorities' engage in by (re)producing othering ideas about non-Danishness, including distancing from other patients perceived as problematic. These were then (counter)produced by positioning oneself as the opposite, as deserving health-care receivers by displaying welfare reciprocity, supporting egalitarian ideas by discounting discriminatory experiences, showing gratitude and identifying staff with good vibes. We propose these doings as creating overwork. This theoretical approach enables a sensitivity towards subtle and covert workings for patients placed in the margins of health care. In this study, overwork is closely related to notions of Danishness and takes on specific forms within a modernised and universalised Danish health-care system.

CULTURAL SYMBOLS AND IMAGERY IN ENGLISH LITERATURE

This article explores the profound role of cultural symbols and imagery in English literature, tracing their evolution from the medieval period to contemporary works. By examining religious, nature, social, political, racial, and gender symbols, the article highlights how these literary devices enhance thematic depth, create atmosphere, and aid character development. Through given examples, the article demonstrates that cultural symbols and imagery are integral to conveying complex ideas and reflecting societal values, enriching the reader’s experience and understanding of literature across different eras.

Wajah Budaya dalam Tafsir Nusantara (Studi Analisis pada Tafsir Pase)

Thesymbols of Islam in Aceh are very well preserved as seen in the daily life of the Acehnese people. The maintenance of religious symbols is said to be good and within certain limits believed to be a form of religious practice. This research is expected to achieve the goal of revealing the characteristics and cultural elements in Tafsir Pase, as well as analyzing the contextualization of the interpretation of Tafsir Pase with phenomena that are happening in society. This research was conducted using a qualitative research model, which is research that is general and does not have a certain pattern. The characteristics of Tafsir Pase include the struggle between Islam and local culture in Aceh which is carried out through the translation of the Qur'an into regional languages. Contextualization of the interpretation of Tafsir Pase is seen in various socio-cultural phenomena in Aceh, for example in the meurukon tradition and the peulheuh kaoy tradition. In addition, contextualization is also seen in inter-religious interactions in Aceh.

Experimenty s náboženskou symbolikou v katolických ášramech v Indii

Experimenty s náboženskou symbolikou v katolických ášramech v Indii

OP v Commune d’Ans: Another Step in the Wrong Direction for Headscarf-Wearing Women

Abstract This article analyses and criticises the latest Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) case concerning the wearing of Muslim headscarves at work. OP was refused permission to wear a Muslim headscarf at work because her employer, a public authority, had a policy of exclusive neutrality, prohibiting employees from wearing any form of religious clothing or symbols. The CJEU judgment limits the employment opportunities of Muslim women who want to wear headscarves for religious reasons and allows member states and infra-state bodies a margin of discretion to decide whether to ban religious clothing and symbols for all employees, only for employees who come into contact with service users or not to ban such items at all; and, it ignores any possibility of the presence of gender, race or multiple discrimination. Prohibitions on religious clothing and symbols affect especially Muslim women, who are often from a non-European background and thus could amount to gender discrimination, race discrimination and to discrimination on a combination of religion or belief, gender and racial or ethnic origin.

Understanding Religious Egocentrism

The exploration of religious egocentrism reveals its prevalence and significance within religious discourse, with implications for individual development and societal interactions. Rooted in early developmental stages and characterized by narcissism and self-centeredness, religious egocentrism influences perceptions of morality, relationships with others, and interpretations of divine concepts. Contrasting religious egocentrism with radicalism and extremism underscores nuanced distinctions in cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions. While religious radicalism shares certain traits with egocentrism, such as literal interpretations of sacred texts and emphasis on religious symbols, extremism diverges by glorifying violence and imposing personal beliefs on others. This delineation underscores the spectrum of religious orientations, ranging from egocentrism's self-centeredness to extremism's militant ideology.