Religious Views Research Articles

Islamic Principles to Combat Radicalization in Academia: An Exploratory Study in Pakistani Context

Pakistan’s geopolitical location and events like the Afghan Jihād, 9/11, and the War on Terror have adversely affected our social, religious, and geopolitical realms. Numerous perpetrators are engaged in violent extremism due to their exclusive interpretations of Islamic injunctions, which mainly deviate from the basic Islamic principles. These developments in our region have given rise to the phenomenon of radicalization in the socio-religious and political spheres. Unfortunately, this radicalization has infused the higher education sector and threatened Pakistan’s security and safety. According to this study, ‘radicalization’ is a process in which people or groups adopt extreme social, religious, and political views to discredit or reject others’ coexisting and contemporary ideologies. The status quo, the delicate law & order situation, and developing trends and ideas at the societal level further lead to polarization and division. This paper aims to identify numerous adherents’of radicalization in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It also explains the central concept of theological radicalization and how genuine Islamic principles combat these misconceptions. Analytical and exploratory research methodology has been adopted for this study. This research concludes that by adopting the Islamic principles of Waṣatīyyah (Moderation and the Middle Path) and ‘Ilm-al-Eḥsān (to do beautiful things or Excellence) one could lead a successful life as ordained by Allah. A reversal of the rise of radicalism and extremism is possible with the help of moderates and reformers in society and academia to incorporate Islamic socio-religious norms and values. This paper recommends that academia and society must adopt moderation, diversity, and pluralism grounded in Islamic teaching to curb radicalism.
 Keywords: Combating radicalization, Islamic principles, Pakistani academia, Religious modesty

FERGANA VALLEY POPULATION OF ANCIENT FAITH AND PRIVATE RELIGIOUS CONSIDERATIONS

In the traditional culture of the ancient Fergana people, religious beliefs and views occupied a great place. Religious beliefs, while illuminating various aspects of the life of the ancient society, covered behavioral norms, social relations, aesthetic views, and others.In this article, as was the case in all nations in ancient times, in the Fergana Valley, the first forms of religion - fetishism, animism, sorcery (magic), totemism, worshiping the spirits of parents, shamanism and religious views related to Zoroastrianism were analyzed on the example of archeological finds. The purpose of the research is to reveal the history of the origins of the cultures of ancient peasant groups and herders of Fergana, as well as the history of socio-economic, cultural and religious beliefs and attitudes. This study was carried out wit

Islamic Tamil Literature and the Elements of Multi-Religious Unity from a Moral Point of View

Judaism, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Saivism, Vaishnavism, Sikhism, Islam, etc., are embraced by the majority of the people at times of origin in the world. In general, the purpose of religion is to moralize people. When the people in Arabia suffered from the worship of many Gods, The Prophet Muhammad created the noble idea of 'God is one' and upheld that principle and established the principles of commonality that the people of the world should follow. That's why 'Praise Muhammad who appeared in the Arab country and made the tradition of one Lord alive and praise the mercy given by the common brotherhood and flawless religion', said the Tamil Poet Thiru. V. Kalyana Sundaranar praising the Prophet. Such Islam began to spread in Tamil Nadu during the Middle Ages. Islamic scholars have written a wide variety of literary works in Tamil which are full of religious facts. Some have also written stories. This story has been written keeping in mind the nature of Tamil Nadu. Islamic narratives form the theme of the story without differing from the religious concepts at all. It is also written in a simple way for the common people to understand. The Author of Islamic Tamil does not fail to present the religious views in the right way without any variation.

The Social Construction of Moral Perceptions and Public Policies Concerning Organ Trafficking in Israel1,2

This article examines the sociocultural construction of the local moralities, practices, and public policies regarding the purchase, sale, and brokering of organs. Based on ethnographic study of the case of Israel, where the prevailing moral perceptions and public policies have been relatively tolerant toward the purchase and sale of organs, the article proposes a model of four main sources of justification underlying these perceptions and policies: (1) Deeply held religious views on ethics, social relations, and the body. (2) Philosophical approaches to moral dilemmas, particularly deontological versus utilitarian approaches. (3) The human rights discourse in its transnational, as well as localized, versions, and (4) socioeconomic worldviews such as liberalism, neoliberalism, and conceptions of individual autonomy. Each of these four discourses is weighted differently, depending on the context, and interacts with the other discourses. This process shapes the way in which international ethical norms are implemented, rejected, or adapted and translated into local meanings and institutions. The article offers a multi‐faceted explication of why translation occurs, especially in the framework of international human rights norms related to health and medicine, which have not been adequately addressed in prior research. The findings contribute to explaining how “ethical variability” is formed in practice.

MENJAGA TRADISI WALISONGO:

Abstract: The visions of some groups about nationality, diversity and local traditions always confront each other as if they are contradictory and impossible to reconcile. The concept of citizenship does not conform to Islamic teachings, especially to local traditions, because the regulation of human life is not in the hands of the national state, but in the hands of the Islamic state. This article aims to explore the urgency of Islamic moderation in higher education to strengthen national, religious and local traditions. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method and a literature review. Using this method, it is expected that researchers can comprehensively analyze the importance of Islamic moderation in higher education using national, religious and local traditions. These triangles are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. This is the reality of human civilization, recognized in Islamic teachings as part of God's will in creating heterogeneous people. Students should be taught Islamic moderation so that their religious views and attitudes reflect national values. Based on the results of the investigation, it was found that many things were national, religious and local traditions that do not conflict with Islam; and the need to integrate the subject of Islam and religious moderation with other courses.

The Scientific Spirit of American Humanism

The Scientific Spirit of American Humanism

TEACHING AND PREACHING IN THE FIRST PRINTED SHORT NOVEL (‘POVEST’) BY NIKOLAI GOGOL (“BISAVRYUK, OR THE EVENING ON THE EVE OF IVAN KUPALA”, 1830)

One of the “key” works of Gogol's heritage is analyzed ― the first prose work that appeared in print, the short novel (‘povest’) “Bisavryuk, or The Evening on the Eve of Ivan Kupala” (1830). Gogol’s literary debut in prose is a key work in the sense that it opens the door to understanding the writer’s subsequent work. Based on numerous facts, it is established that since his very first steps in literature, Gogol played the role of a conscious spiritual mentor and preacher. His first prose work (Gogol began as the author of the poems “Italy” and “Gantz Kuchelgarten”) is a sort of literary ekphrasis, which is centered around the theme of spiritual discipline. The short novel (‘povest’) is “theology in images,” and the clergyman, a representative of the common man’s milieu, a rural deacon (church reader, psalm reader), on whose behalf the story is narrated, becomes the author’s alter ego. For the first time, an analytical comparison of two editions of “Evening on the Eve of Ivan Kupala” was undertaken: the original journal version on one side and the subsequent one included in the “Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka” collection (the first edition of the short novel (‘povest’) was called “Bisavryuk, or Evening on the Eve of Ivan Kupala”; in the second, Gogol dropped the beginning of the title, leaving only the second part, “Evening on the Eve of Ivan Kupala”). The comparison shows that the first edition is more frank in expressing the religious views of the author than the second one. In the second edition, Gogol tempered the excessive edification and categorical nature of the original version. It is emphasized that as early as in this short novel (‘povest’), Gogol separates himself from superstitions and “childish prejudices” inherent in popular consciousness and focuses his talent on exposing those phenomena that have survived in the public, folk life from the pagan era. As a faithful ethnographer, a deep connoisseur of folk psychology and folklore, in the first short novel (‘povest’), contrary to the widespread interpretations of his work in radical criticism, the writer already appears not only as an original writer of everyday life, but also an astute thinker and theologian, like his predecessor, St. Tikhon of Zadonsk. From the first “Little Russian” short novel (‘povest’) one can guess many features of the future creator of “Dead Souls”, “Selected Passages from Correspondence with Friends”, and “Reflections on the Divine Liturgy”.

<Авторская исповедь> Н. В. Гоголя в критической рецепции первой волны русской эмиграции

The aim of the study is to determine the features of reception of N. V. Gogol’s creative work of the 1840s, primarily <The Author’s Confession>, by religious philosophers and literary critics of the first wave of Russian emigration. Scientific originality of the study lies in conducting a systematic analysis of critical articles by the representatives of the Russian émigré community in which <The Author’s Confession> is mentioned and in identifying the main conceptual lines along which the interpretation of Gogol’s creative work in Russian emigration was carried out. The paper presents the statements about <The Author’s Confession> by B. K. Zaitsev, Archpriest Vasily Zenkovsky, Archpriest Georgy Florovsky, S. L. Frank, K. V. Mochulsky. As a result, the two lines of perception of Gogol’s later works in the Russian émigré community have been identified: the aesthetic one, which emphasised the change in the quality of Gogol’s 1840s writings, and the religious-ethical one, which comprehended the significance of Gogol’s religious conversion as a writer for Russian culture and the Russian Church. It has been proved that the assessments of <The Author’s Confession> were directly dependent not only on the aesthetic and religious views of its critics, but also on those specific church schools and movements to which they belonged. For V. V. Zenkovsky, Gogol was a prophet and a pioneer of Orthodox culture, while G. V. Florovsky focused on the fact that the striving for the public good had obscured both artistic and ascetic tasks for the writer.

Writing the Polish American Woman in Postwar Ethnic Fiction

Writing the Polish American Woman in Postwar Ethnic Fiction

Experts Share Advice for Post-Roe World: ‘We Have to Be Proactive’

Experts Share Advice for Post-<i>Roe</i> World: ‘We Have to Be Proactive’

Conflict Resolution between Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah Congregations in Tumpak Rejo Hamlet, Ponorogo Regency

The two largest and most powerful socio-religious groups in Indonesia are Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah. They have members from all over the country and have different religious views regarding some religious rituals aspect. These differences often give rise to friction in the realm of social life. This study aims to describe the conflict resolution between NU and Muhammadiyah in Tumpak Rejo Hamlet, Tambang Village, Pudak District, Ponorogo Regency. This study used a qualitative approach, and the data were obtained from interviews and observations with the residents of Tumpak Rejo Hamlet. This study shows that the conflict between NU and Muhammadiyah members also stems from differences in views about religious practices that take place in society. The role of the village government and community leaders succeeded in producing conflict resolution between the two community groups and, at the same time, creating tolerance and mutual respect between the two. This study concludes that cultivating an attitude of tolerance, a sense of togetherness, and mutual respect between communities is a resolution model that can overcome religious conflicts in society.

Religious accommodation, agonism, agnosticism in healthcare: A commentary on Joshua Hordern, 'Accommodating religion and belief in healthcare: Political threats, agonistic democracy and established religion'.

Religious accommodation, agonism, agnosticism in healthcare: A commentary on Joshua Hordern, 'Accommodating religion and belief in healthcare: Political threats, agonistic democracy and established religion'.

METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF TEACHING THE GENRE OF SCIENCE FICTION IN INSTITUTIONS OF GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION (ON THE EXAMPLE OF KURT VONNEGUT’S NOVEL «CAT’S CRADLE»)

This article is devoted to the role of the cultural aspect in literary education. The necessity to create a comprehensive system of studying the science fiction genre of the 20th century (on the example of Kurt Vonnegut’s «Cat’s Cradle») at the final stage of school literary education has been identified and substantiated. At the center of the concept of modern literary education and upbringing are the personality of the student, his desire to understand the whole picture of the world, mastering culture as the experience of previous generations, involvement in spiritual heritage. To the extent that the student-reader learns the experience passed on by previous generations, to the extent that he will be able to navigate the constantly changing conditions of life, realize his own responsibility to the future generation. The cultural illiteracy of high school students, the loss of connection with the spiritual culture of their people and humanity in general speak of the need to educate a «person of culture» in a modern school. In this regard, an important role in the formation of emotional perception and understanding of various facts of the culture of both their own and other nations is played by lexicographers and the literature classes conducted by them, aimed at studying literary works against the background of a broad cultural context. Involvement in the historical-literary process will help students to see patterns in the development of foreign culture and literature in particular. An important point is the culturalization of education, which is aimed at globalization in the field of culture and education, associated with increasing interest in the problems of the cultural identity of peoples. Globalization in education is a single world cultural and educational space, a single world labor market and educational services. The cultural aspect of education determines the composition and hierarchy of values, the system- creating element of which is the student’s personality as the main value. There is no doubt that the implementation of the cultural aspect of teaching literature at school contributes to the effective entry of students into the context of culture, forms in them a system of key value ideas about the world and man, which become worldview guidelines. The cultural aspect makes it possible to overcome the stereotypes accumulated in the perception and analysis of both foreign literature (works in the light of the cultural aspect of the study return with new facets and open new meanings) and foreign culture as a whole. Undoubtedly, the cultural aspect allows one to consider the work of art in three planes: a generalized model of the world, national and cultural specificity, the author’s own model of the world and man, where his philosophical, religious, moral and aesthetic views are presented. Implementation of the cultural aspect in education is possible in the process of development of the value-meaning sphere of the individual.

Between perceptions and practices: The religious and cultural aspects of food wastage in households

Understanding the determinants of food provisioning is crucial for efforts to reduce household food wastage. Various studies have identified a web of interrelated socio-demographic characteristics, values, attitudes, and skills as drivers of household food wastage. Our contribution is in exploring the relationship between cultural and religious views and food waste generation. We do that in the context of three social groups in Israel: secular Jews, religious Jews, and Muslim Arabs. We interviewed 27 individuals who have a certain standing in their respective communities with broad perspective of the cultural context of food-related issues. Our results highlight the conflict between religious and secular values and actual food wastage practices. We identified several factors that lead to household food wastage: past scarcity, the consumer culture, and hospitality. We found various ways by which cultural and religious values shape food-waste perceptions. Results show a dissonance between food-related motivations and actual practices. We also demonstrate how the dissonance can be reconciled, both on the level of justification and on the level of action.

Indonesian Moslem Mother’s Style of Communication Upon Sexual Education For Boys in Their Early Age

Many sexual violence cases put men as either a victim and perpetrator. The way they groom since early childhood could help setting the best example to how they should respect and protect their boundaries in sexual business. Therefore, boys are necessary to be given a sex education since their early age. However, the sex education is considered taboo in Indonesia, said that it is related to religious view, when they are not. This paper examined "How is Indonesian moslem mother’s style of communication upon sexual education for boys in their early age?." Researchers use descriptive qualitative methods to analyze, describe, then explain in depth and detail based on the activities of social phenomena. In two informants, it was found that they have a tendency to have different communication styles depending on the stage of sex education they give to their boys at an early age. They adopt an assertive communication style for the information they share. However, they change to apply a non-assertive communication style when they feel they have no understanding toward the information they convey or the child asks a question and they are unknown to the answer. Finally, they can also become aggressive when they force their children to follow directions regarding the sex education they provide.

Doctrine of Love in Writings of 14th-Century Persian Mystic Mahmud Kashani

The article is devoted to the work of Mahmud Kashani (d. 735/1334-35), who was a sheikh of the Suhravardiya Sufi order and the author of several significant works. The object of analysis was one of the parts of his most famous work — the prose treatise “The lamp that indicates the true path, and the key to a sufficient amount [of mystical knowledge]”. The article deals with the religious views and scientific heritage of Mahmud Kashani. A commented translation of part of the first section “On Love” from the tenth chapter “Explanation of mystical states” of the specified work is proposed. Since Mahmud Kashani is also credited with the poem “Treasures of Secrets and Symbols of the Righteous”, dedicated to the psychological aspects of mystical love, we have also translated one of its chapters. Comparison of fragments of these works shows significant discrepancies in the explanation of love, which may be due to the fact that the author expounds the concept of love of ascetic Sufism in the first essay, and Sufism “based on love” in the second. The second direction goes back to the composition of the “Revelation of Love” by the Persian mystical philosopher Ahmad Ghazali. It is also possible that ‘Izz ad-Din Mahmud is not the author of the poem “Treasures of Secrets…”.

A New Wave of “Space Nationalism” in the United States: Why Are Evangelicals Good With It?

Despite evidence that shows how the support for space programs correlates with liberal political views and a lower level of religiosity, recent data suggest that more conservative positions may have an even more substantial effect under the appropriate conditions. Using the available data from Pew's American Trends Panel, we seek to clarify this interactional effect of political and religious preferences on the level of interest in the space programs and commitment to space politics support among Evangelicals as it changed during Trump's presidency. Our research hypothesizes that during this time, the simultaneous presence of nationalist views in both accounts of politics and religion may be linked to the underlying concept of “space nationalism,” that is, the belief that the United States should lead in space exploration, resulting in an increased level of support for space programs. This article presents the results of several iterations of linear regression models. Controlling for robust sociodemographic variables, our findings show a statistically significant effect of nationalist views and religious beliefs. Our results confirm that a combination of nationalism and religious views is a robust predictor of Evangelicals' space exploration support.

Factors influencing utilization of modern family planning services by persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus at Luwero Hospital, Uganda.

The use of modern family planning methods is key for achieving the prevention of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV, in the prevention of Mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) package. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing the utilization of modern family planning services by persons living with HIV at Luwero Hospital, Uganda. The study was conducted among 210 persons living with HIV attending the ART clinic and was based on cross-sectional descriptive and analytical design. Sampling was by simple random techniques. Data was collected using researcher-administered questionnaires. The uptake of Modern FP services is low (36.7%) among persons living with HIV. It was attributed to client-related factors such as being married [AOR: 2.2, 95% CI [1.123-4.140], p = 0.038]) and other factors. These are; religious views discouraging use of modern FP (p= 0.034), negative side effects (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI [0.043-1.968], p = 0.044) and services being unfriendly for persons living with HIV (p=0.000]). Despite the presence of modern family planning services, uptake among persons living with HIV is low. Poor utilization is a recipe for unintended pregnancy and thus jeopardizes efforts in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Kiais, Authoritarianism, and Sinful Tourism in Madura

The economy can play a role in the resurgence of tourism on Madura Island, which has been known as a hidden paradise. Madura has a great tourism potential that needs to be maximally improved in order to overcome its economic problems. However, given its socio-cultural context, Madura is not sufficiently receptive to tourism. Several factors, including the rejection of the kiais (religious leaders/teachers), have contributed to the underdevelopment of Madura’s tourism industry. In Madura, a kiai serves as a religious and social figure with considerable influence in Madurese society who adhere to the philosophy of Buppa', Babbu, Guru, Rato (“Father-Mother, Teacher, Government”). This qualitative research found a conflict of interests between two groups: the kiais as the guardian of culture and religion and the managers as a modern progressive group. In addition, I conclude that the efforts made by the kiais as social elites in rejecting the development of tourism in Lon Malang Beach show that there is a power of authority that makes it easier for the kiais to maintain their conservative religious views and reject any upcoming changes.

Agama Digital (Digital Religion) dan Relevansinya Terhadap Studi Agama Interdisipliner: Sebuah Tinjauan Literatur

This article aimed to offer another side of the discussion concerning digital religion commonly understood as an interaction between technological users and religious phenomena on the screen or electronic devices, Digital Religion served as an interdisciplinary subject inviting multiple perspectives to reveal a more profound and comprehensive view regarding religious communities, expressions, and symbols in the digital world. This research was conducted as a literature review combining and analyzing massive lists of reputable references related to the topic. In addition, this research also utilized a content analysis method to summarize crucial ideas and information needed by the study. This paper concluded that Digital Religion emphasized the interaction between technology users and religious expressions in the digital world assisted by internet access. These interactions gave birth to new religious views, systems, and symbols different from conventional religious discourse. Moreover, it is apparent that Digital Religion was able to attract other branches of science to work together responding to issues, realizing it as an interdisciplinary study.