Religious Belief Systems Research Articles

The role of the Gbétitapéa Sacred Forest in Mammal conservation (Central-Western Côte d’Ivoire)

Sacred forests are traditional management systems aimed at biodiversity conservation, yet few studies focus on the mammalian fauna of these ecosystems. This study aims to assess mammal diversity in the Gbétitapéa sacred forest to promote this endogenous conservation approach. Specifically, it seeks to identify the mammal species present in this forest through local population surveys and on-foot surveys using linear transects and reconnaissance walks. Results show the presence of 13 mammal species across five orders (Rodents, Carnivores, Primates, Artiodactyls, and Bats), with Lowe's Monkey (Cercopithecus lowei) being the most abundant. All identified species are classified as Least Concern (LC) except for Lowe's Monkey, classified as Vulnerable (VU), and the Lesser Spot-nosed Monkey (Cercopithecus petaurista), classified as Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN Red List. Mammal diversity is closely linked to religious and cultural belief systems that shape conservation attitudes, practices, and policies. Integrating these cultural dimensions into conservation efforts could yield more sustainable and effective biodiversity conservation outcomes.

A Primer on Gender Transformation of Guanyin Bodhisattva in Folk Beliefs

The Guanyin faith in China is a special kind of faith that depends on Buddhism but is independent of it. On the one hand, it is a part of the Mahayana Buddhist system, and its theory and spirit are fully consistent with the principles and spirit of Mahayana Buddhism. On the other hand, Guanyin faith has formed a complete religious belief system in China, with Guanyin worship as its core, including both internal factors such as theoretical doctrines, classics, and the psychology of practice, and external factors such as places, followers, and activities.[1] The purpose of this paper is to attempt to analyse the process of gender transformation in the folk beliefs of Guanyin in the Han region, and to analyse the reasons for Guanyin s change from a male to a female face.

Food culture, lifestyle & traditional food festivals: a narrative on the public health relevance of the traditional yam recipes in the Afikpo New Yam Festival

Food culture has over the years remained the centre for socio-cultural linkages among people in a community, with generational transmission giving birth to cultural affinity and cultural heritage. Besides its primary aim of nourishment, enhancement of growth and body functions, it also defines religious and traditional belief systems. Several communities, tribes and nation states such as China, Italy, Japan, India, Europe and Americas, have been associated with unique food cultures. In North and West African countries like Tunisia and Nigeria respectively, food cultures abound. In South-East Nigeria, the Igbo tribe conduct yam rituals as food cultural festivals. Afikpo, a community in the Igbo-speaking part of Nigeria, celebrates an annual yam ritual called Ikeji Festival, part of which, as the new yam is harvested, is preparation of traditional yam recipes. This article reviews the nutritional content of the various traditional yam recipes consumed in such ceremonies and the associated drinks. A literature search revealed that yam, an energy-giving food with a carbohydrate content of 15 – 40.6%, could be prepared with vegetables, legumes, fish, meat, melon seeds, red palm oil, African black beans, pumpkin fruit pulp, eggplants, African oil bean, piper guineese, plantain, solanum americanum, vitex donians, pterocarpus santalinoids, which are sources of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fibres and polyunsaturated fatty acids, all of which have been documented as beneficial in the management of chronic diseases. Alcoholic and various soft drinks are consumed with the yam recipes during the ceremony and there are possibilities that if awareness is not created, overindulgence could constitute to abuse.

An empirical analysis of stock market participation: from an Islamic perspective

Purpose In the verge of assessing Muslims’ participation in stock market, present study delved into evaluating the influence of Islamic religiosity (IR) on Muslim investor’s financial engagement factors with respect to stock market (i.e. financial literacy [FL], Islamic financial literacy [IFL], behavioural factors [BF], Shariah compliance [SC], technology adoption [TA] and institutional support [IS]), stock market participation (SMP) and financial well-being (FWB). Further, this study aims to examine the mediating role of IFL, TA and SMP and moderating role of IS. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-methods approach, a structured survey questionnaire was administered and responses have been collected from 319 Muslim investors from South India using stratified random sampling. Further, data was analysed using SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 20.0 by implementing one-way ANOVA, measurement model and structural equation model to assess the differences, mediating and moderating roles. Findings In this study, it is discovered that IR significantly impacts Muslim investor’s financial engagement factors, SMP and FWB. Further, it is explored that IFL accelerates the impact of FL and SC on SMP. The results also demonstrated the intervening role of TA in enhancing SMP through BF and the mediating role of SMP among Muslim investors with strong IR to attain and enjoy FWB. Interestingly, our study also argued that when the IS is more, the effect of IR on SMP is high. Research limitations/implications Geographical boundaries are restricted to India, where the study proposes future studies in Islamic countries to better understand the religious belief system of the investors, as SC may vary in different countries. Practical implications In accordance with the results, it is recommended that the regulatory bodies and institutions intervene, support and incorporate IFL and also provide user-friendly Tec platforms to monitor and filter stocks and financial products for SC. Social implications The present study intends to tackle the misconception of Islamic values with respect to participating in the stock market and recommends to undertake policy and regulatory framework to ensure the inclusive development of this community. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies so far have pondered on the mediating role of SMP in enhancing the effectiveness of IR on their FWB. Further, this study collectively examines the influence of IR on various financial engagement factors affecting SMP leading to FWB.

Implementation of the Tattwakusumadewa Teachings at Hindu Spiritual Civilization in Mataram City and Kupang City

This research aims to examine the implementation of thetattwa kusumadewa teaching at Hindu spiritual civilization in the Mataram City and Kupang City. This research was designed as an descriptive qualitative research type using a case study model. Based on the results of this research, three findings were found related to the implementation of the tattwaKusumadewa teaching at Hindu communities in Mataram and Kupang. First, the content of the tattwaKusumadewa text talks about how to elect pemangku (Hindu saint), namely: wahya marga and adyatmika marga. Wahya marga selection is carried out based on descent, tereh, ancestral guidance, and kramadesa choices. Adiyatmikamarga talks about what is appropriate for ngewinteni, in this case a dwijati (sulinggih), at least witnessed by community pemangku when it is performed, and nyurud hayu begs Ida Sanghyang Widhi Wasa and is done at the piodalan. Second, the implementation of the tattwa kusumadewain spiritual civilization for pemangku is used as a guideline for carrying out Hindu religious ceremonies, especially spiritual improvement, even approaching true spirituality and being able to transfer knowledge to people and be able to transform themselves well. Third, the positive impact of implementing the tattwa kusumadewawhich is related to physical health, thoughts, and meaning is very large which is related to local culture which is part of Indonesian culture, which includes; religious systems, social organizations, language, arts and livelihoods. The meaning of the implementation of the tattwa kusumadewais related to increasing religious emotions, belief systems, social and cultural systems.

Democracy as Religion in the Context of the Global Governance System

Introduction. The article examines the modern understanding of democracy as a religious belief system. New technologies and globalization open up opportunities to influence all spheres of society, which makes it possible to impose ethical standards and moral ideals through political technologies and propaganda. Understanding democracy as a new kind of religion allows us to get a full-fledged view of all key elements of the current culture of the modern world, which determines the main semantic content of global revolutionary transformations. Its consideration in the spiritual dimension is an additional vector for the study of social and political processes of globalization. Taking into account the increasing of tensions in the global political arena and the deepening interdependence of all international actors, such an approach can play an important role in their analysis and forecasting. The object of study is democracy; the subject of the study is the specifics of the modern vision of democracy, democratic values and ideals as a special form of religious cult. The purpose of the study is to identify the role of democracy, its new moral values and guidelines in the context of global revolutionary transformations.Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the study was following general scientific and special methods: method of system analysis; historical-genetic method; phenomenological method; analytical method; historical method; contextual analysis and formal logical research methods.Research results. The authors analyzed the specifics of the dominant interpretation of democratic values and goals in the context of Western political culture. The main elements of the new system of beliefs, their relationship, evolution and place in the modern world are revealed. The results obtained allow us to conclude that democracy is being transformed into a special form of cult, which has the characteristic features of religious teaching.Discussion and conclusion. The ideology of people's rule has lost its original meaning, turning into a special cult that serves as an instrument of social management, without taking into account traditional cultures, the diversity of societies and states, and the national identities of peoples. Democracy as a religion without God has become an instrument of the world information agenda, exploiting faith to build a new world order.

Intercultural Communication as a Veritable Tool for Church Growth and Management in Lagos Metropolis

The reality of pluralism or multiculturalism of the church is evident from generation to generation since the inception of the church. In Lagos metropolis, the existence of diverse cultural and religious belief systems make intercultural communication a necessary skill for church growth and management. In view of this, the study investigated the level of awareness of intercultural communication and its relevance for church growth and management in Lagos metropolis. The framework for this study is premised on communication accommodation and cultural fusion theories. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design method while questionnaire was used as the instrument to gather relevant data from two hundred and ten respondents (210) selected amongst leaders and members of Baptist churches in Lagos metropolis. Baptist is one of the dominant denominations in Lagos. The study discovered that there is a high level of awareness of intercultural communication skill among members and leaders of the selected churches, but there is the challenge of language and cultural superiority among the respondents. This is capable of hindering church growth and management. Therefore, the study recommends that language and cultural superiority should be prevented in the church. More so, the church leaders and members need to undergo constant training on intercultural communication skills. The church needs to create intercultural functional management and administrative structure for equity and oneness among people of diverse cultures in the church.

Signatures of neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and amygdala in individuals with religious or spiritual problem

ABSTRACT The term Religious or Spiritual Problem (RSP), as defined in the revised 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR, 2022), refers to the questioning of faith, transcendent values, or changes in the religious belief system. This condition is often accompanied by marked depression and anxiety. However, it has not been explored whether RSP shares biological features with psychiatric disorders, including neuroinflammation in the amygdala and hippocampus. To elucidate this issue, we investigated 50 individuals with RSP and 50 matched control volunteers. Neuroinflammation was indexed by the diffusion-basis spectral imaging-based restricted fraction (DBSI-RF) measure in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels were also measured. The results revealed significantly elevated inflammatory measures in the amygdala and hippocampus and increased IL-6 concentrations in RSP. Depressive symptoms predicted the inflammatory measures. IL-6 partially mediated the relationship between depression and inflammation in the amygdala. However, the evidence for this mediation was weak, as revealed by Bayesian statistics. These results indicate that RSP is characterized by putative neuroinflammatory changes in brain structures implicated in emotion regulation, learning, and memory.

Factors Affecting the Female School Principals’ (in Pakistan) Leadership and Management Styles

The number of female teachers and principals in Pakistan, in both public and private sectors, has significantly increased. However, there are very few studies that have focused on how female principals lead and manage their schools, as well as the factors influencing their leadership behaviors and practices. The study aims to investigate the barriers and factors that affect women's leadership and management styles in the context of Pakistan. The research collected data from school principals from three major cities of Pakistan: Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The individual interviews were conducted online using Zoom and Google Meet. Research participants were selected through a convenience sampling strategy. The interview data was analyzed and categorized into themes such as family and peer support, social, cultural, and religious associations, and their influence on school principals' perspectives and leadership value systems. This study finds a connection between family and peer support and their influence on the transition of teachers into school principals. This study also found that the social, cultural, and religious belief systems also contributed to the growth of female principals' development and played a crucial role in nurturing their leadership skills.

Sociology of Totems, Myths, and Tawhid: Exploring the Interplay Between Symbolism and Theology with Critical Analysis of Theological or Mythical Stage of August Comte’s Law of Three Stages

Introduction: Totems and myths, integral components of social, cultural, and religious expression, carry profound symbolic meanings within diverse societies. This paper investigates the interplay between these symbolic elements and Islamic theology, exploring how Islamic communities respond to the presence of symbols and symbolism. The paper presents a critical analysis of theological stage of August Comte’s law of three stages. Objectives: The research objectives of the present paper aim to examine the prevalence of totems and myths in various societies and their negative impact in terms of theology, sociology, and identity formation. It will investigate the theological responses of Islam to the incorporation of totems and myths with a critical analysis of theological stage of August Comte’s law of three stages philosophically known as Positive Philosophy. Explore the implications of the interplay between totems, myths and Islamic theology on religious identity and belief system. Methods: The present work is qualitative in nature and hence uses qualitative methodology. Results and Conclusion: The findings of the paper suggest that Totemic and Mythical thinking must be dealt with a serious and sensitive approach to protect the fabric of Muslim society under the core teachings of Tawhid. Understanding the sociological implications of the symbolic systems, advocated by Islam, provides valuable insights into the intricate diversity of human culture, belief systems, and social organization. As societies continue to evolve, it becomes imperative to navigate the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage, acknowledging diversity, and upholding the principles of justice and equality. Originality/Value: the research presents a unique and original perspective on the intersection of sociology, symbolism, and theology. In essence, it delves into the intricate relationship between cultural symbols, religious beliefs, and social structures. What sets this paper apart is its innovative approach to studying the role of totems and myths within the framework of Tawhid, the Islamic concept of the oneness of God. By examining how totems and myths function within different cultural contexts and their implications for theological understanding, the paper offers fresh insights into the dynamics of religious symbolism.

Syncretism in Miao Healing: Bridging Shamanic Practices and Scientific Treatments with Religion, Ritual, and Local Knowledge

The Miao (Hmong) community in Southwest China, deeply entrenched in a religious belief system acknowledging the omnipresent spiritual essence and venerating ancestor worship, perceives life as a harmonious blend of the “soul” and the “body”, intricately interwoven and mutually reinforcing. Within this cultural milieu, shamanism and healing practices form an inseparable nexus, epitomizing a worldview characterized by the harmonious coexistence of gods, spirits, ancestors, ghosts, and shamans. This study scrutinizes the syncretism employed by the Miao to address illness, bridging shamanic practices and scientific treatments with religion, ritual, and local knowledge. Through methodologies such as autoethnography, participant observation, and in-depth interviews, the research explores a Miao woman’s healing journey, synthesizing shamanic traditions with scientific interventions to reveal the nuanced interplay between traditional customs, environmental influences, and health beliefs. Despite encountering challenges like limited healthcare access and high costs, numerous Miao people seek assistance from shamans, underscoring the community’s resilience in navigating the intricate interrelationship between traditional practices and modern healthcare systems. By emphasizing the significance of syncretism, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how the Miao seamlessly integrate shamanic practices with scientific treatments, fostering improved intercultural communication and cultivating culturally sensitive healthcare practices, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of the Miao community.

Meaning of life and death during COVID-19 pandemic: A cultural and religious narratives

The sudden arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in South Africa drastically changed the normal way of life in all sectors. It compelled everyone to look at the meaning of life and death differently and more painfully than before. This article investigates the cultural theories and religious narratives on the meaning of life and death, associated with the pervasiveness of the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus affected individuals, families and communities, some directly or indirectly, no one is or was immune to the virus. The article argues that due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, culture, religious practices and protocols have been upended. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged inkcubeko nenkolo yabantu [culture, people’s religious belief systems and practices]. This article consists of in-depth qualitative interviews with four religious leaders from the Christian and Muslim faiths. Because of the interviews with persons, oral historians conduct open-ended interviews, as a form of social inquiry. Oral history narratives thus connect the individual and the social, drawing on cultural and religious expressions to tell one’s story.Contribution: The scholarly contribution of this article adds value and significance to oral history research, as a way of collecting and interpreting human memories and experiences on the meaning of life and death during the COVID-19 crisis. It discusses the dreadfulness of the COVID-19 scourge concerning religious and cultural effects, social sciences and people’s narrative reflections.

Cultural Divergence in Psychedelic Use among Medical Students: An ESPAD-Adapted Survey among Poles and Iraqis.

Psychedelics can profoundly alter cognition and consciousness. Their use in Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, is ambiguous. We aim to investigate psychedelic awareness and use among Iraqi and Polish medical students. We surveyed 739 university students from Poland (315) and Iraq (424) using 31 adapted questions from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD). We conducted multivariable analyses based on binary logistic regression to identify the factors associated with psychedelic awareness and use. Most of the respondents were females (65.6%) and senior medical students (69.6%). Notably, the Polish students displayed a higher prevalence of psychedelic use (21.6% compared to 1.2%, p < 0.001), while the Iraqi participants exhibited a lower familiarity with psychedelics (p < 0.001). The multivariable model demonstrated a commendable level of statistical accuracy and satisfactorily conformed to the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (statistical accuracy = 91.61%, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.488, p-value = 0.848). Several factors emerged as correlates of increased psychedelic use, including lacking an intact religious belief system or commitment to its practice (OR = 7.26, 95% CI [2.33, 22.60]). Additionally, those who perceived a low risk associated with sporadic psychedelic use (3.03, [1.44, 6.36]) were likelier to engage in such behavior. Other factors included residing in Poland (2.82, [0.83, 9.55]), maintaining positive attitudes toward psychedelics (2.49, [1.20, 5.14]), frequent social nightlife activities (2.41, [1.26, 4.61]), male gender (2.05, [1.10, 3.85]), and cigarette or tobacco smoking (2.03, [1.06, 3.86]). Significant disparities exist between Poles and Iraqis, influenced by religiosity, perceptions of the usage risks, geographical location, gender, attitudes toward psychedelics, parental leniency, and social freedom, especially concerning nightlife activities. Addressing the factors influencing psychedelic usage is paramount to responsible psychedelic engagement and culturally sensitive interventions to prevent misuse.

Cultural religion and infertility in South Africa with particular focus on amaXhosa

The challenge of women’s infertility in the South African context, particularly in rural communities, continues to be a plague because of cultural and religious systems that are interwoven in these communities. The amaXhosa ethnic group is no exception to this challenge given that it is profoundly rooted in its ethnological and religious belief systems. Nevertheless, the fair popularity of this conundrum does not denote that it is not a problem that compromises people’s welfare with major adversarial effects on women. Therefore, this article aims to conduct a scoping literature review to reflect on and explore the cultural and religious implications as well as intricacies of infertility among the amaXhosa ethnic group. The principal findings and discussions indicate that amaXhosa, specifically those that are deemed a couple, are compelled to bear children because of cultural and religious expectations that are further linked to societal expectations. On account of this, the principal arguments herein indicate the necessity to contest and examine how African religious systems, in the context of amaXhosa, configure the overall existence of many individuals, with special reference to issues of infertility.Contribution: The scholarly significance of this article lies in the stimulation of ethnological and religious dialogues that pursue to serve as agents of social transformation in the South African context. In addition to this, the emphasis is on the existing gap that points out that some of the injustices that exist in today’s society are profoundly rooted in African culture and its religious facets.

Dietary Restrictions as a Source of Food Insecurity among FGCU Students, Faculty, and Staff

Food insecurity is an issue that creates several challenges for individuals, including health complications, eating disorders, loss of productivity, and reduced ability. While food insecurity tends to be associated with poverty, unemployment, or lack of available food, dietary restrictions may also lead to food insecurity in places where food is otherwise plentiful. Dietary restrictions from allergies, cultural/ religious belief systems, and lifestyle choices could prevent access to food resulting in food insecurity. For example, halal requires believers to follow religious guidelines when eating. People who eat halal food avoid pork, alcohol, and dead animals, and only eat meals that are prepared according to Islamic law. As a result, a person practicing halal could experience food insecurity in places where their dietary considerations are not met. This study consists of a self-perception survey to better understand individuals’ dietary requirements, access to food, and the perceived effects of skipping meals on academic performance, professional work, and mental health. Results show that 70.8% of the participants have some form of dietary restrictions with the common forms coming from allergies (62.1%), personal preferences (31.8%), and cultural/religious beliefs (6.1%). The vast majority of participants with dietary restrictions described some difficulties finding food on campus with some saying that they could not find any appropriate food options. This study seems to indicate that dietary restrictions could be a factor leading to food insecurity, which also affects academic performance and physical and mental health. As a result, we need to invest in more food options, better labeling, and improved education to alleviate the detrimental effects of dietary restrictions on food insecurity.

Children, Religion and the Ethics of Influence: introduction to the symposium

Abstract It is morally impermissible for parents, educators, and others to initiate children into religious belief systems. That is the provocative conclusion of John Tillson’s Children, Religion and the Ethics of Influence—the book which is the focus of the present symposium. This introduction briefly summarizes the book’s arguments together with the criticisms levelled against them. The symposium includes critiques by Matthew Clayton, Anca Gheaus, Michael Hand, David Lewin, and Ruth Wareham. Clayton and Wareham propose alternative bases for prohibiting religious initiation, whilst Hand, Lewin, and Gheaus propose conditions under which religious initiation may be permissible. The symposium concludes with a rejoinder by Tillson.

A Re-Think of a True Identity in Embracing and Practicing Western Culture(s) and Religion as Typical Bakweri, Manyu and Ugare people of the Anglophone Cameroon

Purpose: Western Education and Christian religion foundations and developments in Africa in general and Cameroon in Particular were laid and developed on African traditional education and religious practices and beliefs. Unfortunately, African traditional education, religious belief system and practices were brandished by colonial masters and Missionaries who introduced western education and Christian religious practices as fetish, uncivilized and paganic. All these allegations were from the stranger’s perspectives. Regrettably, those who engaged into the study of western education and practices of western religion were forced to upgrade foreign education and religious practices and beliefs over against African education and religious beliefs and practices. All these led to a false identity, religious practices, educational norms and values development on those who practice the western system of education and religious development. Consequently, some of the cherished Cameroonian cultural practices, religious beliefs and traditional education are fast dying out. It is for this reasons that this paper sought to address and revisit cultural beliefs and religious practices of some tribes of the Anglophone Cameroon. The purpose of this paper is to present some of the cultural practices that are educative, promote cherish values and norms and demonstrate the strength of the Bakweri, Manyu and Ugare cultural practices and belief for today’s children of the Anglophone Cameroon who have embraced western education and western religion over against our valued education and informative cultures and religion.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The methodology is qualitative with the use of ethnography as design. Data were collected interviews, primary and secondary sources. and interviews.&#x0D; Findings: From the content analysis, the conclusion arrived at is that because the Bakweri Manyu and Ugere traditional education and cultural practices and beliefs are unique, other religions and educations should learn from the richness of these indigenous practices.&#x0D; Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Though western education is good, Christianity, western education and cultural traditional beliefs and practices should work hand in glove for a better society. Before the coming of Christianity, the cultural beliefs and practices of the Bakweri, Manyu and Ugere had long existed. The people were aware of the existence of the Supreme Being and Christian religion should not consider them as fetish and paganic. The study suggests a model of educating the young generation on the traditional education and cultural practices of the Bakeri, Manyu and Ugere people. The home is the center whereby, cultural values should disseminated to the churches, schools and community.

Forecasting Human Rights Legacies: On Practices and Principles

AbstractAmong the many human rights and corruption concerns surrounding the Qatar 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, two ultimately rose to the fore: labor and LGBTQ+ rights. A careful look at Qatar’s response to these issues reveals a sharp and provocative contrast. Though the World Cup organizers and the Qatari Government generally resisted Western criticism of its LGBTQ+ laws and practices, both bodies adopted systemic labor reforms. To the extent these reforms remain in place several years after the event, they can be said to constitute a human rights legacy. This Article explores one angle from which to understand this contrast. It distinguishes between principles, which are deeply rooted in a country’s political, cultural, or religious belief system, and practices, which find their support in convenience, profit, and the self-interest of entrenched powers but which lack a deeper cultural, philosophical, or religious grounding. It further argues that sexual morality is best understood in the context of Qatari law and culture as a principle, while the labor abuses are mere practices. This distinction helps explain the disparate levels of reform and legacy: to the extent human rights violations are rooted in principles, the likelihood of reform and therefore of legacy is relatively low; where these violations are rooted merely in practices, the likelihood may be substantially higher. This distinction can also help to predict how future host countries/cities will respond to the human rights standards that megasport governing bodies increasingly enforce.

The concept of religious authority and power of the monarch in Shang Dynasty

The Shang Dynasty people practiced theocentrism, Valuing Sacrifices and serving ghosts,and everything had to be predicted through divination. There are many deities in the Shang Dynasty, including three major systems: heavenly gods, earthly spirits, and human ghosts. Di has the greatest authority and is the ruler of nature. He has the characteristics of being extraordinary, not being influenced by human will, and is the supreme god in the belief world of the Shang Dynasty people. He is integrated with the ancestors of the Shang kings. The original meaning of Di was the ancestor and the god of reproduction of all things in the universe, which was very similar to the Western concept of 'God' as the creator. In the religious belief system of the Shang Dynasty, people did not directly offer sacrifices to the heavenly gods, and every request must be achieved through the intermediary of the ancestral ghosts. After the death of the Shang kings, they were all honored as Di, which led to the formation of the "combination of sorcerers and kings" and the "the unification of politics and religion" system in the late Shang Dynasty. In the late Shang Dynasty, a trinity structure of Di, Ancestral Spirit, and Kings was formed,which dominated the heavens and earth jointly, completed the integration of theocracy and kingship, and the combination of supreme god and extreme authoritarianism, formed a political ideological system of Religious indoctrination, had an important impact on later Chinese history and is worthy of our in-depth study.

Discourse analysis on same-sex relationship through the lens of religious and social belief systems

Religious beliefs and systems have a profound impact on shaping individuals' attitudes towards same-sex relationships. There is a diverse range of perspectives within religious communities, with some individuals adhering to traditional teachings that condemn homosexuality, while others engage in a process of reinterpretation to support and accept same-sex relationships. This qualitative study aims to analyze the different perspectives about same-sex relationship from the lenses of religious and social belief systems. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants (n=16) who identify themselves as a member of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community (n=5) and religious people (n=11). Findings indicated the complexity of religious influence on social issues and emphasizes the role of individual engagement with faith in either hindering or facilitating acceptance to same-sex relationship. People who are inclined to their religious faith tend to condemn same-sex relationship. Notably, this study observed different interpretations of people about their religion and faith. While others believed it is against God’s will to engage in same-sex relationship, others interpret their belief in more holistic and inclusive way. Nevertheless, this study underscored the importance of understanding the evolving societal attitudes and the role of religion in fostering social discussion, tolerance, and inclusivity within diverse religious communities and society at large.