Religious Belief Systems Research Articles

Black Religious Belief Systems and Political Participation

Political science research has shown that attending religious institutions promotes Blacks’ political participation by developing civic norms, skills, and networks. Fewer studies, however, examine what role religious beliefs play in promoting the political participation of African Americans. Inasmuch as religious beliefs are at the heart of what binds people to their religious institutions, it is also important to examine how variations in the way people conceptualize their religious duties affect their willingness to engage the political system. Thus, this article adds to the existing research by examining two religious belief systems prominent in Afro-Christianity: the Prosperity Gospel, which emphasizes individualism and divine favor; and the Social Gospel, which emphasizes working to achieve a just society. Using original survey data, the analyses find that the Social Gospel is associated with higher levels of political engagement and participation among Blacks, while the Prosperity Gospel is associated with lower levels.

English

This article presents empirical analysis of religious attitudes and interpretation of pandemics in Uganda. The study sought to analyze the religious explanatory models of pandemics offered by the three major religions of Uganda: Christianity, Islam and African Traditional religious belief system. The COVID-19 pandemic which ravaged the whole world, Uganda inclusive, was used as a case study. Based on a qualitative research process, the study relied on key informant interviews, media reports and online sources of information. It was established that pandemics have been part of human history. Pandemics provide an opportunity for human reflection on transcendent life since they are a challenge to science and human wisdom. Pandemics draw people closer to religion and the spiritual due to the fear, panic, and uncertainty with which they are associated. Religions are left with the responsibility of providing theological answers beyond what human beings can comprehend. The hope and trust that society has in religious institutions make them ultimate institutions to provide solace to millions of people affected with a pandemic for which scientists and politicians have no immediate answers. The study unravels the complementary role that religion and theological studies can make in understanding effective management and prevention of pandemics in society. It also adds to the continuous debate on the relationship between science and religion, arguing for the significance of religious ideas in making science effective enough to combat societal challenges like epidemics.   Key words: Pandemics, religion, religious, construction, disease, Tondism Faith, State, science, traditional healing, coronavirus, Covid-19.

Positive downstream indirect reciprocity scale (PoDIRS–6): Construction and psychometric characteristics

Downstream indirect reciprocity (DIR) is a behavior taking the form of a reaction to an individual’s kindness or reluctance towards a third party. The literature shows that the concept of DIR may be understood in many different systems of assessing an individual’s social exchange, retributive justice, religious belief systems, rudimentary moral systems, and general philosophical treatment, as well as from a natural selection and evolutionary approach. Given the importance of an empirically based examination of DIR, the aim of the current research carried out through Studies 1–5 was fourfold: (a) develop a reliable and psychometrically sound Downstream Indirect Reciprocity Scale (DIRS); (b) establish and examine the factor structure of the DIRS and its statistical properties, using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (Study 1); (c) assess the relationship between the observed measures and latency factor of DIR through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (Studies 2–5); (d) measure the internal consistency and nomological validity (Studies 2–5). Although the first assumption consisted in constructing a questionnaire that would measure both positive and negative aspects of downstream reciprocity, the outcomes of the EFA and CFA confirmed the final version of the scale that assesses only the positive dimension of DIR (Positive Downstream Indirect Reciprocity Scale; PoDIRS-6). In fact, the EFA showed the one factor structure of the new measure, and the findings of the CFAs indicated that it meets the criteria for good fit. All of the analyses conducted defined a preliminary nomological network of convergent constructs (gratitude, life satisfaction, religiosity, and moral concerns). The PoDIRS-6 is the first scale designed to assess a set of ideas that are expressed in the belief that an individual who has done something good might get help from other people in the future. It is encouraged that a questionnaire be developed which will measure the belief that human actions can be punished or reproved when they are negative and morally bad (Negative Downstream Indirect Reciprocity Scale; NeDIRS).

Treating Religious Differences: Hikmah Muta’aliyah as An Alternative to Ethical Crisis in Contemporary Era

Religion is a belief system that regulates all the behavior of its adherents to realize relationships between humans in social context through spiritual values that always direct humans to will and act based on goodness by involving the analysis of reason to determine good and bad in accordance to religious orders, that each individual can avoid lust and emotions in him that describe animal behavior. Inevitably, individuals different from animal behaviors depict spiritual values in belief system trying to humanize each individuals. However, people's behavior in religious belief system in the contemporeries did not match the facts of reality. Because, every religious community creates an inclusive attitude among the various adherents of religions based on the narrow perception of humans to address differences in social contexts. As a result, every individual sees behaviors of other groups as something bad, they must be destroyed in the social environment. In order to overcome the problems that occur within the scope of religious communities, this paper aims to examine the Hikmah Muta’aliyah of Mulla Sadra to understand the behavior of religious adherents and provide solutions to ethical crises in this Contemporary time by using qualitative methodology resulting in the conclusion that the Hikmah Muta’aliyah of Mulla Sadra emphasizes the perception of reasons in presenting universal knowledge, that each individual can think openly to respond variety of differences. Accomodative thinking will create values of tolerance and humanity in the contexts of religion, that each individual can build harmonious relationship between fellow humans.Keyword : Religion, Behavior, Hikmah Muta’aliyah

Efektivitas Pelatihan Kecerdasan Adversitas Berbasis Islam Untuk Meningkatkan Daya Juang Mahasiswa Baru UIN Antasari Banjarmasin

Students are vulnerable to experiencing many problems that negatively impact their quality of life. Due to this issue, it is needed the mental strength and high resilience to make their dreams come true. However, students who have strong religiosity, their perception and conception of life are strongly influenced by their religious belief systems. Training to change attitude and to develop motivation is therefore very important. This study attempted to look at the effectiveness of Islamic-based adversity intelligence training to improve new students’ resilience of State Islamic University (UIN) Antasari Banjarmasin. This study used the experimental method with a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data were analyzed with quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The effectiveness of training was measured by comparing the results of the resilience level scores before and after training (pretest-posttest) using the Wilcoxon test analysis through SPSS version 16.0. The results showed that Islamic-based adversity intelligence training is very effective to improve new students’ resilience.

Religious, socio-cultural norms and gender stereotypes influence uptake and utilization of maternal health services among the Digo community in Kwale, Kenya: a qualitative study

BackgroundMaternal health outcomes in resource-limited settings are typically influenced by supply-side factors affecting the provision of quality health services. The extent to which demand-side factors contribute to this influence is unclear. We aimed to explore how individual and community-wide factors influenced uptake and utilization of maternal health services among the Digo community residing in Kwale County of coastal Kenya.MethodsBetween March and December 2015, we conducted 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with members of the Digo community predominant in Kwale county, Kenya. Respondents were sampled purposively and included female (pregnant and postpartum) as well as male adult community members. A thematic content analytic approach was used.ResultsThere were a total of 47 FGD respondents, including 15 (32%) females with a median (interquartile, IQR) age of 38 (27–55) years and 6 (3–8) children. Majority (40%) reported attaining secondary-level education. All IDI respondents were female with a median (IQR) age of 27 (24–35) years and 4 (2–5) children. Majority (80%) had attained primary-level education. We found that religious and socio-cultural norms as well as gender stereotypes were important influences on the uptake and utilization of maternal health services, including facility-based delivery and contraception. Key amongst this was the unspoken deference to the counsel of a prominent matriarchal figure in the decision-making process.ConclusionsAmong the Digo community of coastal Kenya, a unique social-cultural context comprising of a religious and gendered value belief system influences women’s reproductive health and rights. These findings highlight the important role of demand-side factors in influencing maternal health outcomes. In addition to addressing supply-side factors, programs in such settings should aim to address factors that leverage inherent social capital to drive demand for maternal health services ensuring that they are not only effective, but also responsive to the local context.

Opiate of the Masses? Inequality, Religion, and Political Ideology in the United States

Abstract This study considers the assertion that religion is the opiate of the masses. Using a special module of the General Social Survey, I first demonstrate that religion functions as a compensatory resource for structurally disadvantaged groups—women, racial minorities, those with lower incomes, and, to a lesser extent, sexual minorities. I then demonstrate that religion—operating as both compensatory resource and values-shaping schema—suppresses what would otherwise be larger group differences in political ideology. This study provides empirical support for the general “opiate” claim that religion is the “sigh of the oppressed creature” and suppressor of emancipatory political values. I expand and refine the theory, however, showing how religion provides (1) compensatory resources for lack of social, and not just economic, status, and (2) traditional-values-oriented schemas that, rather than just distracting people, shape their politics in accordance with the content of religious belief systems.

Digital Literacy Skills And Engagement On The Advanced Classroom Tools And Soft-Wares Of Elementary Teachers In Relation To Their Coping Skills

This study aimed to measure the relationship between Digital literacy skills of Elementary Teachers and their extent of engagement on the use of advanced digital classroom tools and software, Degree of digital literacy skills of Elementary Teachers and their coping skills, and the extent of engagement of Elementary Teachers on the use of the advanced digital classroom tools and software. The researcher utilized three survey questionnaires on Digital Literacy, Teachers’ Engagement on Digital Classroom Tools and Software, and Teachers’ Coping Skills. The following survey was conducted through google forms, 60 Elementary Teachers from 10 selected private schools in Cavite, Philippines was purposefully chosen to be the respondents of this study, hence, Descriptive correlation method was employed. In the light of statistical analysis and the findings of this study, the following conclusions and recommendations were drawn: First, Elementary Teachers have a high degree of literacy in performing tasks successfully in a digital environment, with digital meaning information represented in numeric form and basically for utilization through a computer. Second, Elementary Teachers in selected private schools in Cavite, Philippines are moderately engaged on the Use of Advanced Digital Classroom Tools and Software. Third, Elementary Teachers have a moderate level of coping skills which involves steady value or religious belief system, problem solving, social skills, health-energy, and commitment to a social organization. Fourth, there is a significant relationship between the digital literacy skills of Elementary Teachers in terms of operational skills and creative use and their extent of engagement on the use of advanced digital classroom tools and software. Fifth, there is a significant relationship between the digital literacy skills of Elementary Teachers in terms of information navigation and creative use and their coping skills. Sixth, there is a significant relationship between the extent of engagement of Elementary Teachers on the use of advanced digital classroom tools and software and their coping skills. The overall findings influenced the researcher to develop a Technology Enrichment Program to further enhance the Degree of Digital Literacy Skills, Extent of engagement on the use of Advanced Digital classroom tools and software, and the coping skills of Elementary Teachers who participated in this study. Keyword : Digital Literacy, Coping Skills, extent of engagement on digital tools and software.

‘Hierarchical pattern’ as a conceptual frame of the Arab-Islamic culture: fractal theory application in psychological research on namaz

According to the theory of A.V. Smirnov, a conceptual invariant based on a religious belief system of relationships of God and World underlies ‘processual logic’. The conceptual invariant has fractal features (B. Mandelbrot) which are as follows: self-similarity, iteration, recursiveness and scale invariance. The paper presents the results of a psychological research on the meaning forming process on the basis of namaz (obligatory prayer in Islam). The research methodology included psychological and linguistic theories, which link the meaning-making process to consistent patterns of human behavior. Comparison of the “external” (related to the action) with the “internal” (relevant to the meaning) aspects of namaz showed that spatial orientations, such as “up and down”, “right and left”, “front and back”, are determined by the hierarchical structure relationship between God and World. The application of fractal theory in psychological research of religious awareness contribute to better understanding of the unity of the Arab-Islamic culture based on the meaning forming process.

Landscapes of care and the enchantment of dying in Edwin Beeler’s Die weisse Arche (2016)

ABSTRACTThis article examines representations of nature and dying in the Swiss documentary Die weisse Arche (2016) through the lens of Jane Bennett’s critique of Max Weber’s concept of disenchantment. I establish a specific relationship between Edwin Beeler’s film and Bennett’s claim that enchantment is foundational to the ethical life, stressing that Die weisse Arche posits an ethics of end-of-life care motivated by moments of enchantment that emanate from the mythical, religious, and local belief systems of the characters Beeler portrays. The film is situated within the recent proliferation of documentaries on dying, marked as they are by a focus upon a single terminal patient and a refusal to film the actual moment of death. Close analysis brings to the fore the film's distinctive poetic style and narrative structure, highlighting in particular how Beeler juxtaposes natural and religious imagery alongside images of dying and care. Drawing upon a methodological framework that brings together philosophy and film studies, this article claims that Die weisse Arche, through its marked absence of medical images in a twenty-first century film about dying, allows us to question the role and place of medicine in contemporary end-of-life care.

Ethical Concerns with COVID-19 Triage Protocols

As one of the primary resources for Catholics concerned about moral issues in health care, the ethicists of The National Catholic Bioethics Center have received many questions regarding triage protocols in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many protocols emphasize utilitarian principles that are incompatible with a principled approach to Catholic health care. Others expressly discourage appeals to ethical principles that are religious in nature or connected to systems of religious belief. This exclusion is arbitrary given the long history of Catholic health care. The ethicists also have concerns about patient priority scores that include disqualifying criteria based on age, disability, or medical condition. These criteria constitute unjust forms of discrimination. Finally, the withdrawal of care should occur only after consultation with the family, and in no case should physicians unilaterally assign do-not-resuscitate status to critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Triloknath revisited. Recent results from field research

The Triloknath temple of Tunde in the Chandrabhaga valley of Lahul holds a special position among the religious monuments of the western Himalayan region. It is a place of Buddhist and Hindu worship. This unusual co-existence of the two religious belief systems results from a two-fold identification of the main cult image as Avalokiteśvara or Śiva. The article will address this situation from an architectural perspective.

Critical Literature Review on the Definition Clarity of the Concept of Faith, Religion, and Spirituality.

The critical review of the literature describes the definition clarity of spirituality, religion, and faith. These three terms are interchangeably used in the literature. However, each of these terms has its own definitions. For example, the term spirituality has more than 13 conceptual components. It is abstract and subjective and is different from religion and faith. Spirituality can be a connection to God, nature, others, and surrounding. Spirituality is associated with quality and meaning in life. Conversely, religion is attributed to traditional values and practices related to a certain group of people or faith. Religion is guided by tradition, rules, and culture. Religion is defined as a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices. Religion is the service or worship of God or the supernatural. Faith is often associated with religion and spirituality. Faith is more personal, subjective, and deeper than organized religion and relates to the relationship with God. The concept of spirituality lacks a professional understanding. It is imperative that the holistic view of nursing must strive to understand the definition of spirituality.

Pierre Trudeau and the Separation of Religion and Politics

Pierre Trudeau’s deep personal commitment to Catholicism was largely unknown to Canadians during his tenure as Prime Minister. Indeed, his religious commitment did not play an obvious role in his political life. Trudeau’s version of Catholicism, ‘personalism’, emphasized the personal – interior – spiritual commitment of the individual and the necessity of the separation of religion and politics. He stressed the importance of individual liberty in matters of faith but also the personal responsibility of the individual to serve others and work towards a more just society. Trudeau was opposed to the recognition of an official religion, and indeed to any form of state promotion of a particular religious belief system. He rejected the assumption that political community or social solidarity required a shared (and public) commitment to a particular faith or culture. His promotion of multiculturalism stemmed from his belief that national identity or political membership should not be based on a shared ethnicity that would necessarily include some and exclude others. His championing of the Charter of Rights rested on the view that citizenship should be grounded instead on a shared commitment to the protection of individual and democratic rights. Trudeau was a committed believer and a secular politician, who sought to separate his public action and private conscience. In a sense then he embodied the separation of religion and politics – of church and state – that is central to the contemporary conception of religious freedom. In this chapter, I want to explore the challenge of separating personal or communal spiritual life from civic life which Trudeau had to navigate, throughout his political career.

Redefining al-Mahdi: The Layennes of Senegal

Limamou Laye (1844-1909) redefined the concept of the Mahdi with his proclamation. Though the concept of Mahdi has a history of variations across the Islamic world, Limamou Laye added a previously unknown characteristic: Mahdi as reincarnation of Muhammed. This article explores the history of the concept of the Mahdi focusing on the Sunni and Shi’a traditions. On the 24 May 1883, Libasse Thiaw (later known as Limamou Laye) proclaimed himself the Mahdi. His proclamation went on to say that he was the Prophet Muhammed returned to earth. Studying this event historically begs the question, why was this particular detail added to an honored Islamic messianic tradition? The answer lies in the history and geographical positioning of the Lebu, the ethnicity to which Libasse Thiaw belonged. I argue that three cultural influences helped shaped the Lebu expression of the Mahdi. The first influence was the Lebu traditional religious belief system. The second was Islam as expressed and practiced in the Senegambia. The third was the Christianity that the French brought with them to the area. 

Religion as a Macro Social Force Affecting Business: Concepts, Questions, and Future Research

Religion has been in general neglected or even seen as a taboo subject in organizational research and management practice. This is a glaring omission in the business and society and business ethics literatures. As a source of moral norms and beliefs, religion has historically played a significant role in the vast majority of societies and continues to remain relevant in almost every society. More broadly, expectations for responsible business behavior are informed by regional, national, or indigenous cultures, which in many parts of the world are heavily influenced by religious belief systems and religious institutions. In this essay, we discuss examples of how religion has functioned as a macro social force affecting business and society, discuss some of the key questions and issues related to research in this domain, offer some observations about why religion may be problematic with regard to its effects on business, and conclude by summarizing the articles contained in the special issue.

Religious and Traditional Belief Systems Coexist and Compete with Science for Cultural Authority in West Africa

This study examines the coexistence of science with Christian, Islamic and African religious beliefs and its implications for science communication. Using Moscovici's social representations theory and focusing on his accommodation hypothesis, the paper draws from experiences in mental health care, vaccination controversies and viral epidemics using case studies from West Africa. It also draws similarities from historical vaccination controversies around the world and the Zika virus epidemic in Brazil. The paper shows that Moscovici's accommodation hypothesis of cognitive polyphasia better explains the coexistence of science and religious belief, which can, however, be double-edged. It also shows that coexistence can lead to a positive cross-referral system, as in the case of mental health in Ghana; can have initial negative outcomes, as in vaccination campaigns in Nigeria and Cameroon; or can aid the spread and eventual containment of disease, as experienced during the Ebola virus disease epidemic in West Africa. Thus, while science remains a reference beacon in all controversies, its coexistence with religious belief can lead to an initial plunge in authority from which it eventually recovers. The choice of authority is also complicated by the dual role of some scientists as religious leaders and by previous untoward experiences with science, conspiracy theories and rumours about Western interventions in Africa.

The inhumanity of nuclear deterrence

ABSTRACTNuclear deterrence is not just a dangerous concept on which to base national or international security. It is immoral, undemocratic, and contradictory to human interests, as expressed through common political, scientific, and religious belief systems.

Positive aspects of voice-hearing: a qualitative metasynthesis

ABSTRACTVoice-hearing occurs in clinical and non-clinical samples, and the role of spiritual and cultural frameworks of understanding for percipients has received increased attention. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the existing qualitative literature relating to positive aspects of voice-hearing experiences, and to make recommendations based on these findings for clinical practice and future research. Qualitative papers that included positive aspects of voice-hearing were identified by undertaking a systematic search of six electronic databases, resulting in 22 papers. The quality of each paper was assessed and the meta-ethnographic approach was used to extract and synthesise the data. Six themes were identified relating to voices providing safety and protection, guidance, creating psychological and emotional well-being, providing companionship, facilitating personal growth and development, and connecting hearers to religious or spiritual belief systems. The findings suggest positive aspects of voice-hearing that may have clinical and research implications.

Religion and Spirituality in Pregnancy and Birth: The Views of Birth Practitioners in Southeast Nigeria

Religion and spirituality have been acknowledged as crucial aspects of health and wellbeing. Nigeria, the most populous African country, is a multi-religious society where plural health systems (traditional and modern) co-exist. Religion is part of everyday conversation within the country and traditional healthcare providers are believed to have spiritual healing powers. Correspondingly, Nigerian women in their quest for a meaningful and comprehensive maternity care experience continue to use the plural health systems during the pregnancy birth continuum. Drawing from data collected through interviewing midwives (n = 7) and traditional birth attendants (n = 5), this paper explored the place of religion and spirituality within maternity care in the context of Igbo-Nigeria, through the lens of hermeneutic-phenomenology. Ethical approval was granted by relevant institutions and consent was obtained from each participant prior to the interviews. The findings revealed divergent views of the birth practitioners, influenced on one hand by conventional Western scientific ways of thinking, and on the other hand by traditional/cultural orientation. Healthcare professionals’ views on the place of religion and spirituality within maternity care in Igbo-Nigeria reflect societal norms, impacting either positively or negatively on women’s needs for a meaningful maternity care experience. In order to improve women’s satisfaction with their pregnancy and birth experience, it is important for the healthcare providers to pay attention to and reflect on their own religious and spiritual belief systems.