Religions

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13 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Deconstruction of the Cross and the Crescent for Inclusive Religious Pluralism between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria

by Ilesanmi G. Ajibola

Religions 2023, 14(6), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14060782 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1242

Abstract

The Crescent and the Cross as religious symbols are beyond the mere signification of religious affiliations. They are symbols on which over two hundred years of wars were sustained and are indicative of the religious dichotomy between modern Christianity and Islam across the [...] Read more.

The Crescent and the Cross as religious symbols are beyond the mere signification of religious affiliations. They are symbols on which over two hundred years of wars were sustained and are indicative of the religious dichotomy between modern Christianity and Islam across the globe. However, the tangential relationship between the usage of the symbols and the Jihad or the Crusade reeks of memories of fierce competition and unhealed historical memories. The collective memory of the wars fought under the symbols has remained a moniker for conquests and forceful submission. The exclusive propensities of the experiences are evident in the interreligious relation of the adherents of both religions in Nigeria. This article attempts to answer the question of how the exclusive religious disposition underlining most instances of religious crises in the country may be addressed. This article uses deconstructive analysis to strip the symbols and their exclusive religious dispositions for an inclusive religious pluralism model. It argues for the need for a critical rethinking of the exclusive interreligious model operative in the country to facilitate social development and the peaceful co-existence of the adherents of both religions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religious Pluralism in the Contemporary Transformation Society)

14 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Where/How/For What Purpose Is Christ Being Proclaimed Today: Rethinking Proclamation in the World of Peripheries

by SimonMary Asese Aihiokhai

Religions 2023, 14(3), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14030382 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1314

Abstract

The content of proclamation cannot go unqueried if the much-needed work of addressing the structures of marginalities that play out in Christianity is to be completed. This task is urgent in order to address the role of Christianity in contemporary societies. To think [...] Read more.

The content of proclamation cannot go unqueried if the much-needed work of addressing the structures of marginalities that play out in Christianity is to be completed. This task is urgent in order to address the role of Christianity in contemporary societies. To think that the proclamation of Christ is itself neutral, is to refuse to address how the structures that Christianity creates decide the fate of many in the world. A close study of the peripheries that Christian ecclesial structures create reveals the emergence of a form of a decolonial response to the agenda inherent in the embrace of a hegemonic approach to proclamation that plays out at the center of Christianity, and Christianity’s ecclesial institutions. These peripheries are a reminder that the center itself is in need of reform to allow for all who experience erasures to become visible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religious Pluralism in the Contemporary Transformation Society)

12 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Religious Pluralism: Transforming Society Using New Concepts of Evangelization and Dialogue

by Joyce Ann Konigsburg

Religions 2023, 14(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14010080 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2244

Abstract

For more than half a century, the Catholic Church has deliberated the effects of religious pluralism on its evangelizing mission and rapport in the contemporary world. The Second Vatican Council, after examining theological tradition and scrutinizing the signs of the times, produced many [...] Read more.

For more than half a century, the Catholic Church has deliberated the effects of religious pluralism on its evangelizing mission and rapport in the contemporary world. The Second Vatican Council, after examining theological tradition and scrutinizing the signs of the times, produced many noteworthy documents that modernize the Catholic Church and prudently integrate ideas of religious pluralism into its functions of mission, evangelization, and interreligious dialogue. Yet, tensions remain between the Catholic Church’s mission as the universal sacrament of salvation and its recognition of religious pluralism. Pope John Paul II strived for balance while Pope Benedict XVI expressed concern that justifying multiple religions might lead to relativism. For Pope Francis, the combination of mission, evangelization, and interreligious dialogue is a form of engagement, a means of being in solidarity with the poor and remedying social issues, such as global climate change, poverty, and systematic injustice. Religious pluralism consequently transforms society, serving as an impetus for the Catholic Church’s evolving use of interreligious dialogue to develop mutually respectful relationships and inspire a new evangelization of multifaith collaboration for the global common good. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religious Pluralism in the Contemporary Transformation Society)

15 pages, 559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Islamic Religious Education Textbooks in a Pluralist Nigeria

by Patricia Enedudu Idoko

Religions 2023, 14(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14010042 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1758

Abstract

Pluralism and religious diversity offer opportunities for deep learning across cultures and religions. However, in some cases, religious diversity also results in tensions and conflicts in communities because religious differences polarize people of different faith traditions. This article analyzes how religious instruction textbooks [...] Read more.

Pluralism and religious diversity offer opportunities for deep learning across cultures and religions. However, in some cases, religious diversity also results in tensions and conflicts in communities because religious differences polarize people of different faith traditions. This article analyzes how religious instruction textbooks used in public junior high schools in Nigeria promote integration and inclusion. In particular, the paper will examine the approved texts used in teaching Islamic Religious Studies (IRS). In analyzing the IRS textbooks, the article focuses on two major points: how the texts present Islam to the students, and how students are equipped to deal with the question of contrasting truth claims within and outside their faith traditions. This article argues that the IRS textbooks used in high school in Nigeria should expand their discussion on Islam to include open interaction about the religious differences within and across religious traditions. I argue that IRS textbooks need to prepare students to deal with different theological truth claims in a way that is both self- and other-respecting. To compose a text that engages religious pluralism, I propose that the approach of teaching religious education in junior secondary schools in Ghana should be used as a model, as it could offer Nigeria some insights on how to teach religious knowledge from a pluralistic approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religious Pluralism in the Contemporary Transformation Society)

12 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Principles of Religious Pluralism

by Neelam Bano, Humaira Ahmad, Javaria Hassan and Rafia Razaq

Religions 2023, 14(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14010020 - 22 Dec 2022

Viewed by 5897

Abstract

Religious pluralism is growing in significance because of increasing religious diversity and increasing religious conflicts, which cause unrest in contemporary society. Muslim perennialists represent one of many groups advocating for the common goals of religious pluralism and the reaffirmation of perennial wisdom, which [...] Read more.

Religious pluralism is growing in significance because of increasing religious diversity and increasing religious conflicts, which cause unrest in contemporary society. Muslim perennialists represent one of many groups advocating for the common goals of religious pluralism and the reaffirmation of perennial wisdom, which lies at the heart of all primordial religious traditions. The purpose of the study is to explore the principles of religious pluralism advocated by Muslim perennialist philosophers. Using the discourse analysis methodology, this study analyzed the theological validity of the Muslim perennialist perspective for articulating interfaith dialogue and co-existence in multicultural societies. By conducting this critical analysis, the study concludes that the principles of religious pluralism advocated by Muslim perennialists are the means of bringing interfaith peaceful co-existence to society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religious Pluralism in the Contemporary Transformation Society)

12 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transformational Dialogue and Christian Identity in a Multi-Religious Context: Nigeria in Focus

by Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Religions 2022, 13(12), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13121166 - 01 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1547

Abstract

Dialogue within a multi-religious context presupposes the recognition of the many identities that are involved in mutual encounter and exchange. The understanding, shape or interpretation of each identity plays a critical role in the nature of the dialogical process as well as the [...] Read more.

Dialogue within a multi-religious context presupposes the recognition of the many identities that are involved in mutual encounter and exchange. The understanding, shape or interpretation of each identity plays a critical role in the nature of the dialogical process as well as the outcome of the dialogue itself. This article re-assesses the Christian identity in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims, with a focus on how this plays out in the Nigerian context. It explores how a distinctive African worldview can shape the Christian identity towards an increased relationality, solidarity, and interdependence. Furthermore, the article critically investigates fundamentalist tendencies within Nigerian Christianity, and finally addresses how ‘a personalist approach’ could foster better intra- and inter-religious encounters in Nigeria in a manner that preserves identity while remaining open towards the other (Christian or religious). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religious Pluralism in the Contemporary Transformation Society)

16 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Video Gaming Faith: Playing Out Theologies of Religions

by Gregory D. Jones, Jr.

Religions 2022, 13(10), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13100944 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 7824

Abstract

Modern religious plurality invites religious and non-religious people to navigate four interreligious dialogical problems: (1) the inability to fully articulate faith, (2) the lack of persuasive religious language, (3) the reality of violence among the religions, and (4) the liquescent “truth” of modern [...] Read more.

Modern religious plurality invites religious and non-religious people to navigate four interreligious dialogical problems: (1) the inability to fully articulate faith, (2) the lack of persuasive religious language, (3) the reality of violence among the religions, and (4) the liquescent “truth” of modern times. How can plurality be framed for people whose sense of relationality is shaped by their participation in virtual worlds? One answer emerges in this autoethnographic consideration of how video gaming “plays out” fresh understandings of the interreligious encounter and relationality. Adopting a Christian perspective, the first section summarizes the major theologies of religions. These theologies correspond with video-game experiences of interreligious cooperation and contest found in playing out the enrichment and diminishment of (1) Christian spirit in Spiritual Warfare (NES), (2) human connection in Final Fantasy VI (Super NES), (3) sense of salvation in Final Fantasy X (PS2), and (4) symbiotic sacredness in Journey (iOS). These play experiences clarify a concept of expansive relationality among religions that is termed shared contest. The conclusion advances a contestant theology of religions; God removes every obstacle to including all in the company of God’s people, and God provides a playground of cooperation and contest for each religious tradition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religious Pluralism in the Contemporary Transformation Society)

18 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safeguarding Places of Worship during the Prophetic Era: Assessment of Early Islamic Covenants and Their Impacts on Early Muslim Polities

by Musferah Mehfooz

Religions 2022, 13(9), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13090799 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2335

Abstract

Treaties and covenants have been the most important instruments of international relations in both ancient and modem times, playing a significant role in the promotion of religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith harmony. The rapid spread and broad appeal of early Islam brought [...] Read more.

Treaties and covenants have been the most important instruments of international relations in both ancient and modem times, playing a significant role in the promotion of religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith harmony. The rapid spread and broad appeal of early Islam brought matters of international relations and cosmopolitan state governance to a cadre of Muslim leaders whose main political experience had been with parochial Arabian tribalism. The foremost issue was the position, rights, and responsibilities of non-Muslim religious communities within the Arab-Islamic empire. Consequently, numerous covenants and treaties were devised with subjects and with foreign states during the expansion of the Muslim world. This study examines the protection of non-Muslim places of worship under the rule of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ and his successors, including future caliphs and generals. It explores the practical application of the covenants by the successors of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ during early Islamic history, exploring the extent to which these covenants and treaties were effective in maintaining peaceful co-existence in a multi-faith society. In sum, for the sake of concision, only specific segments of the covenants and treaties are examined, which were devised with the non-Muslims for the protection of their worship places during the early Muslim Conquests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religious Pluralism in the Contemporary Transformation Society)

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