scholarly journals A Study of Nones in Brazil and the USA in Light of Secularization Theory with Missiological Implications

Author(s):  
◽  
jolive chavez

The growth of those who declare themselves to be Nones, or religiously unaffiliated, in Brazil and the USA has been continuously higher than that of the general population. In Brazil, they are the third-largest group in the religious field, behind only Catholics, and Pentecostal evangelicals. In the USA, they are the second largest group, after Protestants as a whole. The Nones, in their diverse groups, are more represented among the youth in both cultures, and reflect the modern and postmodern influences of contemporary secularism, being a product of the process of changing human thought. This work studies the Nones, in both countries, based on selected elements that characterize the theories of secularization used within the sociology of religion. In the absence of a direct biblical text related to the Nones, as they are a phenomenon much later than the biblical period, a suggested biblical framework for mission with the group was chosen based on biblical narratives describing the missio Dei among what the Bible calls foreigners. In the fifth chapter, the study proposes eight areas considered sensitive for the missional relationship with the Nones in both Brazil and America: The Identity of God, The Bible as the Source of Truth, Institutionalized Religion, Need for Relationships and Community, The Social Role of Religion, Cross-Cultural Barriers, Cultural and Religious Plurality, and Mass Communication/Technology. Some of these can be considered critical, and others as an opportunity for mission. The characteristics of Nones related to each area were presented, and then, missiological and sociological principles were suggested to fill the gaps in the respective areas, forming a bridge of contact with the Nones.

XLinguae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 75-86

In these times of generalized neoliberalism that we are living, as totalitarian gazes are falling, it seems relevant to discuss the social role of religion from the critical-social perspective of modernity and especially, from the humanism of the future. Of course, I will drastically limit the scope this analysis being the topic so broad and complex. Thus, with rigorous humility, I will look at only one basic aspect of Max Weber’s religious thought, framing it and contrasting it with the critical vision of the Mesoamerican tradition. Max Weber argued that all religions form part of a historicaluniversal process whose evolution can be explained as driven by an inner logic constructed by the relentless urge toward the rationalization of ideas and life, especially in the case of salvation religions. This line of thought, with its universalist pretensions, leads us to question the validity of deterministic schemata that should be limited to the Western world and to European concerns -given their reductionism not only when compared to religious visions such as Kierkegaard’s with respect to Christianity (for him rationalism was not enough)- but also inasmuch as they leave out polytheistic projects and syncretic combinations such as the traditional conceptions of colonized peoples (where religions are monotheistic in name only, not having followed the steps of the Weberian protocol), or the ancient civilizational horizons such as China, India or Mesoamerica, whose evolution does not necessarily lead to the sort of final-stage rationality the German thinker had in mind


Author(s):  
أسماء حسين ملكاوي

المذاهب الإسلامية طريق إلى الوحدة، مُصطفى حُسيني طباطبائي، ترجمة: سعد رستم، دمشق: دار الأوائل، 2008م، 112 صفحة. الحوار القومي – الإسلامي، مجموعة من المؤلفين والباحثين بالتعاون مع المعهد السويدي بالإسكندرية، بيروت: مركز دراسات الوحدة العربية: 2008م، 713 صفحة. مسألة المنهج في الفكر الديني: وقفات وملاحظات، حيدر حب الله، بيروت: مؤسسة الانتشار العربي، 2007، 495 صفحة. مأزق الإمبراطورية الأمريكية، فنسان الغريّب، بيروت: مركز دراسات الوحدة العربية، 2008م، 401 صفحة. العقيدة والإنتاج المعرفي، صادق إنعام الخواجا، عمان: دار الشروق، 2008م، 453صفحة. هرطقات 2: عن العلمانية كإشكالية إسلامية – إسلامية، جورج طرابيشي، دمشق: دار الساقي للطباعة والنشر، 2008م، 248 صفحة. الدين والسياسة: تأصيل وردُّ شبهات، يوسف القرضاوي، القاهرة: دار الشروق، الطبعة الأولى، 2007م، 245 صفحة. التّكافُل الاجتماعي في الإسلام: رُؤية مُعاصرة، أسامة عبد المجيد العاني، دمشق: دار السلام، 2008م، 127 صفحة. مُستقبَل التّعليم العربي بين الكارثة والأمل، محسن خضر، القاهرة: الدار المصرية اللبنانية، الطبعة الأولى، 2008، 248 صفحة. العالم الإسلامي: عوامل النّهضة وآفاق البِناء، مجموعة من الباحثين، لندن: مجلة البيان، الطبعة الأولى، 2007، 525 صفحة.  السُّنة النبوية وعلومها: بين أهل السُّنة والشيعة الإمامية (مدخل ومقارنات)، الدكتور عدنان محمد زرزور، عمان: دار الأعلام، الطبعة الأولى، 2008م، 576 صفحة. Le coran décrypté: Figures bibliques en Arabie, Jacqueline Chabbi, Paris- Fayard, 2008, 418 pages. La question religieuse au XXIe siècle: Géopolitique et crise de la postmodernité, Georges Corm, Paris- Editions La Découverte (15 septembre 2005), 205 pages. Islam: Past, Present and Future: Hans Kung, Oneworld Publications (November 25, 2008), 800 pages. Stealth Jihad: How Radical Islam is Subverting America without Guns or Bombs, Robert Spencer, Regnery Publishing (November 18, 2008), 256 pages. Teaching: Professionalisation, Development and Leadership, David Johnson, Rupert Maclean (Editors), Springer; 1 edition, 2008, 318 pages. Human Values in a Changing World: A Dialogue on the Social Role of Religion (Echoes and Reflections), Bryan Wilson, Daisaku Ikeda, B. Tauris, 2008, 384 pages. The War on Islam: Enver Masud, India Research Press; 4th edition, 2008, 308 pages. Culturally Incorrect: How Clashing Worldviews Affect Your Future, Rod Parsley, Thomas Nelson, 2008, 224 pages. States without Citizens: Understanding the Islamic Crisis, John W. Jandora, Praeger Security International General Interest (June 30, 2008), 128 pages. Producing Islamic Knowledge: Transmission and Dissemination in Western Europe, Stefano Allievi, Martin Van Bruinessen, Taylor & Francis, Inc., 2008, 240 pages. Islamic Perspective on Charity: A Comprehensive Guide for Running a Muslim Nonprofit in the U.S., Khalil Jassemm, Author House (5 Oct. 2006), 540 pages. Your Child's Strengths: Discover Them, Develop Them, Use Them, Jenifer Fox, Viking Adult, 2008, 368 pages ... للحصول على كامل المقالة مجانا يرجى النّقر على ملف ال PDF  في اعلى يمين الصفحة.  


2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor A. Shnirelman

Interest in the social role of religion, including religious education (RE), is on the increase in the European Union. Yet whereas Western educators focus mostly on the potential of religion for dialogue and peaceful coexistence, in Russia religion is viewed mostly as a resource for an exclusive cultural-religious identity and resistance to globalization. RE was introduced into the curriculum in Russia during the past ten to fifteen years. The author analyzes why, how, and under what particular conditions RE was introduced in Russia, what this education means, and what social consequences it can entail.


1995 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleg Manaev

Abstract: This article examines the process of rethinking the social role of mass media in a transitional society through analysis of its understanding by the main actors of mass communication in post-communist Belarus--Power, Media, and Public. Based on the results of various recent surveys and within the framework of conceptions of media as a "fourth estate'' and as a guarantor of "participatory democracy,'' its author argues that free enterprise is the most efficient mechanism of this process. Résumé: Cet article examine le processus de repenser le rôle des médias dans une société en transition; il analyse comment ce rôle est compris par les principaux acteurs en communications de masse dans la Biélorussie post-communiste, en mettant l'accent sur pouvoir, médias et public. Se fondant sur les résultats de diverses études récentes et sur les conceptions des médias comme "quatrième pouvoir'' et comme assureurs d'une démocratie participative, l'auteur affirme que la libre entreprise est le mécanisme le plus efficace pour démocratiser les médias.


Numen ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-257
Author(s):  
Jacques Waardenburg

AbstractThe article examines the study of religions at scholarly institutions in Muslim countries. As far as Islam and Islamic thought is concerned, both traditional and overly ideological approaches are problematic from a scholarly point of view. With regard to the study of religions other than Islam, interesting initiatives have been taken in several countries. Difficulties on a practical level include a lack of good handbooks in the “Islamic” languages, while books published in the West are mostly too expensive to acquire. Training in the languages of the various religious Scriptures is virtually absent. History of religions or religious studies have rarely been institutionalized. The study of some religions is seriously handicapped by political conflicts.Among the positive developments at present is, first, the increased interest in “religions” among students and the general public. The historical, anthropological and sociological research carried out in several Muslim countries pays attention to the social role of religion. A number of Muslim students enrolled at Western universities take courses in religions.The conclusion contends that the medieval tradition of Muslim studies of other religions could be a source of inspiration for the future. What is still much needed are competent staff, material facilities, a positive climate for intellectual pursuits, technical training in the study of texts, facts and meanings, and mental training for the pursuit of scholarly truth are needed. While perhaps acting as catalysts, Western models should not enjoy absolute authority. The author considers the pursuit of knowledge which is useful both to Muslims and to the scholarly community at large as most important.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Edy J. P. Gurning

The ideology of the nation Indonesian is Pancasila. Within this ideology Pancasila, the state ensures religious freedom practices and provides space for religion to play a role in carrying out justice and peace in society. Particularly in the post-secular era, the role of religion becomes more significant. Post-secularism provides an active not passive and greater role for religion in presenting its social role. Christianity, as one of the religions in Indonesia, is also urged to participate in playing its social roles. Based on the characteristic Indonesian context, the social role of the church initiated by Karl Barth is far better to be employed in Indonesia than the social role of the church initiated by Jurgen Moltmann.


Author(s):  
Melanie Prideaux

Abstract The English context for interreligious dialogue is shaped by the presence of an established church which is inclusive, geographically spread, and engages with the state. This article will trace the ways in which the presence of an established church, and the particular model of church-state settlement, provide a context to legitimise particular types of interreligious activity. The social role of religion, the representative function of religion, and religion as an inclusive category, will be highlighted as key elements in the role of religion in English public life and in how interreligious organisations have developed. This observation is analytically useful as it assists an understanding of how and why interreligious dialogue and other activity has at various points become significant for the state’s governance of religious diversity, how success is understood and managed, and what non-engagement with interreligious activity might indicate.


2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 489-501
Author(s):  
Michal Podzimek

Modernism, which appeared as a result of industrialization, has since then developed further, resulting in a postmodern society, characterized by a significant change in values. This shift in values is particularly evident in the quality of education, and man's subsequent relation towards work as a result. Schools have become social institutions in which learners spend their time in the role of served clients. The teacher is therefore assigned the social role of the servant, in which he is to primarily satisfy the pupil in his personal needs. This kind of relationship stems from the phenomenon of narcissism, which is already a cultural phenomenon. Studies of cultural narcissism are presented here, sampling relevant research of American provenience (with special focus on the USA). These studies suggest that cultural narcissism may become a global phenomenon in the future. Keywords: cultural narcissism, contemporary individualism, narcissistic pathology, learning difficulties, pedagogical research.


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