The Principles of Compatibility between Islam and Modernity

This chapter examines the relationship of Islam and modernity as a collection of issues which includes human rights. Muslim reformists have brought together modernity and intellectualism on the one hand, with Islam on the other. In this intellectual and faith movement, human rights and divine obligation, individual freedom and social justice, collective wisdom and religious ethics, human rationality and the divine prophecy, peacefully coexist. The thinkers of reformist Islam have accepted the Islamic message together with the jewel of modernity. The characteristics of reformist Islam or the principles of the compatibility of Islam and modernity are as follows. First principle: re-reading the texts of religion on the basis of its higher ends; Second principle: the high place of reason in the understanding of religion; Third principle: the permanent right to choose how to live; Fourth principle: the possibility of legislation and public policy on the basis of religious values.

Reforming Chinese Buddhism through the Zheng Xin (Right Faith) Movement

This chapter maps local initiatives of the Buddhist revitalization movement in Malaysia. Focusing on two groups, the Malaysian Buddhist Association and the Youth Buddhist Association of Malaysia, the history and process of Buddhist revitalization that occurred through local efforts are examined. The notion of Zheng Xin (Right Faith) Buddhism originating from the idea of modern Buddhism has been adopted by the two groups. The process has been strengthened through formalizing the refuge taking ceremony and Buddhicizing the Hungry Ghost Festival. A tussle between reformist Buddhists and a sect called Unity Sect (Yi Guan Dao) is examined to understand a case of religious contestation among Chinese religions germinated by Buddhist revitalization.

Emerging Christianity in Cambodia: People Movement to Christ or Playground for Global Christianity?

Present-day Christianity in Cambodia is less than thirty years old; virtually all traces of its earlier history were eradicated by the Khmer Rouge. The article offers a portrait of this young church and introduces mission patterns, growth factors, and challenges for this emerging church. It critically discusses the entanglement of global and local factors, as well as the diversity of mission agents engaged in Cambodia. The article concludes that churches successfully present themselves as a training ground for emerging global citizens, attracting young people to a faith movement that connects them with a global network.