The Confrontation Between Quakers and Clergy 1652-1656: Theology and Practice

The conflict between the clergy and the earliest Quakers can be better understood in the context of the ‘mainstream’ Puritan tradition. Analysis of the pamphlets interchanged is used to investigate what the participants in the confrontation were hoping to achieve, what background they were were drawing on and what theological issues arose. Analysis of the pamphlets interchanged shows that the Quakers gave priority to the abolition of the paid professional ministry, while the clergy argued that the Quaker movement should be suppressed. The Quakers claimed to be guided by the inward light of Christ, but they supported their arguments with biblical references. Neither group were willing to admit to a source for their methods of biblical interpretation, but the clergy were clearly drawing on the patristic tradition, to which Jean Calvin and William Perkins were indebted; the Quakers may have learned from earlier radical groups. Each group used theological arguments to support very different codes of conduct. The clergy claimed to be entitled to the support of the magistracy in suppressing Quakers, but in the confused circumstances of the Interregnum the extent to which such support was forthcoming varied from place to place. This article focuses on different approaches to practice arising from these theological differences.

Islam, indigeneity, and religious difference in a secular context: Canadian case studies

This paper analyzes the hardening religious difference in contemporary Canadian society and explains why the presence of Muslims, including new converts, constantly incites in the public imagination the primordial threat of Islam to the secular accomplishments of Canadian society. Relying on the available data and previous research on the historical formation of the secular in Canada, the author attempts to detect a paradox within the state-lead politics of recognition that unintentionally creates the conditions for new communal conflicts” (warna kuning) diubah menjadi “Relying on the available data and previous research on the historical formation of the secular in Canada, the author attempts to detect a paradox within the statelead politics of recognition that unintentionally creates the conditions for new communal conflicts. By using an inductive generalization, the author argues that the perceived incompatibility between Islam and secular values is derived not so much from cultural and theological differences or actual political threats posed by Muslims or Indigenous converts. It instead emanates from the self-understanding of the majority of Canadians that defined the nation as essentially Christians and simultaneously secular.

Alternative theorizing of multicultural education: an Islamic perspective on interculturality and social justice

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the possibility of embracing an Islamic perspective on interculturality and social justice as an underlying system of multicultural education. While western thought continues to dominate the education scholarship, advancing an alternative epistemology can ameliorate the scope of multicultural education by considering other relevant elements. In particular, interreligious relations have not been researched extensively in terms of managing cultural capital in schools. This paper argues that Islamic ethics provide a system of justice and rules of conduct that satisfy the principles of multicultural education. Design/methodology/approach Classical texts (Qu’ran and Hadith) are analyzed to explore the Islamic perspective on interculturality and social justice. While the plurality of interpretations is remarkable, the aim is to examine these texts on the basis of ethical and humanistic orientation. Findings Islamic ethics are commensurate with intercultural empathy and multicultural education. While some verses are interpreted as evidence of the religious legitimacy of enmity and hostility towards non-Muslims, they are decontextualized readings isolated from the verses’ historical contexts. Practical implications This paper proposes considering Islamic ethics as a foundation of multicultural education. Because Islam promotes social justice, teachers and students are encouraged to take action and never tolerate any act of oppression. Teachers should pay attention to conflicts that may arise from theological differences among students. Originality/value This paper offers a new perspective that has been sidelined and not considered in Modern issues. Because multicultural education recognizes the necessity of appreciating all cultures, Islam delivers a similar framework that is based on peaceful intercultural communication and social justice.

An Examination of al Imam al Alusi’s Contributions to Selected Theological Issues in His Tafsir

<p><span lang="EN-US">Theology as a branch of </span><span lang="IN">knowledge </span><span lang="EN-US">in Islamic studies</span><span lang="IN">,</span><span lang="IN">it’</span><span lang="EN-US">s still a debate among Muslims</span><span lang="IN">.</span><span lang="IN">E</span><span lang="EN-US">specially in contemporary times. This article provides a resume of al-Imam al-Alusi's contribution, as commentator, to the theological discussions in his Magnum Opus: Ruhul-Maani. To achieve this, this paper examines his views on several theological issues selected in his attempt to interpret the verses of the Qur'an with the main aim of discovering the quality and suitability of his arguments and their conformity with the basic principles and sources of Islam. This paper aims to share information about its stance and provide clarification if needed. The findings reveal that al-Imam al-Alusi's theological discussion includes the views of the major Islamic sects; Sunnis, Shi'ites, Mu'tazilites, Ash'arites, among others and brought their own opinions. It is also established that theological differences arise from philosophical thought in defense of individual sects. It was also revealed that the divergence did not affect the fundamentals of Islamic theology.</span></p>

Islam in a Secular State

The overtly secular state of Singapore has unapologetically maintained an authoritarian approach to governance in the realm of religion. Islam is particularly managed by the state. Muslim activists thus have to meticulously navigate these realities - in addition to being a minority community - in order to maximize their influence in the political system. Significantly, Muslim activists are not a monolith: there exists a multitude of political and theological differences amongst them. This study analyses the following categories of Muslim activists: Islamic religious scholars (ulama), liberal Muslims, and the more conservative-minded individuals. Due to constricting political realities, many activists attempt to align themselves with the state, and call upon the state to be an arbiter in their disagreements with other factions. Though there are activists who challenge the state, these are by far in the minority, and are typically unable to assert their influence in a sustained manner.

The Evangelical‐Orthodox Theological Dialogue: Managing Diversity and Navigating Asymmetry

RÉSUMÉDans cet article, l’auteur soutient que le dialogue entre évangéliques et orthodoxes se heurte à deux obstacles. Premièrement, la tentative de dialogue théologique entre l’orthodoxie et les évangéliques est rendue hautement problématique par leur grande diversité interne. Le second obstacle résulte de la nature asymétrique des différences théologiques séparant les deux traditions. L’auteur propose un cadre pour un dialogue théologique basé sur les particularités et les spécificités des uns et des autres, et qui reconnaisse la relation théologique asymétrique entre orthodoxes et évangéliques. Cela favoriserait un dialogue allant au-delà d’un forum se bornant simplement à identifier et à clarifier les perceptions erronées des uns par les autres.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDer vorliegende Artikel vertritt die Auffassung, dass zwei Hindernisse den Dialog zwischen Evangelikalen und Orthodoxen erschweren: Beim ersten geht es um die schwer in den Griff zu bekommende Herausforderung der inneren Diversität beider, die das Konzept eines theologischen Dialogs zwischen ,,Orthodoxie“ und ,,Evangelikalismus“ sehr problematisch macht. Das zweite Hindernis liegt in der asymmetrischen Natur der theologischen Differenzen, welche die beiden Traditionen trennen. Der Artikel vertritt die Ansicht, dass ein Ansatz für diesen theologischen Dialog, der auf Besonderheit und Spezifität beruht und der die Asymmetrie in der theologischen Beziehung zwischen Orthodoxen und Evangelikalen anerkennt, helfen kann, den Dialog über den Status eines Forums hinauszubringen, bei dem es nur um die Identifizierung und Klärung von Fehleinschätzungen geht.SUMMARYThe article maintains that two impediments frustrate the Evangelical‐Orthodox theological dialogue. The first is the intractable challenge of internal diversity, which makes the notion of a theological dialogue between ‘Orthodoxy’ and ‘Evangelicalism’ highly problematic. The second is the asymmetric nature of the theological differences that divide the two traditions. The article proposes that a framework for theological dialogue based on particularity and specificity, and which acknowledges the asymmetrical theological relationship between Orthodox and Evangelicals, can help to advance the dialogue beyond a forum for merely identifying and clearing up misperceptions.

Religious Conflict among Pentecostal Churches in Uganda

Extensive research has been done on Pentecostal churches over the past years. Several studies have focused on their history and robust growth, some on their economic and developmental ethos, while others have focused on their theological stances, and growing political influence in society. Amidst these kinds of studies, is the need to address the overt challenge posed by religious conflict among Pentecostal churches. Whereas there is growing scholarly interest in religious conflict among Christian churches, this has been narrowed to intra-church conflict. However, studies on inter-church conflict, between separate Pentecostal churches, that are independent of each other, are rare. Yet inter-church feuds and conflicts among Pentecostal churches in Uganda occupy a significant part of public space and discourses. Through analysis of both print and electronic media reports and engagement with twenty key informant interviewees, this article sought to establish and analyse the nature, manifestations and root causes of inter-church conflict between Pentecostal churches in Uganda. The study established that Pentecostal pastors are not only the major protagonists of inter-church conflicts but also act as collective agents for the churches in conflict. The study further established that religious conflicts among Pentecostal churches are caused by different ideological inclinations, theological differences notwithstanding, but mainly by the desire to dominate the religious market and by power struggle dynamics within the religious leadership. This tension has a particular impact on society given pastors’ visibility, access to media and their public action in the Ugandan context.

KONTEKSTUALISASI TEOLOGI MODERN Kritik Hassan Hanafi terhadap Teologi Tradisional

In the past theological differences have also been responded to the same as those above, there were those who responded normally there were sometimes disputes. Just how should respond to the differences wisely, because the principle of differences in understanding the concept of theology is normal. Hassan Hanafi, a professor at Cairo University, argued that one of his arguments was that he tried to criticize traditional theology which, according to him, was too central to theological theology. According to him, traditional theology is too monotonous, only talking about the affairs of the "heaven" even though we live in the world with our fellow humans. So that theology should not merely discuss God's affairs and eschatological matters.

Seeking Solidarity between Protestant and Catholic Churches for Social Justice in Korea: The Case of the Korea Christian Action Organization for Urban Industrial Mission (Saseon) (1976–1989)

The Korea Christian Action Organization for Urban Industrial Mission (Hanguk-gyohoe-sahoeseongyo-hyeubuihoe (Saseon)) was an organization which devoted itself not only to the Korean democratization movement against the military dictatorship, but also to the movement for the improvement of the quality of life of laborers, farmers, and the urban poor from 1976 to 1989. Saseon, a joint organization of Protestants and Catholics, trained activists dedicated to democratization and the people’s right to life movements. The Protestants and Catholics of Saseon believed that participation in social movements was missionary work building the Kingdom of God on Earth, and that they could set a good example of solidarity with a common goal of social justice and a mission for the poor which transcended their theological differences. This paper will illuminate the cooperation between Korean Protestant and Catholic churches toward the common goal of social justice, focusing on the case of Saseon.

Distinction through Religious Activism: How Capital Shapes the Organizational Repertoires of Transnational Protestant Outreach

How religious organizations distinguish themselves from one another influences the extent to which they compete (or cooperate) with other similar organizations, thus serving to shape both their survivability and efficacy in achieving their goals. Although theological differences provide one source of distinction, organizations also strategically distinguish themselves not only by what they do but also what they avoid doing. Adopting a Bourdieu(s)ian field theory approach to the study of transnational American Protestant mission agencies, this article explores how agencies’ ministry activities are organized into symbolically distinctive repertoires of activism that vary by agencies’ differing levels of religious and economic capital. Based on how these repertoires are diversified (versus concentrated) and focused on inner- (as opposed to other-worldly) goals, the article discusses the implications of these organizational patterns for the survivability and efficacy of agencies in the transnational missions field, as well as their prospects for interorganizational cooperation and coordination.