IJoReSH: Indonesian Journal of Religion, Spirituality, and Humanity

Repurposed churches: an analysis through secularisation theory and the core-periphery model

Maria Grazia Pettersson — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the repurposing of Anglican churches in the United Kingdom by integrating the core-periphery model developed by Friedmann and Krugman (UK) into secularisation theory, exploring how religious, cultural, and secular uses reflect broader social changes. With declining church attendance, many buildings are repurposed as homes, cultural monuments, or worship spaces for other faiths, such as free churches or mosques. The theory is tested by comparing several possible reuses for closed Anglican churches in the UK: conversion into homes, monuments, or mosques. The method utilised is a literature review, using data from local newspapers and reports by the Church of England and bodies responsible for monument protection. The result is a multi-dimensional approach similar to Wohlrab-Saar & Burchardt’s concept of multiple secularities, capable of assessing both the conversion of a sacred space into a profane space (a privatised or commercial actor, a public or a cultural space) and the transformation of a Christian/Anglican sacred space into a Muslim or free church sacred space. The findings indicate that many churches have been repurposed into homes and mosques, showing that market forces and individualisation have replaced religion and also revealing the emergence of diverse religious forms. This multidimensional approach suggests a pluralistic view of secularization, where secular and religious expressions co-exist and evolve in contemporary society.

The dynamics of religion in public spheres: religious education and religious diversity in Ghana’s public schools

Justice Anquandah Arthur — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ghana's religious diversity and the role of religion in public spheres have given rise to unique approaches in Religious and Moral Education (RME) within public schools. This study investigates how RME is taught and the extent to which it addresses religious diversity, drawing on ethnographic data from eight public schools in Accra. Ethnographic methods, including interviews, observations, and focus groups with teachers and students, are employed to understand the challenges and opportunities in teaching religion in a pluralistic context. Findings reveal an imbalance in the representation of various religions, with dominant faiths often overshadowing minority beliefs, particularly Indigenous Religions. Teachers' religious affiliations sometimes influence classroom discourse, leading to an inaccurate portrayal of "religious others" and a simplified understanding of diversity. This research highlights the need for a more inclusive approach in Ghana's RME curriculum to foster equitable, multicultural knowledge among students. This study contributes to discussions on education and religion by advocating curriculum reforms that embrace Ghana's full religious spectrum and encourage critical reflection on diversity in public education settings.

The impact of Christian educational and socio-ethical interventions in preventing youth kidnapping in Lagos

Olulowo Segun Ayotunde, Taiwo Babawale Solomon, Adedeji Olusola Israel — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The mentality of kidnapping for ransom among youths is a contemporary social challenge in Lagos State, South Western Nigeria. If this issue is not addressed, it will negatively impact people psychologically, emotionally, economically, politically, socially, and morally. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Christian education on youths' behavioural training and investigate how ethical training provided by churches can contribute to the reduction of kidnapping incidents among youths. The study employed a descriptive quantitative method, gathering data from 120 respondents, including Christian students, mature adults from the University of Lagos, and church members from various denominations across Lagos State. Twelve churches were purposively selected to represent different denominations. The questionnaire comprised 15 items under two sections: demographics and Christian ethics in behavioural training and kidnapping prevention. Responses were measured using a 4-point Likert scale (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree). A total of 116 completed questionnaires were analysed, representing a return rate of 96.7%. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The results show that Christian education training, the adoption of societal ethical values, and the promotion of character transformation leading to responsible decision-making are significantly correlated with the decrease in youth kidnappings in Lagos State. The study advocates for early, proactive, and consistent teaching of Christian values and rules, encouraging the use of ethical tools such as reward and punishment to motivate selfless and good decision-making by youths.

Anthropocentrism in Christian eco-theology: origin and debate

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores the origins of anthropocentrism in Christian eco-theology, a concept mainly introduced by Lynn White (1907-1987). It also examines the subsequent debates, especially from the perspective of theocentrism, which opposes the Anthropocentric model. Content analysis is used to understand the language and social functions of anthropocentrism and Christian eco-theology in academic literature while also examining the key arguments related to the topic. Meanwhile, discourse analysis is employed to reinforce the findings. The study concludes that Lynn White’s work, The Historical Roots, initiated further contemporary debate on Christian eco-theology. As experts claimed, the error committed by White may have caused tremendous damage to the Christian tradition. However, it also enriched subsequent inquiries into the development of Christian eco-theology. Moreover, the anthropocentric framework in Christian eco-theology was also partly a result of misinterpreting Genesis 1:27, which is closely related to the various interpretations of Imago Dei (image of God). Theocentrism, as such, possibly occupies a central position in present-day apologetics regarding eco-theology in Christianity, providing further opportunities for discussion in defending Christ's relevance to the recent environmental crisis.

Buddhist-Muslim relationship through local wisdom as a form of multicultural education

Suranto Suranto, Izak YM Lattu, Tony Tampak, Suwarto Suwarto — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

While not particularly prominent in broader interfaith dialogues, the Buddhist-Muslim relationship is a tangible reality in the Kaloran community, Temanggung. This qualitative study aims to explore the Buddhist-Muslim relationship through the local wisdom that has developed in the community. Data was collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and focus group discussions (FGD). The collected data was then subjected to descriptive synthesis analysis. The relationship between Buddhist and Muslim communities can be fostered through local wisdom as part of implementing living religious values. This local wisdom is divided into three thematic groups: 1) local wisdom without text, in the form of expressions or wisdom that serve as principles and guidelines for the life of a multicultural society; 2) local wisdom in the form of ritual symbols that serve as a medium for dialogue in a multicultural society; and 3) local wisdom in the form of performing arts that serve as a medium for dialogue in a multicultural society. Based on the sociology of religion approach and lived religion, local wisdom is part of the flexible media used by the Buddhist community to maintain relations with Muslims. This local wisdom serves as a medium for relations in order to maintain the harmonious life of a multicultural society.