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Showing posts from April, 2024

The Role of Religious Text Interpretation and Passive Fundamentalism in Shaping Worldviews: Exploring the Connection to Religious Violence

  The Role of Religious Text Interpretation in Shaping Worldviews: Exploring the Connection to Religious Violence   Adis Duderija THIS ESSAY IS BASED ON AN ACADEMIC JOURNAL ARTICLE I PUBLISHED FEW YEARS AGO THAT CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE- https://www.academia.edu/40255445/Mainstream_Sunnism_Islamic_Extremism_and_progressive_Islam     The recent Sydney church stabbing has again propelled nation-wide   discussions surrounding the relationship between religion/Islam and violence. The relationship between religion and violence has been extensively studied by scholars, who have examined how certain interpretations of sacred texts can lead to worldviews that justify religiously motivated violence. In this essay I want to explore   how the work of   scholars R.W. Hood Jr., P.C. Hill, and W.P. Williamson on psychology of religious fundamentalism   and that of   Douglas Pratt ,who   has developed a nuanced model of how passive fundamentalism can morph into violent extremism, can help u

Nurturing Critical Parenting Skills in Religious Instruction: Safeguarding Our Children’s Future

    Nurturing Critical Parenting Skills in Religious Instruction: Safeguarding Our Children’s Future Adis Duderija   As parents, we understand the importance of teaching our children about the dangers of drugs, smoking, and negative influences. However, we often overlook the significance of instilling critical thinking skills when it comes to religious instruction. In today’s world, where numerous misguided ideas are championed by those claiming to be the ultimate representatives of religion, it is crucial that we approach religious concepts with the same critical scrutiny we apply to other aspects of our children’s lives. By doing so, we can protect our children’s future well-being and preserve healthy family dynamics. In this short blogpost I want to emphasise the need for critical parenting skills in relation to religious instruction and its profound impact on our children’s lives.   Recognizing the Influence of Religious Ideas   Religious ideas hold immense powerand i

Embracing Rationalism, Feminism, Sufism, and Process-Relational Theology: A Personal Journey

  Embracing Rationalism, Feminism, Sufism, and Process-Relational Theology: A Personal Journey    Adis Duderija  In a world characterized by diverse philosophical and theological perspectives, I find myself embracing a unique blend of rationalism, feminism, Sufism, and process-relational theology. While these may seem like disparate strands of thought, they intertwine harmoniously in my worldview, shaping my understanding of the self, society, and spirituality. In this short piece   I will share my personal journey and shed light on the ways in which these philosophical and theological frameworks have enriched my life and perspectives.   Rationalism: Nurturing the Power of Reason   As a rationalist, I place great emphasis on the power of reason and critical thinking. Rationalism encourages us to question assumptions, challenge dogmas, and seek evidence-based knowledge. It empowers me to navigate the complexities of life with an open and skeptical mind, always striving for