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Puritanical Approaches to Islam and Anti-Muslim Sentiments

                        Puritanical Approaches to Islam and    Anti-Muslim Sentiments Adis Duderija   In recent years, anti-Muslim sentiment has witnessed a worrying rise across various parts of the world. While it is essential to acknowledge that multiple factors contribute to this phenomenon, we cannot overlook the role played by puritanical, socially conservative, and politically reactionary approaches to Islam in this respect. These approaches, often characterized by a narrow and heavily textualist   interpretation of religious texts, can lead to the promotion of divisive ideologies and practices that exacerbate anti-Muslim sentiment. Furthermore, the counterproductive nature of essentializing the Other compounds the problem by perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing divisions between different cultures and religions. In this article I   aim to explore the detrimental effects of such approaches by examining specific examples, including the promotion of exclusivism, gender
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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
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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
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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
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Embracing Gender and Feminist Approaches to Theology and Spirituality: A Transformative Ramadan

  Embracing Gender and Feminist Approaches to Theology and Spirituality: A Transformative Ramadan Adis Duderija   The close chronological proximity   of the start of Ramadan with International Women’s Day in 2024 presents a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of gender and spirituality within the context of Islam. By shifting the focus of Ramadan towards gender and embracing feminist approaches to theology and spirituality, we can foster a more inclusive and empowering experience for all Muslims. In this essay I wish to highlight   that dedicating Ramadan to gender issues and women’s perspectives will contribute to a transformative and progressive understanding of Islamic spirituality.   Recognizing Gender Inequality in Muslim Contexts:   Before delving into the potential of a gender-focused Ramadan, it is crucial to acknowledge the existing gender inequalities and challenges faced by women within many Muslim communities. These disparities often arise from cul
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Acknowledging Competing Visions of the Prophetic Legacy: An Opportunity for Principled Pluralism

  Adis Duderija As an academic who has been publishing on   hadith literature and the debates surrounding the sunna of the Prophet   of Islam since 2007 I have come to appreciate the complex and multifaceted nature of competing and often   irreconcilable visions of what constitutes   his legacy. The diversity within Islamic intellectual traditions itself testifies to this inherent complexity. Rather than being a cause for distress or denial, this reality presents an opportunity for us to embrace principled pluralism. By recognizing and respecting the existence of multiple competing visions of the prophetic example and teachings, we can foster inclusive discussions and move away from claims of a singular 'true' Islam. This essay expands on the main points by exploring the implications of principled pluralism in interpreting the prophetic legacy and its potential for a progressive and compassionate approach to Islam.   The Plurality of   Understandings: Within Islami
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The Necessity of Beauty, Mystery, and Truth in Human Life

  The Necessity of Beauty, Mystery, and Truth in Human Life   Adis Duderija (with help of Chat GTP)   A day spent without the sight or sound of beauty, the contemplation of mystery, or the search of truth is a poverty-stricken day; and a succession of such days is fatal to human life." - Lewis Mumford   In his thought-provoking quote, the renowned philosopher and writer Lewis Mumford emphasizes the profound importance of beauty, mystery, and truth in our daily lives. As per the above quote, according to Mumford, a day devoid of these essential elements is a "poverty-stricken day" that can ultimately prove fatal to the human spirit. This brief essay explores the significance of beauty, the contemplation of mystery, and the pursuit of truth in human existence and posits that their absence leads to a diminished life experience.   The Power of Beauty   Beauty, in its various forms, as pointed out elegantly by ,among others,   Patricia Adams Farmer ,   ha
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