Eschatology: some Muslim and Christian data

The introduction discusses briefly the usage and the meaning(s) of the term ‘eschatology’, the affirmation of the finality of the revelation granted and the reality of the ‘not yet’, and the recognition of the interrelatedness of eschatology and ethics. A short survey follows of some regularly recurring topics in Islamic eschatological literature, with a few cross‐references to Christian data: barzakh, the coming reign of justice and peace, and the bliss of the Garden. More substantial cross‐references are found in the discussion of the relation between individual and collective eschatology, of the anticipation of the ultimate realization of God's intentions for the whole universe, and of the question of how far both traditions postulate a ‘final exclusivism’. The essay ends with some remarks on God's justice and mercy, with brief comments on the notion of theodicy and the testimony that ‘mercy prevails over wrath’.     

Christian and Muslim Anti-Semitic Beliefs

One hundred Muslims and one hundred Christians were administered a battery of tests to determine the nature and extent of anti-Semitic beliefs. The two groups differed considerably in terms of rationale, level, and course of anti-Semitic beliefs. Specifically, differences may be explained via dimensions of personal and social identity. The implications for emotional development and its role in understanding prejudices are discussed.     

Estimating the Religious Composition of All Nations: An Empirical Assessment of the World Christian Database

The international religious data in the World Christian Database (WCD), and its print predecessor, the World Christian Encyclopedia (WCE) have been used frequently in academic studies and the popular press. Scholars have raised questions about the WCD's estimates categories, and potential bias, but the data have not yet been systematically assessed. We test the reliability of the WCD by comparing its religious composition estimates to four other data sources (World Values Survey, Pew Global Assessment Project,CIA World Factbook, and the U.S. Department of State), finding that estimates are highly correlated. In comparing the WCD estimates for Islamic countries and American Christian adherents with local data sources, we identify specific groups for which estimates differ. In addition, we discuss countries where the data sets provide inconsistent religious estimates. Religious composition estimates in the WCD are generally plausible and consistent with other data sets. The WCD also includes comprehensive nonreligious data. Recommendations regarding the use of the WCD are given.     

British Muslim lesbians: reclaiming Islam and reconfiguring religious identity

Religiously infused ideology and doctrine on maleness/femaleness, procreation, family and the condemnatory attitude towards homosexuality has been significantly damaging for lesbians. Lesbians from a Muslim background, in particular, are forced to confront religious dogma, which advocates the punishment of non-heterosexuals leading them to repress and deny their sexuality. Despite this, an investment and belief in religion continues and remains important. In the present study the powerful appeal of religion and its influence on 5 Muslim women who identify as lesbian is explored. The study seeks to understand the way in which the women reconfigure their religious identity to address the difficulties they experience in incorporating discordant identities (faith and sexuality). The data gained indicates that rather than disconnect or reject their association with their faith they contest the condemnation of homosexuality within Islam, which in turn allows them to reclaim their Muslim identity. The alienation and ostracism the women experience from the Muslim ‘community’ has not led to their disaffection from Islam. Rather they resolutely pledge the importance of faith, practice and leading a life according to Islamic moral standards and principles. The women manage and integrate complex and layered aspects of their identity, through their commitment to Islam but also a determination to recognise an intrinsic aspect of the self that they no longer refuse to deny or suppress.     

明代社会中的伊斯兰教和穆斯林

在明代社会中,穆斯林的社会地位已经截然不同于元代。统治者的民族与宗教政也发生了改变。新政权在服装、语言、姓氏等方面对包括穆斯林在内的少数民族进行限制;同时,明王朝的最高统治者对伊斯兰教信仰又表示了尊崇。好几任皇帝都曾支清真寺的修建工作。明武宗朱厚照甚至对伊斯兰教表示了浓厚的兴趣。一些穆斯林在朝受到重用,其中最著名的就是7次率领船队出访亚、非各国的郑和,其船队中有不人是穆斯林。回族在明代已经完全形成,伊斯兰教在这漫长的历史过程中,成为极其要的文化核心,产生巨大的凝聚力。这一宗教为回族穆斯林提供了无形而又坚实的文屏障,并遏止了汉文化继续对回族穆斯林进一步产生影响。