South Asian Journal of Religion and Philosophy (SAJRP)

Caliphate and Ecumene: Understanding the Global Future by Examining the Historic Past

Joseph P Garske — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

It has been the dream of prophets and philosophers since ancient times that at some culmination of history a new order of human life will envelop the earth. It would establish peace and prosperity for all, a new Golden Age. In fact, it now seems possible that because of technological advance some form of that dream might soon be realized. The elements of authority and compliance essential to its foundation have been brought into existence. The purpose of this paper is neither to endorse nor condemn the various projects to extend a Rule of Law, a unified Economic order, or an Ecumenic atmosphere of thought that would include all peoples and regions of the earth. Yet even though these new structures of global governance are coming to encircle the world, they have also become invisible because of their excessive familiarity. One way to gain perspective on this way of understanding is to provide a context historically, comparatively, and in a legal way. This paper is intended to provide a perspective on what has become an enveloping influence from which it is difficult to find a detached and impartial understanding. It will do so in two ways: First, by looking at moments of incremental development through the historic past. Second, it will view the Western components of global rule by viewing them in comparison with their Islamic counterpart. In what follows, we will examine the two parallel strands of historical development in terms of what was basic to the nature of each. That is, to show how the two realms of Muslim Caliphate and Christian Ecumene operated on almost precisely opposing principles, and how comparing them can give us perspective on the project of global governance today.

Ostracism and Violence in The Contemporary History of Religions

Muhammad Mubashir Saleem — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Psychology explores the motivation for certain kinds of behaviour such as violence. This study investigates the correlation between religion-based violence and ostracism. There is evidence to suggest that those who are chronically ostracized could become involved in forms of extremism and violence that is not necessarily inspired by their religious tradition. Religious minorities belonging to any faith sometimes join extremist groups after being ostracized in order to compensate for their basic human need to belong. If Islamophobia is understood as the exclusion of Muslims from western societies, it is one form of ostracism. Some Muslims in Europe feel that the wider society does not recognize them as full citizens. Moreover, anti-Semitism and negative attitudes to the Christian community in Pakistan are also examples of ostracism. Policy-makers could take steps to reduce the danger of the violence provoked by ostracism.

‘Destroy Them Totally’ – Towards An Understanding Of Violence Passages In The Bible

Philip Duncan Peters — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Many modern readers of the Bible are shocked at the depictions of violence found in certain passages within its pages, and their dismay is confounded by the apparent Divine sanction given to some of this violence. Other readers, past and present, have used these ‘violence passages’ to justify their own violence in the name of religion. This article will focus on passages in the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua, which present the most extreme cases of ‘Biblical violence’, portraying God commanding the Israelites to destroy totally the inhabitants of the lands they are about to possess, and the Israelites implementing this command. We will attempt to dig beneath the surface of these texts to understand them in their historical and literary contexts and also how they function within the framework of the wider body of Scriptures of which they form a part. We will endeavour to present a more nuanced and sophisticated reading of these texts. Lastly, we will attempt to demonstrate that these passages can never be used as justification for religious-based violence today.

Manipulation of Religion for Political Power and Control in Pakistan

Neelum Javed, Faiza Maryam — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pakistan's history has been marked by the exploitation of religion for political and social gains, leading to numerous challenges and conflicts. This phenomenon has been perpetuated by various political and religious groups, resulting in the manipulation of religion for power and control. The consequences of this adaptation have been far-reaching, contributing to sectarianism, extremism, intolerance, human rights violations and political instability. This article examines the way that political legitimization, social control, identity politics, political patronage and social engineering have been employed to exploit religion for political and social gain in Pakistan. This has led to the marginalization of minority groups, restrictions on women's rights and freedom of expression and the imposition of strict laws and regulations. The blurring of lines between religion and politics has resulted in religious leaders becoming political actors, further exacerbating the issue. It is essential to promote a more inclusive and equitable understanding of religion, separating it from political manipulation and emphasizing its role in promoting social justice, compassion and human rights.

Violence and Veneration in The Name of Religion – The Dilemma of Demolishing Religious Sites in South Asia

Aqsa Tasgheer, Aisha Khalid, Tehreem Fatima — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article investigates the dilemma of demolishing Holy sites because of intolerance and violence in the name of religion in South Asia. Religious discrimination and other strife in South Asia have destroyed the Babri Masjid in India, the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, as well as temples in Pakistan and sacred places in Bangladesh. The purpose of this study is to understand the deeper ideological and political motives behind these violent acts as well as the ramifications for communal identity. The study highlights the impacts of political chaos and extremist ideologies in relation to the destruction of holy sites, which is not only the result of hostility against religious groups. The aim is to destroy the religious and intellectual identification marks of such groups. The research shows that the protection of places of worship is essential to maintain South Asia's religious legacy as well as to promote harmony.