This anthology is based on a symposium in the series "Young Philosophy of Religion," jointly organized by the Catholic Academy in Berlin and the Research Institute for Philosophy Hanover. German text.

The study is a response to the call for papers on African issues and discusses the notion of leadership in the Zimbabwean context. Based on material drawn through an interdisciplinary research process, this article argues that the phenomenon of fear emanating from a Zimbabwean religio-culture cuts across the country’s socio-political structures and affects its different forms of leadership. Therefore, by drawing on primary and secondary as well as literary and non-literary, sources, the article examines how and why religio-culture and especially (...) its elements, such as the phenomenon of fear, continue to influence the people’s understanding of leadership. The quest for a cross-cultural perspective leads to the consideration of both African and non-African scholarly views. In order to draw on concrete data, I focus on the perceptions and experiences of ordinary citizens whether professionals or non-professionals. Furthermore, the study considers arguments and propositions from disciplines such as history, political science, religious studies, anthropology, and African philosophy, among others. (shrink)

During the 1990s, biomedical scientists and Muslim religious scholars collaborated to construe Islamic responses for the ethical questions raised by the AIDS pandemic. This is the first of a two-part study examining this collective legal reasoning (ijtihād jamā‘ī). The main thesis is that the role of the biomedical scientists is not limited to presenting scientific information. They engaged in the human rights discourse pertinent to people living with HIV/AIDS, gave an account of the preventive strategy adopted by the World Health (...) Organization, and offered an (Islamic) virtue-based preventive model. Finally, these scientists tried to draft a number of Islamic legal rulings (aḥkām), usually seen in Islamic jurisprudence as the exclusive business of Muslim religious scholars. This multilayered role played by the scientists reflects intriguing developments in the Islamic religio-ethical discourse in general and in the field of Islamic jurisprudence in particular. (shrink)

Il s�agira ici d�analyser le couple traditionnel religio/superstitio, dans la littérature latine, de Cicéron à Augustin. Mon intention, à vrai dire, n�est pas seulement de comparer les textes païens aux premières réflexions chrétiennes, mais d�abord et avant tout de montrer comment les chrétiens ont tenté d�établir un nouveau statut des institutions sociales sur une critique de l�opposition païenne entre religion et superstition.

Die mannigfaltigen, oftmals konflikttrachtigen Beziehungen zwischen unterschiedlichen Weltreligionen sowie zwischen Religion und Philosophie reichen weit in die Geschichte des spannungsreichen Verhaltnisses von Glauben und Wissen zuruck. Zugleich haben sie im 21. Jahrhundert durch Globalisierung, Migration und Digitalisierung ein neues Niveau erreicht: Religioser Fundamentalismus und sakulare Areligiositat bezeichnen dabei nur die aussersten Pole eines Feldes, das in seiner breiten Mitte von religioser und weltanschaulicher Pluralitat und Diversitat gekennzeichnet ist. Eine philosophisch fundierte Untersuchung der Potentiale und Grenzen interreligioser sowie religios-sakularer Dissense ist (...) vor diesem Hintergrund nicht nur von wissenschaftlichem, sondern auch von gesellschaftspolitischem Interesse. Die vorliegende Studie sucht in Anknupfung an die Religionsphilosophie Kants sowie an idealistische und nachmetaphysische Positionen Perspektiven fur eine interkulturell orientierte Religionsphilosophie auszuloten, die sich als rationales Forum interreligioser sowie religios-sakularer Verstandigung versteht. In der Auseinandersetzung mit namhaften Religionsphilosophien der europaischen Moderne sowie mit den Philosophien des Buddhismus, des Christentums und des Islam werden exemplarische Momente der Komplementaritat, der Kompatibilitat und der Konvergenz ontologischer, ethischer und mystischer Dimensionen des Religiosen ermittelt und philosophisch gedeutet. (shrink)

Unsere Welt ist verschiedenartig. Nicht zuletzt wird das an den verschiedenen Religionen deutlich. Und doch ist unsere Welt eine Welt. Gemeinsam leben wir in ihr. Angesichts dieser Spannung kann gefragt werden: Wie konnen wir in unserer - auch religiosen - Unterschiedlichkeit in einer Welt zusammenleben? Und wie sollen wir das? Welche Moglichkeiten und Probleme bringen die Religionen an diesem Punkt mit sich? Der Band widmet sich diesen Fragen aus philosophischer und theologischer Sicht. Es werden ausgewahlte Modelle aus Philosophie und Theologie (...) vorgestellt und diskutiert, wie in unseren heutigen Gesellschaften religiose Pluralitat integriert werden kann und soll. (shrink)

Na atual discussão sobre a importância de equilibrar a necessidade humana de intervir sobre a natureza com a nossa responsabilidade na preservação da vida no planeta, as chamadas religiões da terra ou religiões da natureza aportam uma contribuição fundamental. Visando explorar essas relações, este artigo discute o impacto causado pelo processo de dessacralização do mundo na percepção do homem em relação ao mundo natural. Nesta linha, contrapõe a atitude teísta (característica das chamadas "religiões do livro") à perspectiva cosmobiológica presente nas (...) religiões da terra. Em seguida, o texto explora a concepção anímica de natureza e de mundo, compartilhada por essas últimas, destacando a sua concepção de uma natureza viva e a intuição de um parentesco entre o homem e os demais seres. Como exemplos desta postura, o texto apresenta algumas características presentes tanto nas religiões afro-brasileiras quanto nas tradições neo-pagãs. A guisa de conclusão apresenta uma reflexão sobre as relações entre religião e ambientalismo e sobre a possível contribuição que a cosmovisão presente nas religiões da terra pode trazer para o movimento ecológico. Palavras-chave: Religião; Natureza; Ecologia; Animismo.In the present discussion on the importance of balancing the human need for intervening in Nature with our responsibility to preserve life on the Planet, the so-called Earth Religions or Nature Religions play a fundamental role. With a view to exploring these relationships, this paper discusses the impact caused by the process of desacralising the human beings perception of the world in relation to Nature. Along these lines, the theistic attitude (characteristic of the so-called Book Religions) is opposed to the cosmobiological perspective, present in the Earth Religions. Following on this, the paper explores the animistic concept of Nature and the World shared by these religions. Furthermore, this work addresses to the animic conception of nature and world, shared by the cosmobiologic perspective, highlighting its conception of a live nature and the feeling of a bond between all live been as well as humans. With some example, the work shows some characteristics shared by the afrobrazilian religions and neopaganist traditions. To conclude, we present a reflection on the relationship between Religion and Environmentalism and on the possible contribution that the cosmovision present in the Earth Religions may bring to the Ecology Movement. Key words : Religion; Nature; Ecology; Animism. (shrink)

"Religiös Wissen, so die Grundannahme des DFG-Graduirtenkollegs "Religiöses Wissen im vormodernen Europa (800-1800)", entsteht in der Auseinandersetzung mit dem in der Bibel offenbarten, aber nicht greifbaren Wissen. Im alltäglichen Umgang der religiösen Experten und Laien wird es jedoch immer wieder transformiert und an die zeitspezifischen Gegebenheiten angepasst. Die dabei entstehenden diskursiven Konkurrenzen zwischen religiösen Wissen und anderen Wissensfeldern stehen im Fokus des interdisziplinär angelegten Sammelbandes. Die Beiträge thematisieren die unterschiedlichen Verfahrensweeisen, durch die religiöses Wissen in den Bereichen der Naturforschung, Kunst (...) oder Literatur adaptiert und modelliert wird, sowie die dabei zu Tage tretenden Spannungen, Konkurrenzen oder Synergien." --. (shrink)

In this response essay, I borrow a page from Jack Halberstam to explore the ties that bind—ligates, as in re-ligio—the two sibling fields of sociology and religious studies.

Há dois movimentos simultâneos no campo religioso brasileiro: um primeiro de distinção, multiplicação e rupturas; um segundo de relativa homogeneização. No campo cristão, o fenômeno mais visível é o da entrada maciça dos pentecostais, não só na arena religiosa em geral, mas nos seus pontos de alta visibilidade, especialmente populares. O significado da preferência dos pobres e do aparente trânsito do catolicismo ao pentecostalismo tende a representar o trânsito entre duas culturas: a tradicional católica afro-brasileira, e a cultura moderna de (...) escolha individual. A Nova Era, por exemplo, representa ao mesmo tempo a contudente negação de uma modernidade individualista, racional e dessacralizadora, a tentativa de recapitular, no que tem de global, espiritual, carnal e cósmico, o caminhar do homem para uma completude nunca atingida, porque nunca concluída. Assim, o meio religioso brasileiro, sobretudo popular, mas não exclusivamente, vive num certo clima espiritualista que parece compartilhado por várias mentalidades no Brasil. Pode-se então levantar a seguinte questão: como escapar, neste nosso olhar sobre as religiões dos brasileiros, de uma visão tão linearmente evolucionista, positivista na sua concepção, repressiva na sua política? (shrink)

Die religios-weltanschauliche Neutralitat ist der "Schlusselbegriff" des deutschen Religionsverfassungsrechts. Trotz seiner zentralen Stellung bestehen erhebliche Unsicherheiten uber den genauen Bedeutungsgehalt dieses Verfassungsgrundsatzes. Um eine moglichst ganzheitliche Betrachtung zu ermoglichen, nahert sich Elias Bornemann dem Neutralitatsgebot von mehreren Seiten. Er erarbeitet die historischen Grundlagen des Rechtsbegriffs, beleuchtet Bezuge zur politischen Philosophie und schafft rechtsdogmatische Anknupfungspunkte. Hierauf aufbauend werden in Rechtsprechung und Wissenschaft verschiedene Konzepte religios-weltanschaulicher Neutralitat identifiziert und sowohl auf ihre Verfassungsmassigkeit als auch ihre Leistungsfahigkeit hin untersucht. Die Ordnungs- und Analyseleistungen (...) dieser Arbeit sind damit Struktur und Anleitung fur die kunftige Diskussion uber das verfassungsrechtliche Verhaltnis von Staat und Religion. (shrink)

În anul 1942 Pr. D. Stăniloae publica cartea Poziţia Domnului Blaga faţă de Creştinism şi Ortodoxie, o „reacţie” la ideile pe care filozoful Lucian Blaga le formulase în cărţile sale, mai ales în Trilogii. Atitudinea Pr. Stăniloae nu este singulară, dar este cea care a stârnit controverse dintre cele mai interesante. Ideile de bază ale acestei cărţi, ca şi ale articolelor ce s-au scris după, au în centrul lor definirea religiei şi caracteristicile fenomenului religios, poziţiile fiind diferite: teologică şi filozofică. (...) Deşi discuţiile nu au fost „prietenoase”, de multe ori ironia punându-şi pecetea pe scrisul celor antrenaţi în disputa de idei, consecinţele acestei controverse au avut o valoare pozitivă, punând faţă în faţă doi dintre cei mai mari gânditori români ce au creat în domenii diferite: teologic şi filozofic. (shrink)

Gerhard Kruger (1902-1972) konnte seine philosophiegeschichtlichen Untersuchungen nicht zum Abschluss bringen. Dieses Manuskript uas dem Nachlass stellt radikal die Frage nach der Geschichtlichkeit, die nach Kruger in dem Satz gipfelt: Wir leben in einer Zeit totaler Geschichtlichkeit. Ein Vorwort von Richard Schaeffler eroffnet den Zugang zu Gerhard Krugers Denken.

Apesar dos estudos sobre o tema das religiões de matrizes africanas já realizados no país, ainda subsiste o desconhecimento e a discriminação em relação a elas, por parte significativa da população brasileira. Não obstante a produção existente é imperativa a necessidade de novas abordagens e perspectivas de análise. Esse é o objetivo desta Comunicação: traduzir numa linguagem clara e fundamentada as práticas rituais, a configuração do espaço sagrado e o culto as divindades do panteão africano, especificamente do Candomblé. O texto (...) apresenta uma compreensão e interpretação do sistema religioso dessa religião, tendo como base pesquisa recente realizada nos terreiros do município de Contagem, região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Finalmente, o trabalho reconhece a complexidade do universo simbólico ora apresentado, reafirmando a necessidade de novos estudos sobre o tema, a fim de tornar esse universo compreensível e cada vez mais familiar. Tarefa não muito fácil, mas necessária enquanto exigência legal e democrática do direito de culto de todos os cidadãos. Palavras-chave : Candomblé. Terreiro. Orixá. Iniciação. Mitos.Although studies on the subject of African Brazilian religions, there still remains the ignorance and discrimination towards them for a significant part of the population. Notwithstanding the existing production, new approaches and perspectives of analysis are needed. For this purpose, the present study translates into clear language some ritual practices, the configuration of the sacred space and worship performed to the deities of the African pantheon, specifically the Candomblé. The text presents an analysis and interpretation of the religious system of that religion, based on a recent survey conducted in the “terreiros” of Contagem, a metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Finally, the paper acknowledges the complexity of the symbolic universe of that region and reaffirms the need for further research on the topic, in order to make this reality understandable and increasingly familiar. This task is not easy, but it is necessary as a legal requirement and also as a democratic right of worship for all citizens. Keywords: Candomblé. Terreiro. Orisha. Initiation. Myths. (shrink)

This first volume of the new Brill series "Ancient Philosophy & Religion" offers analyses of Platonic philosophy and piety, the emergence of a common religio-philosophical discourse in Antiquity, the place of Jesus among ancient philosophers, and responses of pagan philosophers to Christianity from the second century to Late Antiquity.

English summary: What is Religious Experience? For more than a hundred years the term "religious experience" has been part of the vocabulary of philosophy of religion. However, there is no common understanding of the meaning of religious experience. Mario Fischer analyzes Heidegger's early phenomenology of religious life and its background in contemporaneous theological and philosophical developments. The young Martin Heidegger developed his first autonomous phenomenological approaches by considering how the Christian experience of life is expressed in the letters of the (...) apostle Paul and in Augustine's onfessions These studies led to his later analysis of aseinin eing and Time In conclusion, Fischer examines the significance of Heidegger's understanding of religious experience for current discussions in the philosophy of religion. German description: Was ist religiose Erfahrung? Auch wenn seit etwas mehr als einem Jahrhundert der Begriff der religiosen Erfahrung aus der Religionsphilosophie nicht mehr wegzudenken ist, besteht kein einheitliches Verstandnis dessen, was unter religioser Erfahrung zu verstehen ist. Mario Fischer untersucht Heideggers fruhe Phanomenologie des religiosen Lebens vor dem Hintergrund der zeitgeschichtlichen theologischen und philosophischen Entwicklungen. Der junge Freiburger Privatdozent Martin Heidegger wollte nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg die Philosophie neu grundlegen und entwickelte seine ersten Ansatze einer eigenstandigen Phanomenologie. Dabei spielte die Auseinandersetzung mit Fragen nach der Bedeutung und Erfassung religioser Erfahrung eine wesentliche Rolle. Zunachst befasste sich Heidegger mit der Struktur religioser Erlebnisse, weitete seinen Blick dann aber auf die Struktur der Lebenserfahrung und ihre religiose Dimension. Dazu untersuchte er, wie sich diese konkret in den Briefen des Apostels Paulus und in den Confessiones Augustins ausdruckt. Spater fuhrten diese Studien zu seiner Daseinsanalyse in Sein und Zeit und stellten die Grundlage seines spateren Gesprachs mit Bultmann dar. Die Darstellung orientiert sich an Heideggers Biographie bis zu seinem Weggang aus Freiburg im Jahre 1923. Bewusst setzt sie nicht erst mit dem Beginn seiner philosophischen Lehrtatigkeit ein, sondern nimmt auch die Einflusse aus Heideggers Kindheit und Jugend sowie aus seiner Studentenzeit mit in den Blick. So entsteht ein vielgestaltiges und spannendes Bild der verschiedenen Geistesstromungen um den Ersten Weltkrieg. Abschliessend fragt Fischer nach der Bedeutung von Heideggers phanomenologischen Studien fur die gegenwartige religionsphilosophische Diskussion um religiose Erfahrung. (shrink)

La religión ha sido objeto de estudio por parte de distintas disciplinas. En examen crítico se presentan aquí aportaciones de ciencia al conocimiento de ella. El adepto de una religión rara vez la examina o se autoexamina. No suele conocer su propia religiosidad. Le asusta pensar que esta es un hecho humano, al igual que otros, no sobrenatural. Pero es así. Los hechos de religión pueden ser no solo descritos, sino también explicados, al igual que otros hechos sociales. Hubo y (...) hay factores históricos, sociales, psicológicos, antropológicos, que los han suscitado. El libro es un estudio no confesional de la religión, el cual difiere de la teología tanto como la química difiere de la alquimia; y en él se toma nota de la pérdida de relevancia de lo religioso en el Occidente moderno. (Fuente: La Casa del Libro). (shrink)

This article analyzes the religio-ethical discussions of Muslim religious scholars, which took place in Europe specifically in the UK and the Netherlands, on organ donation. After introductory notes on fatwas (Islamic religious guidelines) relevant to biomedical ethics and the socio-political context in which discussions on organ donation took place, the article studies three specific fatwas issued in Europe whose analysis has escaped the attention of modern academic researchers. In 2000 the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) issued a fatwa (...) on organ donation. Besides this “European” fatwa, two other fatwas were issued respectively in the UK by the Muslim Law (Shariah) Council in 1995 and in the Netherlands by the Moroccan religious scholar Muṣṭafā Ben Ḥamza during a conference on “Islam and Organ Donation” held in March 2006. The three fatwas show that a great number of Muslim religious scholars permit organ donation and this holds true for donating organs to non-Muslims as well. Further, they demonstrate that transnationalism is one of the main characteristics of contemporary Islamic bioethics. In a bid to develop their own standpoints towards organ donation, Muslims living in the West rely heavily on fatwas imported from the Muslim world. (shrink)

The objective of the article is double. On the one hand, it is aimed at examining the reworking of the Prisca Theologia, by Marsilio Ficino, Florentine neoplatonic of the XV century. That is: a wisdom whose origins date back to the Egypt of the Pharaohs and the Persia of Zoroaster. A millenary tradition that contained within it the doctrines of a true pia philosophia. On the other hand, to analyze the reception of hermeticism in the thought of Ficino and his (...) attempt to generate a concord between christianity and paganism. We consider also that in this attempt, Ficino elaborates along his works three images of Hermes Trismegisto which are condensed in his main purpose, to prove the manifest harmony between the doctrines of the ancient pagan theologians and Christian Theology. (shrink)