A Critical Study of Classical Religious Texts in Global Contexts: Challenges of a Changing World

Description

A Critical Study of Classical Religious Texts in Global Contexts: Challenges of a Changing World challenges toxic stereotypes of world religions by providing scholarly investigations into classic sacred texts in global contexts. By engaging more perspectives, important connections, and more, complex and humanizing "stories" are developed, inviting the reader to see the face of the "Other" and, perhaps, to see a bit of oneself in that face. In today’s world of increasing polarization and the rise of nationalism, the contributors to this volume welcome the reader to join them in a shared humanity that seeks understanding. A red thread that runs through each chapter relates to the challenges that globalization brings to the sacred texts in various contextual settings. The contributors describe various circumstances related to reading and interpreting sacred writings―whether historical or more recent―which continue to have an influence today. The essays in this volume view these religious texts in relation to four dichotomies: minority-majority, diaspora-homeland, center-periphery of the globalized world, and secular-religious. These elements by no means exhaust the issues, but they serve as a starting point for a discussion of relevant contexts in which sacred texts are read. The breadth of research represented stimulates a deeper understanding that is vital if we are to move beyond stereotypes and religious illiteracy to meaningfully engage the "Other" with wisdom and empathy―important virtues in today’s world. A Critical Study of Classical Religious Texts in Global Contexts will appeal to scholars and graduate students of religious studies, sacred scriptures, and post-colonial studies, as well as informed and inquisitive general readers interested in exploring interfaith dialogue and broadening their religious literacy. A Critical Study of Classical Religious Texts in Global Contexts: Challenges of a Changing World Contents Foreword Acknowledgments Part I: Introduction for Classic Religious Texts in Global Contexts 1 Introduction for Classic Religious Texts in Global Contexts Beyond Stereotypes and Religious Illiteracy Toward the Other Defining the Contexts Secular Contexts at the National Level Diaspora: Group and Individual Intercultural Bible Reading and Hermeneutics Summary Notes Bibliography Part II: Defining the Contexts 2 Globalization and Religion: Defining the Contexts Introduction Minority Versus Majority Diaspora Versus Homeland Center Versus Periphery in the Globalized World Secular Versus Sacred Conclusion Note Bibliography Part III: Secular Contexts at the National Level 3 “The Great Binding Law of Peace”: International Judicial-Political-Economic Impacts of the Revered Story of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy A Sacred Story With Enduring International Political-Judicial-Economic Impact The Revered Story of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Judicial-Political Principles: U.S. and European Constitutions and Democracies Human Rights and Dignity: “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948” Economy, Finance, and the Environment: The Multinational Company Moral Judicial-Political-Economic Principles of a Revered Scripture Ignored Notes Bibliography 4 Religious Education and Pluralism in Norwegian Kindergartens Introduction Kindergarten in Norway The Kindergarten and Religion Pluralisms Material and Method Material Method Empirical Findings Kindergarten A Kindergarten B Conditions for Pluralism Conclusion Notes Bibliography 5 “I bring it with me everywhere”: The Materiality of the Bible in Critical Illness Introduction The Materiality of the Bible in Critical Illness Excursus: Comparable Practices Ancient Practices Contemporary Practices Performative Functions of the Bible The Bible as a Mediator of Divine Power and Authority The Bible as an Active Subject The Bible as a Mediator Between the Individual and the Collective The Bible as a Link Between the Local and the Global Conclusion Notes Bibliography Part IV: Diaspora: Group and Individual 6 Sacred Texts and Muslim Youth in Turkish-Norwegian Diaspora Communities Introduction Report of Research Among Muslim Youth Interactions Between Mosques and Islamic Teaching Teaching Islam to Muslim Young Men Merhata, 22, and Smiley, 30 Summary of Results Discussion The Role of Arabic Language and the Internet The Life Sustaining Capacity of the Qur’an Conclusion Notes Bibliography 7 The Multifaceted Scripture: Patterns, Conflicts, and Ambiguities in Muslim Ways of Relating to the Qur’an Introduction Theoretical Foundation Mentalizing the Divine Protecting and Revering the Qur’an The Contagious Power of the Text Dimensions in Conflict Conclusion Notes Bibliography Part V: Intercultural Bible Reading and Hermeneutics 8 Multi-Epistemological Exegesis: The Strength of Hybridity With a Case Study Analysis of Exod 20:4–6 Introduction Definitions Only Part of the Picture Other Ways of Knowing Ethical Implications Valid, Legitimate, and Plausible Interpretations A Case Study of Exod 20:4–6 Summary Note Bibliography 9 Malagasy, Thai, and Norwegian Youths Reading Luke 15 Together Introduction A: Research Context B: Bible Study Project on Luke 15 C: Analysis D: Localizing the Experiences of the Bible Study Project Bibliography 10 Occult Scriptural Exegesis: Theosophical Readings of the Bible Introduction The First Generation of Theosophists A Second Theosophical Generation Annie Besant’s Esoteric Christianity Charles W. Leadbeater’s Clairvoyant Investigations The Consolidation of an Interpretive Community Notes Bibliography Contributor Biographies