What are the factors and conditions that attract religious adherents to radical causes? Dr Brian Adams analyses the role and policy conditions of interfaith dialogue in assuaging intercultural and religious conflict. Read more…
Separatist activity in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has created a divide between east and west. Chinese central policies intended to provide for cultural and ethnic equality, cohesion and stability can be seen as the root cause for this division and angst common among Uyghurs. Is there an end to the conflict and sparatist extremism, or will it continue for years to come?
Despite a rather bloody history, violence, radicalism and intolerance historically affiliated with religion is still present in the 21st Century. But, can religion be blamed for the violence, or is something deeper afoot. Today’s post (thanks to Jeremy Fox at openDemocracy) gives a succinct overview of the historical development and doctrinal base of religious violence and how we might come to judge it from our own world-view.
Do changing societal norms and values minimse the influence religion has on US politics? Research fellow, Joseph Larson, looks at the contemporary relationship between political christianity in the US under the broader context of a growing progressive and liberal base. It does beg the question: can religion be a unifying force across politics, or will it remain divisive in secular America? Read Larson’s post to find out.