A look at current challenges facing different religious traditions around the world, such as religious fundamentalism, secularization, and the impact of science and technology on religious belief and practice.
Religious pluralism: Religious pluralism refers to the coexistence and recognition of multiple religions within a society, promoting tolerance, understanding, and respect for diverse religious beliefs and practices.
Globalization and religion: Globalization and religion examines the influence of global interconnectedness on religious beliefs, practices, and institutions.
Sacred spaces: Sacred spaces refer to physical locations that hold religious or spiritual significance and are regarded as sacred by a particular religious or cultural group, often serving as sites for rituals, worship, and pilgrimage.
Ritual and performance: Ritual and performance in Anthropology and Contemporary Issues in Religion refer to the formalized actions and communal practices that embody and express religious beliefs, identities, and values.
Religious movements and communities: Religious movements and communities encompass the study of diverse religious groups and their practices, beliefs, and social dynamics in contemporary society.
Religion and violence: Religion and violence explores the relationship between religious beliefs, practices, and conflicts, analyzing how religion can both inspire and justify violent behaviors throughout history and in contemporary societies.
Gender and sexuality in religion: Gender and sexuality in religion explores the ways in which religious beliefs, practices, and institutions shape and are shaped by understandings of gender and sexuality.
Ecological and environmental issues: The topic of Ecological and environmental issues in Anthropology and Contemporary Issues in Religion explores the relationships between human societies, religious beliefs, and practices with the natural world and the ecological challenges faced by various religious traditions.
Religion and politics: The topic of religion and politics explores the complex intersection and influence of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions on political systems, policies, and decision-making processes.
Modernity and religion: The topic of Modernity and religion explores the complex interplay between traditional religious beliefs and practices and the forces of modernity such as secularization, globalization, and scientific advancements.
Religious identity and diversity: The topic of Religious identity and diversity explores the diverse expressions of religious beliefs, practices, and identities within contemporary societies and their effect on social dynamics, individual experiences, and intergroup relations.
The anthropology of religion: The anthropology of religion is the study of how beliefs, rituals, and practices shape and are shaped by cultural, social, and historical contexts.
Cross-cultural perspectives on religion: Cross-cultural perspectives on religion examine the diverse ways in which different cultures perceive, practice, and interpret religious beliefs, rituals, and institutions across the globe.
Religion and social change: Religion and social change explores the impact of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions on societal transformations and the reciprocal influence of social change on religious beliefs and practices.
Religion and human rights: The topic of Religion and human rights explores the complex relationship between religious beliefs and practices and the rights and freedoms of individuals and communities.
Religious Pluralism: The existence of multiple religions within a society or community raises questions about tolerance, freedom of religion, and the nature of truth.
Fundamentalism: Fundamentalism involves a strict adherence to traditional religious doctrines and practices, often accompanied by a rejection of modern or secular influence.
Gender and Sexuality: Many religious traditions have historically placed strict limitations on the roles of women and the expression of non-heterosexual orientations, leading to conflicts with modern ideas of equality and human rights.
Secularism: A growing trend towards secularism in many societies challenges the traditional power structures and social values associated with religious institutions.
Interfaith Dialogue: As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for constructive interfaith dialogue and understanding is more important than ever.
Religious Violence: The use of religion as a justification for violence and conflict continues to be a major concern in many parts of the world.
Environmentalism: Many religious traditions view the environment and natural world as sacred and are grappling with issues related to climate change and environmental degradation.
Technology: Advances in technology bring new challenges and implications for religious practice and belief.