The role of religious beliefs and collective narcissism in interreligious contact on university students

Evaluating learning outcomes of Christian religious education learners: A comparison of constructive simulation and conventional method

Learning outcomes in Christian Religious Education (CRE) are attributed to the teaching and learning approaches utilized by teachers. In Kenya, conventional methods of teaching are prevalent in classrooms, as teachers often prefer methods that alleviate their workload. Nevertheless, the implementation of learner-centred methods such as constructive simulation enhances learning outcomes. Therefore, this research evaluated the dissimilarity in learning outcomes of CRE learners instructed by constructive simulation, and those instructed with a conventional approach. The research employed a quasi-experimental study with groups under treatment and control, incorporating a pre-test and post-test approach. In total, 90 form two CRE learners from two sub-county secondary schools were purposively selected for the research. Data were collected using the Learner Attainment test in CRE as the assessment tool. The research utilized correlation analysis to establish the similarity scores between the pre-test and post-test assessments. Additionally, the t-test statistical model was employed to test the effectiveness of the two teaching methods. Results revealed a strong positive connection between the two assessment tests of learners taught using constructive simulation (r = 00.0510, p < 0.01) and conventional method (r ═ 0.673, p < 0.01). Notably, constructive simulation (t (49) = - 9.76, n = 50, p < 0.05) significantly outperformed the conventional method of teaching (t (39) = 2.700, n = 40, p < 0.324). These findings implied that constructive simulation was more effective in enhancing learning outcomes as opposed to the conventional method of teaching. The results suggest that when designing curricula and formulating educational policies, educators and policymakers should incorporate constructive simulation as a learner-centred method.

Religiosity and ambivalent sexism: the role of religious group narcissism

Although religious identification often correlates positively with traditional gender role attitudes and ambivalent sexism (Mikołajczak & Pietrzak, Sex Roles, 70(9–10), 387–399, 2014), other work shows it has countervailing associations with related conservative views (Lockhart et al., Religion, Brain & Behavior, 10(4), 379–392, 2020). One reason these opposing effects emerge is that insecure (or narcissistic) and secure forms of religious identification may have differing impacts on ambivalent sexism. To test this possibility, we analysed data from a nationwide random sample of adults who identified as religious (N = 1116). Whilst religious identification alone was unassociated with hostile and benevolent sexism, religious narcissism correlated positively with both forms of sexism. After including both predictors in a regression, religious identification correlated negatively with both forms of sexism and religious narcissism became a stronger positive correlate of sexism. These findings demonstrate that secure and insecure forms of religious identification suppress the respective positive and negative associations religious identification and religious narcissism have with sexism.

Religious schema and tolerance towards alienated groups in Indonesia

National discourses that are acceptable by the alienated groups determine the level of public tolerance towards those groups. This study thus examined the relationships between religious schema and tolerance of two alienated groups in Indonesia, namely, the atheists and believers in indigenous faiths. Additionally, the study explored the differences in tolerance of these two groups across university cohorts encompassing discrete social climates and curricula. This cross-sectional study involved several universities with differing demographic makeup. The analysis results revealed that the characteristics of the evaluated target group determined the significance of the associations between the dimensions of religious schema and tolerance. Moreover, students in homogeneous educational and social environments tended to exhibit low levels of tolerance towards alienated groups. This study highlighted the importance of scrutinising the functions of intergroup exposure and dialogues in improving intergroup understanding, acceptance, and tolerance within a plural society.

The Islamic principle of ḥifẓ al-nafs (protection of life) and COVID-19 in Indonesia: A case study of nurul iman mosque of Bengkulu city

BACKGROUND

The act of worshipping in mosque is often not only considered to be one of the factors causing the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19), but also a contributing factor to health protocol violations. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this paper is to examine the application of the Islamic principle of ḥifẓ al-nafs (protection of life) in the practice of worshipping at the Nurul Iman mosque as it relates to the prevention of transmission of covid-19.

METHODS

This research uses a sociology of law perspective to the connection and the dynamics between the adoption of the principle of ḥifẓ al-nafs and the implementation of worship at the Nurul Iman mosque. As a case study, the data collection technique used includes interviews, observation, documentation reviews, and triangulation techniques, while the analysis technique used content analysis techniques.

RESULTS

The application of the principle of ḥifẓ al-nafs (protection of life) in the practices of worship at the Nurul Iman mosque have proven to be in accordance with health protocols and at the same time all members of the mosque congregation have been free from the transmission of covid-19. From an Islamic needs framework perspective, in the context of Covid-19 pandemic, the application of the ḥifẓ al-nafs principle at this mosque is a considered primary necessity (ḍarūriyyāt) in that it protects life while providing spiritual continuity of collective religious worshipping, hence integrating the community together within a health and sanctity of life paradigm during this challenging time. Equally important, this research also challenges the thesis of the direct linkage between worshipping in mosque and Covid-19 transmission.

CONCLUSION

the application of the principle of ḥifẓ al-nafs in the practices of worship in mosque has demonstrably shown that the congragants levels of health consciousness has increased and that they have also been kept safe. In essence, the effective contextualization of Islamic principle is able to provide the twin benefits of health and spirituality.

Productivity in religious orders: A management by values applied approach

PURPOSE

In this theoretical-empirical study, we analyse work methodologies of Spanish Religious Orders, and their relationship with productivity, efficacy and efficiency.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

In the literature review we have compiled all the applicable theories. Amongst them, Management by Values stands out and has served as the framework for the hypotheses. To test the latter, we have obtained data from face-to-face surveys, obtaining 112 valid answers. Ordinary Least Squares and Logit Model have been proposed.

FINDINGS

A greater compromise of the individual with the organization generated greater values of productivity, and its higher value in the case of the female Orders when compared to the male Orders.

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS

The conclusions presented here only refer to the data of religious organizations of Málaga (Spain) that have been analysed. Future research should consider the changes brought about by the possible merger of the different Orders and the analysis of the social work of the Church through its non-profit organizations (Cáritas or Manos Unidas).

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This study can be translatable to profit-seeking organizations. If work methodology and coordinating tasks are appropriate for religious organizations, then they should also be beneficial for-profit companies.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

Management by Values occupies an essential place in the direction and coordination of daily tasks and the life of religious communities. Their levels of productivity, efficacy and efficiency are a result of the strong link that joins the members to the aim of the organization.