DOCSLIB.ORG

Religious Extremism & Religious Tolerance

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Vol 7 Issue 1/2 2014 ISSN 2070-5484 Religious Extremism & Religious Tolerance international journal for religious freedom Regnum Edinburgh Centenary Series Vol 28: Freedom of Belief & Christian Mission Edited By: Hans Aage Gravaas, Christof Sauer, Tormod Engelsviken, Maqsood Kamil & Knud Jørgensen ISBN: 978-1-908355-86-7 This volume comes at a time where Christian mission takes place in a world with increasing interreligious tensions, including violence and persecution. Politics, economics, religion, ethnicity and other factors play a role in these tensions. Christians too are involved in such conflicts, sometimes as those who are persecuted and sometimes as those participating in violence. ‘Freedom of religion and belief’ is a core value in the UN Human Rights Declaration. At the same time it is a core biblical value. Obstacles to and attacks on freedom of belief are therefore a central concern for witnessing to Christ. The purpose of this volume on Freedom of Belief and Christian Mission is to bring to public attention a broad overview on the history, develop- ment and perspectives on the role of mission and freedom of belief and to reflect on these issues within a context of authentic Timely, enlightening and encouraging. This volume comes at time when the Churches are faced with new challenges to religious freedom. Their response however needs to be grounded in an objective study of what is at stake, as well as of why and where these difficulties are arising. The present collection of essays offers a very useful reflection on the entire question. And it does so in a way that invites Christians to courageous witness to the Gospel with respect for the dignity and freedom of all. Bishop Brian Farrell, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Vatican City Some of the best minds in the church, including some outstanding grassroots workers, have joined to present not only the challenges facing the church on the religious freedom issue but also guidelines to how respond wisely to it. The challenges are complex and call for serious thought. This book will serve the church well by pointing to informed, wise and bold responses. Ajith Fernando, Teaching Director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka To receive a 50% discount (+ Postage & Handling) on the entire Regnum Edinburgh Centenary Series (approximately 36 volumes) please visit: http://www.ocms.ac.uk/regnum/standing_order_form.php and receive all current books now, all future books automatically as and when they become available. For the student, some books in the series are available as free digital downloads. St Philip & St James Church, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HR, UK Tel: 44 (0) 1865 556071; Fax: 44 (0) 1865 517722; Website: http://www.ocms.ac.uk/regnum/ International Journal for Religious Freedom (IJRF) Journal of the International Institute for Religious Freedom The IJRF is published twice a year and aims to provide a platform for scholarly discourse on religious freedom and persecution. It is an interdisciplinary, international, peer reviewed journal, serving the dis- semination of new research on religious freedom and contains research articles, documentation, book reviews, academic news and other relevant items. The editors welcome the submission of any contribution to the journal. Manuscripts submitted for publication are assessed by a panel of referees and the decision to publish is dependent on their reports. The IJRF is listed on the DoHET “Approved list of South African journals” and subscribes to the National Code of Best Practice in Editorial Discretion and Peer Review for South African Scholarly Journals. The IJRF is freely available online: www.iirf.eu, as a paid print subscription, and via SABINET. Editorial Committee Editors Prof Dr Christof Sauer, Cape Town, South Africa [email protected] Prof Dr Thomas Schirrmacher, Bonn, Germany Assistant Editor Michael Borowski [email protected] Editorial Assistants Interns from Patrick Henry College Book Reviews Dr Byeong Jun, Cape Town, South Africa [email protected] Noteworthy vacant [email protected] Editorial Board Prof Dr J Epp Buckingham, Ottawa, Canada Dr P Marshall, Washington DC, USA Prof Dr P Coertzen, Stellenbosch, South Africa Prof Dr Dr J W Montgomery, Straßbourg, France Prof Dr R Velosso Ewell, Londrina, Brazil Rev P Netha, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Prof S A de Freitas, Bloemfontein, South Africa Prof Dr A Ojacor, Kampala, Uganda Prof Dr L Fernandez, Cape Town, South Africa Prof Dr B J G Reitsma, Amsterdam, Netherlands Prof Dr K Gnanakan, Shillong/Bangalore, India Prof Dr R Rothfuss, Tübingen, Germany Dr B Intan, Jakarta, Indonesia Prof Dr C Schirrmacher, Bonn, Germany Prof Dr T K Johnson, Prague, Czech Republic Prof Dr D L Stults, Oklahoma, USA Drs B Konutgan, Istanbul, Turkey Prof Dr J P J Theron, Pretoria, South Africa Subscriptions 2015 Annual subscription fee for 2 issues: Bank details SA Rand 280 (approx. €25/US$35) Beneficiary: International Institute for Religious Freedom, VAT and postage included. Cape Town · Bank: Standard Bank · Branch: Sea Point See subscription form in the back. Branch Code: 02 41 09 · Account Number: 071 117 431 For international payments use: SWIFT Code: SBZAZAJJ http://iirfct.givengain.org IJRF · P.O. Box 1336 · Sun Valley 7985 · Rep South Africa (pay in Rand!) Tel +27-21 783 0823 · Fax +27-86 551 6432 · [email protected] International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF) of the World Evangelical Alliance Friedrichstr. 38 PO Box 1336 Galle Road 2nd Floor Sun Valley 7985 Dehiwela, 01 10350 53111 Bonn Cape Town (Colombo) Germany South Africa Sri Lanka www.iirf.eu [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] International Journal for Religious Freedom Volume 7, Issue 1/2, 2014 ISSN 2070-5484 Articles and opinions published in IJRF do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, of IIRF or of the sponsors. © Copyright 2014 is with the individual authors or bodies mentioned in the respective items. Printed with permission. Acknowledgement of Sponsors · Gebende Hände (Giving Hands) We would like to thank the sponsors who sup- www.gebende-haende.de ported the editing, printing and distribution of this issue of IJRF. Their views and opinions are not Please note advertising publishers necessarily those of IIRF and vice versa. · Regnum Books International · Evangelical Lutheran Church in Württemberg, Germany www.elk-wue.de/landeskirche/ international-information-en/ Subscribe to get IJRF via email (time delayed – 1 March; 1 September) ¾ To receive new issues of IJRF electronically on release, send an email to: [email protected] ¾ To receive an email notice about a new issue of IJRF available online, send an email to: [email protected] Note to librarians: IJRF is also available as an ePublication from Sabinet (www.sabinet.co.za). The first full volume of IJRF appeared in 2009. There was only one pilot issue in 2008. Graphic Design and Layout: Solid Ground, www.solid-ground-ministry.org Cover art: Jørn Henrik Olsen, www.jornhenrik.com, www.vitanuovapublisher.com The artwork on the cover is a section from a painting by Jørn Henrik Olsen with the title “The Pilgrimage People in Love and Service”. The full painting is shown on the inside of the back cover. – Countless people are forced on perilous pilgrimages with uncertain outcome by religious extremism. But even on that journey they can be characterized by “love and service” and religious tolerance, which is the other topic of this journal issue. From a Christian perspective, the church father Augustine said: “From Abel until the end of time the pilgrimage of the church proceeds between the persecution of the world and the consolations of God.” Contents International Journal for Religious Freedom Volume 7, Issue 1/2, 2014 ISSN 2070–5484 Editorial ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 In my Opinion Why is religious extremism so attractive? Thomas K Johnson ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 An innovation in the global fight for religious freedom – The Religious Freedom & Business Foundation Brian J Grim ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13 Articles Sumud as survival – Arab Christian civil organizations in Israel and the Palestinian Territories Paul Rowe���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 Defending the freedom of expression – The danger and failure of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation’s campaign for global anti-blasphemy laws Robert David Onley ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 31 Prosecuting Islamic extremism Werner Nel ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������55 Measuring religious tolerance among final year education students Nico A Broer, Bram de Muynck, Ferdinand J Potgieter, Charste C Wolhuter & Johannes L van der Walt ����������������������������������������������� 77 Religious freedom, reasonable accommodation and the protection of the con- science of learners in South African public schools Georgia Alida du Plessis ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 97 The Church order of De Mist and the advent of religious freedom in South Africa Johan M van der Merwe �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Recommended publications
  • Mali 2018 International Religious Freedom Report

    Mali 2018 International Religious Freedom Report

    MALI 2018 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT Executive Summary The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and grants individuals freedom of religion in conformity with the law. The law criminalizes abuses against religious freedom. On January 31, the government adopted a new national Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) strategy that included interfaith efforts and promotion of religious tolerance. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Worship was responsible for administering the national CVE strategy, in addition to promoting religious tolerance and coordinating national religious activities such as pilgrimages and religious holidays for followers of all religions. Terrorist groups used violence and launched attacks against civilians, security forces, peacekeepers, and others they reportedly perceived as not adhering to their interpretation of Islam. In the center of the country, affiliates of Jamaat Nasr al- Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) attacked multiple towns in Mopti Region, threatening Christian, Muslim, and traditional religious communities, reportedly for heresy. Muslim religious leaders condemned extremist interpretations of sharia, and non- Muslim religious leaders condemned religious extremism. Some Christian missionaries expressed concern about the increased influence in remote areas of organizations they characterized as violent and extremist. Religious leaders, including Muslims and Catholics, jointly called for peace among all faiths at a celebration marking Eid al-Fitr in June hosted by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. In January Muslim, Protestant, and Catholic religious leaders called for peace and solidary among faiths at a conference organized by the youth of the Protestant community. The president of the High Islamic Council of Mali (HCI) and other notable religious leaders announced the necessity for all religious leaders to work toward national unity and social cohesion.
  • Baden-Württemberg Verzeichnis Der Bundesländer

    Baden-Württemberg Verzeichnis Der Bundesländer

    Verzeichnis der regionalen Kleinstrukturanteile des Landes Baden - Württemberg auf Gemeindebasis Inhaltsverzeichnis Kreis Seite Alb-Donau-Kreis 3 - 4 Baden-Baden 4 Biberach 4 - 5 Böblingen 5 Bodenseekreis 5 - 6 Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald 6 - 7 Calw 7 Emmendingen 8 Enzkreis 8 - 9 Esslingen 9 - 10 Freiburg 10 Freudenstadt 10 Göppingen 10 - 11 Heidelberg 11 Heidenheim 11 Heilbronn L. 11 - 12 Heilbronn S. 12 Hohenlohekreis 12 - 13 Karlsruhe L. 13 Karlsruhe S. 13 Konstanz 14 Lörrach 14 - 15 Ludwigsburg 15 - 16 Main-Tauber-Kreis 16 Mannheim 16 Neckar-Odenwald 16 – 17 Ortenaukreis 17 - 18 Ostalbkreis 18 - 19 Pforzheim 19 Rastatt 19 - 20 Ravensburg 20 Rems-Murr-Kreis 20 - 21 Reutlingen 21 - 22 Rhein-Neckar-Kreis 22 - 23 Rottweil 23 Schwäbisch Hall 23 - 24 Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis 24 Sigmaringen 25 Verzeichnis der regionalisierten Kleinstrukturen für Gemeinden des Landes Baden-Württemberg Kreis Seite Stuttgart S. 25 Tübingen 25 Tuttlingen 26 Ulm 26 Waldshut 26 - 27 Zollernalbkreis 27 - 28 2 Verzeichnis der regionalisierten Kleinstrukturen für Gemeinden des Landes Baden-Württemberg KREIS: Alb-Donau-Kreis Ortskennzahl Gemeindename Biotopindex Soll: Erfüllt: fehlende:Ha 8425002 Allmendingen 24,01 10,93 Ja 8425004 Altheim 19,59 10,56 Ja 8425005 Altheim (Alb) 18,70 10,20 Ja 8425008 Amstetten 19,04 11,30 Ja 8425011 Asselfingen 41,89 10,56 Ja 8425013 Ballendorf 15,17 10,20 Ja 8425140 Balzheim 23,95 11,68 Ja 8425014 Beimerstetten 11,35 10,56 Ja 8425017 Berghülen 13,73 10,56 Ja 8425019 Bernstadt 14,92 10,93 Ja 8425020 Blaubeuren 24,75 10,93 Ja 8425141 Blaustein
  • General Assembly Distr.: General 4 April 2019

    General Assembly Distr.: General 4 April 2019

    United Nations A/RES/73/285 General Assembly Distr.: General 4 April 2019 Seventy-third session Agenda item 72 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 2 April 2019 [without reference to a Main Committee (A/73/L.79 and A/73/L.79/Add.1)] 73/285. Combating terrorism and other acts of violence based on religion or belief The General Assembly, Recalling that all States have pledged themselves, under the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1 to promote universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, Recalling also its relevant resolutions, including resolution 73/164 of 17 December 2018 on combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief, and resolution 73/176 of 17 December 2018 on freedom of religion or belief, Reaffirming that discrimination against human beings on the grounds of religion or belief constitutes an affront to human dignity and a disavowal of the principles of the Charter, Reaffirming also the obligation of States to prohibit discrimination and violence on the basis of religion or belief and to implement measures to guarantee the equal and effective protection of the law, Recalling that States have the primary responsibility to promote and protect human rights, including the human rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, including their right to exercise their religion or belief freely, Expressing deep concern at the instances of intolerance and discrimination and acts of violence occurring in the world, including cases motivated by discrimination against persons belonging to religious minorities, in addition to the negative projection of the followers of religions and the enforcement of measures that specifically discriminate against persons on the basis of religion or belief, __________________ 1 Resolution 217 A (III).
  • Backgrounder Global Centre for Pluralism Mission

    Backgrounder Global Centre for Pluralism Mission

    Global Centre for Pluralism: Backgrounder Global Centre for Pluralism Mission: The Global Centre for Pluralism serves as a global platform for comparative analysis, education and dialogue about the choices and actions that advance and sustain pluralism. Vision: The Centre’s vision is a world where human differences are valued and diverse societies thrive. The Global Centre for Pluralism is an independent, charitable organization created to advance positive responses to the challenge of living peacefully and productively together in diverse societies. Why Canada Founded in Ottawa by His Highness the Aga Khan in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Centre takes inspiration from Canada’s experience. Respect for diversity has developed into a defining characteristic of Canada and a core element of the country’s identity. Although still a work in progress, Canada is a global leader in the way it has valued and managed its diverse multi-ethnic, multicultural fabric. The Centre’s headquarters will be a platform for analysing and sharing Canada’s ongoing pluralism journey with the world. His Highness the Aga Khan His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. For His Highness the Aga Khan, one manifestation of his hereditary responsibilities has been a deep engagement with development for almost 60 years. Ties with Canada: His Highness has long been interested in Canada’s experience of pluralism. His close ties with Canada go back almost four decades to the 1970s when many thousands of Asian refugees expelled from Uganda, including many Ismailis, were welcomed into Canadian society.
  • Mission History and Partners Recommended Reading

    Mission History and Partners Recommended Reading

    Global Ministries—UCC & Disciples Middle East and Europe Mission History and Partners Recommended Reading Christianity: A History in the Middle East, edited by Rev. Habib Badr—This large tome is a collection of articles about the history of Christianity and churches of the countries of the Middle East. Comprehensive and thorough, this book was undertaken by the Middle East Council of Churches and was first available in Arabic. This translation will be of interest to any student of Middle Eastern Christianity. The Arab Christian: A History in the Middle East , by Kenneth Cragg—This book was published in the 1990’s but is indispensible in gaining an historical and contemporary perspective on Arab Christianity. It is a thoroughly researched book, and is not light reading! Cragg lived and served in the Middle East; he is and Anglican bishop. He has studies and written about Christian- Muslim relations extensively, and knows the Christian community well. He discusses history, sociology, the arts, and Christian- Muslim relations in this book. In some places, he over-simplifies my referring to an “Arab mind” or a “Muslim mind,” an approach which is rebuked by Edward Said in Orientalism , but Cragg’s study is quite valuable nonetheless. Jesus Wars , by Philip Jenkins—This book will offer much insight into the Orthodox traditions as it explores theological and Christological debates of the early church. Focusing on the ecumenical councils of the fourth century, the reader will have a better understanding of the movements within, and resultant splits of, the church. Not limited to theological debate, these divisions had to do with political and personal power as well.
  • Folgen Der Israelischen Besatzungs-Politik in Der Westbank/ “Palästina“

    Folgen Der Israelischen Besatzungs-Politik in Der Westbank/ “Palästina“

    Ergänzungen zur Arbeitshilfe Fakten/Folgen der israelischen Besatzungs-Politik in der Westbank/ “Palästina“ Pfr. Jörg Schreiner, Jerusalemsverein (Pfalz) Mai 2013 Im Sechstage-Krieg 1967 besetzte die israel. Armee die Westbank einschließlich Ost-Jerusalem und annektierte Ost-Jerusalem und die syr. Golanhöhen. Sie zog sich 2005 aus dem Gaza-Streifen zurück, kontrolliert aber den Übergang Rafah nach Ägypten, die Lufthoheit über dem Gazastreifen 5 sowie dessen Mittelmeerküste. Verwaltungszonen: Mit den „Oslo-Verträgen“ 1993 wurde die Westbank in 3 Verwaltungszonen eingeteilt: > Zone A (etwa 18 %) in der Verantwortung der „Pal. Autonomiebehörde“ (PA) > Zone B (etwa 20%): Zivilangelegenheiten: PA ; Sicherheit: PA + israel. Armee 10 > Zone C (etwa 62%) nur israel. Siedlungen, Armeestützpunkte, Sonderstraßen, kaum Baugenehmigungen für die ca. 180.000 Palästinenser. Siedlungen: In der Westbank und in Ost-Jerusalem leben ca. 2,6 Mio Palästinenser und ca. 500.000 Siedler in ca. 15 160 Siedlungen und 100 legalen/illegalen Außenposten (alle sind laut Genfer Konvention illegal!) Ein Drittel des Siedlungsgeländes ist pal. Privateigentum, meist enteignet, gerodet, verwüstet, oft ohne Entschädigung. Die Mehrheit der Siedler hat wirtschaftliche Argumente (Billiges Land, geringe oder keine Mieten, günstige Kredite). Nur ein Viertel beruft sich auf religiöse oder nationalistische Motive. 20 Folgen der Siedlungspolitik: Gewalttätige Übergriffe der Siedler auf Palästinenser; manchmal deren „Racheaktionen“, Abrodungen der Olivenplantagen, inzwischen wurden über 80.000 Olivenbäume (Lebenssymbol!) ausgerissen, meist unter israel. Armeebewachung; Zerstörung von Privateigentum, Behinderung im Zugang zu Saat-und Erntefeldern, Brandanschläge; 90% der pal. 25 Klagen werden abgewiesen als „militärisch/sicherheitstechnisch notwendig und legal“ Ungezählte Häuser wurden/werden beschlagnahmt und abgerissen; z.B. 88 Häuser in Silwan/Siloah für einen archeolog.
  • Minderheitenpolitik in Bulgarien

    Minderheitenpolitik in Bulgarien

    ULRICH BÜCHSENSCHÜTZ MINDERHEITENPOLITIK IN BULGARIEN Die Politik der Bulgarischen Kommunistischen Partei (Bkp) gegenüber den Juden, Roma, Pomaken und Türken 1944-1989 Freie wissenschaftliche Arbeit zur Erlangung des Grades eines Magister Artium am Fachbereich Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaften der Freien Universität Berlin. Berlin 1997 (Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Holm Sundhaussen) Letzte Änderung: 1.6.2004 Digitale Osteuropa-Bibliothek: Geschichte 8 ISSN 1613-1061 1 INHALT 1. Einleitung ___________________________________________________ 3 1.1. Ziel und Aufbau der Arbeit ___________________________________ 3 1.1.1. Anmerkungen zur Terminologie, Übersetzung und Transliteration_ 9 1.2. Überblick über die Quellen__________________________________ 11 1.2.1. Statistiken____________________________________________ 11 1.2.2. Gesetze und Verordnungen ______________________________ 14 1.2.3. Quellen zu Beschlüssen der BKP__________________________ 15 1.3. Der historische Hintergrund _________________________________ 16 1.3.1. Die Etablierung des kommunistischen Regimes ______________ 17 1.3.2. Die stalinistische Periode 1948-1953_______________________ 19 1.3.3. Die Entstalinisierung 1953 bis 1962 _______________________ 21 1.3.4. Die Ära Živkov _______________________________________ 25 2. Die Politik gegenüber den Juden, Roma, Pomaken und Türken _____ 29 2.1. Die kurze Geschichte der Juden in der Volksrepublik Bulgarien _____ 29 2.1.1. Die bulgarischen Juden und die „Endlösung“ ________________ 29 2.1.2. Die Nachkriegszeit 1944-1952 ___________________________
  • Roma Early Childhood Inclusion+

    Roma Early Childhood Inclusion+

    ROMA EDUCATION FUND Invest l Educate l Engage ROMA EDUCATION FUND Roma Early Childhood Inclusion+ Republic of Bulgaria Report Roma Early Childhood Inclusion+ Report on Roma Inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care, Health, and Social Care Republic of Bulgaria September 2020 AUTHORS Consultants Gancho Iliev Deyan Kolev Lyuboslava Peneva Milena Ilieva Teodora Krumova Project research team Alexey Pamporov George Angelov Dimitar Dimitrov Dragomira Belcheva Ilko Jordanov Petya Brainova Ralitsa Dimitrova National and international editorial team Anita Jones Boyan Zahariev Jana Huttová Arthur Ivatts This RECI+ Report was prepared by Open Society Institute–Sofia Foundation. The presentation of material and country designations employed throughout this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Sponsoring Agencies concerning the legal status or delimitation of frontiers or boundaries of any country, territory, city, or area. The opinion expressed in this publication are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sponsoring Agencies. ISBN 978-954-2933-62-5 (paper) ISBN 978-954-2933-63-2 (pdf) For further information, please contact: Almaz Ismayilova I Open Society Foundations Early Childhood Program I [email protected] Marko Pecak I Roma education Fund I [email protected] Vera Rangelova I UNICEF I [email protected] © UNICEF photos l SWZ/2011 l John McConnico Design and layout l Judit Kovács l Createch Ltd. Printed in the Republic
  • Post-Christendom, Post-Constantinian, Post-Christian…Does the Label Matter?

    Post-Christendom, Post-Constantinian, Post-Christian…Does the Label Matter?

    Post-Christendom, Post-Constantinian, Post-Christian…does the label matter? Post-Christendom The term ‘post-Christendom’ has become increasingly familiar in conversations about church and mission in contemporary western societies. Some first encountered this term in the ‘After Christendom’ series, published by Paternoster and written by members of the Anabaptist Network since 2004. 1 These books offer resources to help us understand and engage creatively with the challenges and opportunities of post-Christendom culture. But many others are also using this language, and have done so for many years, even if its significance has not been widely recognised until quite recently. ‘Post-Christendom’ appears to be a significant lens through which to view the emerging cultural landscape. However, different people use the term ‘post-Christendom’ in different ways. Sometimes this helps us engage with the issues we face; but sometimes it simply causes confusion. In the emerging church conversation, for instance, ‘post-Christendom’ is often used as if it were a synonym for post-modernity. Understanding and engaging with post-modernity is undoubtedly important, but referring to this as ‘post-Christendom’ does not aid clarity of thinking. The transition from modernity to post-modernity and from Christendom to post- Christendom confronts us with a cultural and missional ‘double whammy’. These shifts overlap, complement and reinforce each other in various ways, so we do need to explore their inter-relationship and dual impact. But post-Christendom is not the same as post- modernity. Post-Christendom presents different challenges and opportunities. The first book in the ‘After Christendom’ series offered a definition of post-Christendom: the culture that emerges as the Christian faith loses coherence within a society that has been definitively shaped by the Christian story and as the institutions that have been developed to express Christian convictions decline in influence.
  • Concordia Theological Quarterly

    Concordia Theological Quarterly

    Concordia Theological Quarterly Volume 76:1-2 Januaryj April 2012 Table of Contents What Would Bach Do Today? Paul J. Grilne ........................................................................................... 3 Standing on the Brink of the J01'dan: Eschatological Intention in Deute1'onomy Geoffrey R. Boyle .................................................................................. 19 Ch1'ist's Coming and the ChUl'ch's Mission in 1 Thessalonians Charles A. Gieschen ............................................................................. 37 Luke and the Foundations of the Chu1'ch Pete1' J. Scaer .......................................................................................... 57 The Refonnation and the Invention of History Korey D. Maas ...................................................................................... 73 The Divine Game: Faith and the Reconciliation of Opposites in Luthe1"s Lectures on Genesis S.J. Munson ............................................................................................ 89 Fides Heroica? Luthe1" s P1'aye1' fo1' Melanchthon's Recovery f1'om Illness in 1540 Albert B. Collver III ............................................................................ 117 The Quest fo1' Luthe1'an Identity in the Russian Empire Darius Petkiinas .................................................................................. 129 The Theology of Stanley Hauerwas Joel D. Lehenbauer ............................................................................. 157 Theological Observer
  • Macroeconomic Effects of Tax Competition in Turkey

    Macroeconomic Effects of Tax Competition in Turkey

    Ahmet Burçin Yereli Macroeconomic effects of tax competition in Turkey Introduction Globalisation and new electronic technologies can permit a proliferation of tax re- gimes designed to attract geographically mobile activities. Governments must take measures, in particular intensifying their international co-operation, if the worldwide reduction in welfare caused by tax-induced distortions in capital and financial flows is to be avoided and their tax bases protected. Evidently, the OECD has a problem with tax competition: If nothing is done, governments may increasingly be forced to engage in competitive tax bid- ding to attract or retain mobile activities. That ‘race to the bottom’, where location and fi- nancing decisions become primarily tax driven, will mean that capital and financial flows will be distorted and it will become more difficult to achieve fair competition for real economic activities. (Laband, 2000) The concept of tax competition is the focus of this study, which will discuss the macroeconomic effects of financial policies based upon tax competition which have been pursued after 1980 in Turkey. The Turkish case is also compared with European – especially east European – countries. The concept of tax competition Globalisation is knitting separate national economies into a single world economy. This is occurring as a result of rising trade and investment flows, greater labour mo- bility and rapid transfers of technology. Individuals and businesses gain greater free- dom, as economic integration increases, to take advantage of foreign economic opportunities. This, in turn, increases the sensitivity of investment and location deci- sions to taxation. Countries feel pressure to reduce tax rates to avoid driving away their tax bases.
  • Justifying Religious Freedom: the Western Tradition

    Justifying Religious Freedom: the Western Tradition

    Justifying Religious Freedom: The Western Tradition E. Gregory Wallace* Table of Contents I. THESIS: REDISCOVERING THE RELIGIOUS JUSTIFICATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.......................................................... 488 II. THE ORIGINS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN EARLY CHRISTIAN THOUGHT ................................................................................... 495 A. Early Christian Views on Religious Toleration and Freedom.............................................................................. 495 1. Early Christian Teaching on Church and State............. 496 2. Persecution in the Early Roman Empire....................... 499 3. Tertullian’s Call for Religious Freedom ....................... 502 B. Christianity and Religious Freedom in the Constantinian Empire ................................................................................ 504 C. The Rise of Intolerance in Christendom ............................. 510 1. The Beginnings of Christian Intolerance ...................... 510 2. The Causes of Christian Intolerance ............................. 512 D. Opposition to State Persecution in Early Christendom...... 516 E. Augustine’s Theory of Persecution..................................... 518 F. Church-State Boundaries in Early Christendom................ 526 G. Emerging Principles of Religious Freedom........................ 528 III. THE PRESERVATION OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN MEDIEVAL AND REFORMATION EUROPE...................................................... 530 A. Persecution and Opposition in the Medieval