This study explores the therapeutic implications of including culturally adapted spiritual ceremonies in the process of testimonial therapy for torture survivors in India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Data were collected through an action research process with Asian mental health and human rights organizations, during which the testimonial method was reconceptualized and modified t...

Thanks to such works as Keith Thomas's Religion and the decline ofmagic (1973), Lawrence Stone's The family, sex and marriage in England, 1500-1800 (1977), Ronald Hutton's The rise andfall ofmerry England: the ritual year, 1400-1700 (1994), and Anthony Fletcher's Gender, sex and subordination in England 1500-1800 (1995), the cultural and social history of the early modem period is blessed with ...

Contemporary philosophy of religion is often focused, at a theoretical level, on the epistemic value of religious doctrines, and at a practical level, on the possible impact of organized religion on secular society and politics. However, the cultic dimension of religion, such as prayer, religious service, ascetic practices, and other rituals, is considered as completely “irrational” and incompr...

Abstract Based on case studies of seven (attempted) lynchings in Pakistan, we argue that they can be considered lynching rituals, which are instrumental a context political strife. ‘Shrpsnd anasr’ (agitators) play an important role as ritual engineers; assemble crowds by spreading rumours and vocalizing accusations, use rhythmic chanting slogan repetition to generate shared vengeful mood focus ...

Although in some sense narrative approaches in practical theology have been developed only recently, one could claim that there is a long and intrinsic history of their relationship. Religious practices that form the core material for theological reflection in practical theology are often directly related to narratives. In one way or another human stories are connected with stories of and about...

This article surveys the current pervasiveness of the phenomenon of sacred trees in the Holy Land, with special reference to the official attitudes of local religious leaders and the attitudes of Muslims in comparison with the Druze as well as in monotheism vs. polytheism. Field data regarding the reasons for the sanctification of trees and the common beliefs and rituals related to them are des...

Music is an important component of the human experience. The use of music in culture has been a documented feature of the history of civilizations. Types of music have been uniquely associated with distinct feelings, experiences, and social interactions. Cultures have incorporated music into the educational process, religious and tribal rituals, and patriotic expressions. Music conveys features...