In this article the author first gives an introduction to his own approach to comparative theology (CT). After some introductory considerations, an outline of the idea and foundation of CT is given and is contrasted with traditional approaches to other religions; the methods, goals, and also the limits of CT are discussed; CT is differentiated from religious studies and the theology of religion...

Background Islamic doctrine and related teachings play a seminal role in constructing the sexual performance of followers, women in particular. Objective The aim was to explore women's understandings of Islamic Shiite principles related to their sexuality. Materials and Methods In a qualitative content analysis approach, four individual interviews and seven focus groups conducted in Rafsanj...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) focused on religious themes, also known as scrupulosity, is a relatively common but poorly understood form of this disorder. It also presents unique challenges to the therapist who must negotiate the procedures of exposure and response prevention while respecting the patient’s religious beliefs and practices. Garcia (2008) describes the successful treatment o...

Bioethics and health researchers often turn to Islamic jurisconsults (fuqahā’ ) and their verdicts (fatāwā) to understand how Islam and health intersect. Yet when using fatwā to promote health behavior change, researchers have often found less than ideal results. In this article we examine several health behavior change interventions that partnered with Muslim religious leaders aiming at promot...

Social psychologists have often followed other scientists in treating religiosity primarily as a set of beliefs held by individuals. But, beliefs are only one facet of this complex and multidimensional construct. The authors argue that social psychology can best contribute to scholarship on religion by being relentlessly social. They begin with a social-functionalist approach in which beliefs, ...

As support for sexual reorientation therapy—the practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation—has lulled1, various therapists have been faced with the question of how to effectively and respectfully counsel their religious clients who are at odds with their sexual orientation. They appear to be faced with two options, a sexuality affirming approach and a newer approach known a...

Trust is a critical aspect of social interaction. One might predict that individuals trust religious out-groups less than religious in-groups, and that costly signals performed by members of religious in-groups increase trust while costly signals performed by members of religious out-groups decrease trust. We examined how Christian participants perceived the trustworthiness of Muslim and Christ...

BACKGROUND As a result of the wars in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, many people have been affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Considering that religion plays an important role in both of these countries and that religiosity/spirituality can be a positive coping resource, we were interested in investigating the spiritual needs of PTSD patients in these countries. Also, we aimed ...