یادداشت‌ها و اسناد

Comparative Studies, Rewards and Challenges

In the age of massive circulation of information, misunderstandings are highly likely, and can be dangerous. Along many other benefits of comparative studies, the particular function of such endeavors in honest clarification of truth and avoidance of misunderstandings, make them an imminent necessity, rather than a fancy pursuit of exploring an exotic culture. Taking them as serious as such, one must be ready to adopt the most effective yet simple methodology in correctly understanding and presenting two different thought worlds. In what follows I try to outline some of the key methodological tips which will turn a comparative study to a clear and fruitful discussion.

Following a division between internal elements” and external/structural relations” of two given concepts, this methodological approach presents the similarities and differences between two given concepts in two different thought worlds as clearly as possible. Also, in any accurate comparison, awareness of chronological evolution and developments” play a significant role in avoiding misunderstandings and confusions.

Connection to the Divine in Islamic Teachings

Like most of other religions, followers of Islam see connection to their God through supplication and prayer as one of the main parts of their religious consciousness. Whether a personal request, a formal glorification and ritualistic act of worship, or a simple and spontaneous expression of gratitude and gratefulness to God; various types of prayer seem to be corresponding to different mental and emotional modes of man. However, as there are always at least two sides in every connection and prayer is believed to be a kind of connection, a general theme repeats itself in different types of prayer, that there is a need for proper relevance in the both sides, for a real and effective connection to take place. By analyzing some prayer and supplication texts in Shia Islam, the present study aims at bringing into light this general theme in Islamic prayer, that is, the prayer’s relevance to man as one side of the connection, and its relation to the Divine, as the second side of the connection.

Celebrities, Prophets of Luxurious Narcissism

This article explores how celebrity-culture in its individual luxurious form, influences, often indirectly, the educative role of religion in moral upbringing of a society and its members. The highly valued pursuit of fame and luxury, or even false pretense of displaying them –thanks to social media- are among the natural results of excessive dominance of celebrity culture. Fame and luxury might not be bad or negative in themselves, but once the two are placed in the pivot center of a moral-value system, other agents (like religion in our example) can no longer play their proper roles in the ethical upbringing of individuals or communities. When celebrity culture norms turn to behavioral standards, then not just religious practitioners and leaders aim, often subconsciously, at fitting in that context, but also they understand and picture the historical religious figures and holy personalities with the colors borrowed from that culture. It is in this process that religious role models lose their effective and educative roles in shaping the moral norms of a society. In what follows I shall briefly illustrate different dimensions of celebrity culture as a distinct modern phenomenon, and then discuss its inevitable presence and pivotal role in any plan for ethical upbringing in a modern society.

Connection to the Divine, the Unifying Factor of Religions

As time goes on, leaders and practitioners of different religions feel the necessity and need for tolerance and friendly relations among themselves more and more. One very effective way to achieve such ideal state is by stressing on commonalities and using them as bases for constructive dialogue and fruitful friendships. Some unifying factors are external to religions, like the secular humanistic ones, that can be bases for dialogue between the religious and the non-religious. However, there are some commonalities among religious people in particular. One of the widest of such bases, which includes theistic and non-theistic religions and traditions, is the connection to the Divine.

Like most of other religions, followers of Islam see connection to their God through supplication and prayer as one of the main parts of their religious consciousness. Whether a personal request, a formal glorification and ritualistic act of worship, or a simple and spontaneous expression of gratitude and gratefulness to God; various types of prayer seem to be corresponding to different mental and emotional modes of man. However, as there are always at least two sides in every connection and prayer is believed to be a kind of connection, a general theme repeats itself in different types of prayer, that there is a need for proper relevance in the both sides, for a real and effective connection to take place. By analyzing some prayer and supplication texts in Shia Islam, the present study aims at bringing into light this general theme in Islamic prayer, that is, the prayer’s relevance to man as one side of the connection, and its relation to the Divine, as the second side of the connection.