ERIC Number: EJ1189311
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1940-1639
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Distinguishing between Belief and Culture: A Critical Perspective on Religious Identity
Edwards, Sachi
Journal of College and Character, v19 n3 p201-214 2018
Current literature about religion in higher education typically emphasizes belief as a central component of religious identity. Through framing this discourse with a critical social justice lens, I argue that there needs to be a purposeful distinction between religious/spiritual belief and religious identity/culture in order to acknowledge the socio-cultural nature of religion and to more clearly understand the privilege/oppression dynamic associated with it. By describing the way Christian privilege and religious oppression are often independent of individuals' religious or spiritual beliefs, I discuss implications of this over-emphasis on belief for religious minorities and explain how focusing instead on religious culture can help make campus-based interfaith initiatives more social justice oriented.
Descriptors: Self Concept, Religious Factors, Religion, Social Justice, Correlation, Cultural Influences, Sociocultural Patterns, Christianity, Power Structure, Minority Groups, Intergroup Relations, Higher Education, School Schedules, Ceremonies, Holidays, College Students, Family Relationship
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A