SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (SANDF) DROPS CHARGES AGAINST HIJAB-WEARING OFFICER: CASE IN POINT SOUTH AFRICA

Over the last few decades, a piece of fabric has become a powerful and divisive symbol worldwide. Since the tragic events of 9/11, this piece of fabric has become a topic of great debate, at local, national, regional and international level. The veil as worn by some Muslim women has assumed iconic proportions around the globe. To some it symbolizes piety to others, oppression. To some it is a rejection of Western morality to others, a rejection of modernity. To some, it is a religious statement supporting Islam as a way of living; to others, a political statement supporting violent Islamists. These disparate attributions exemplify the power of nonverbal communication and support the maxim that words and objects contain no inherent meaning; only people assigned meaning. This article discusses the status of religious rights and freedoms under the South African Constitution. One aspect of this change is the change that has affected the various religions, cultures, and customs in South Africa. It is therefore, viewed by many as a constitution for the people of South Africa which includes a Bill of Rights. Historically speaking, for the very first time since colonialism, all religions were guaranteed the of religion. Furthermore, religions, cultures and languages are deep-rooted in the various constitutional provisions, namely, sections 9(3), 15(1) to (3), 30, 31, 185 and 234 respectively. These constitutional provisions are solidified by section 7 which obliges the state to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the provisions set forth in the Bill of Rights. The article concludes with an argument for the recognition of plurality of religions and religious legal systems in South Africa.

NOMA as the Cure for Conflict Between Science and Religion: Reply to Ludwik Kowalski’s Commentary on the NOMA Principle

In my response to Kowalski’s commentary I indicate that: 1) there is an imprecision in Kowalski’s presentation of the NOMA principle; 2) the NOMA principle is not a valid way of presenting theistic religions; 3) the argumentation adopted by Kowalski is inconsistent, due to inconsistency in the NOMA principle itself. The Kowalski’s cure for the “Confrontations Between Theists and Atheists” mentioned in the title of the Kowalski’s commentary is the postulate of a “miracle-free” theism, which means the elimination of theism. Another important weakness of Kowalski’s proposal and of the application of the NOMA principle in general is the self-contradictoriness of this position: when we decide on the truth value of this or that factual religious statement by reference to science, then we deny the essence of the NOMA principle itself.

The Chapel of Princeton University

Like the medieval English cathedrals that inspired it, the Princeton University Chapel is an architectural achievement designed to evoke wonder, awe, and reflection. This book is the essential illustrated guide to this magnificent architectural and cultural landmark. Now with new color photos throughout, the book traces the history of the chapel and describes its architecture, sculpture, woodwork, and furnishings. The author knew the building from its planning stages through its construction, dedication, and long use. This book offers unique insights into the vision of architect Ralph Adams Cram and the artistry of Charles J. Connick, who designed the chapel's breathtaking cycle of stained-glass windows. The book gives readers an opportunity to enjoy the chapel as both an aesthetically beautiful structure and a moving religious statement. It reveals how the building's composition is meant to provide spiritual access to as many seekers as possible and instill in them an extraordinary message of hope. The book is a guided tour of an inspiring structure that has served as the spiritual home to one of America's leading universities.

The religious statement of the Voortrekker Monument as a site of Afrikaner memory: Origin, composition and reception

The religious statement made by the Voortrekker Monument is part and parcel of its meaning and symbolism. This aspect of its composition and intention has not yet been submitted to thorough theological-critical investigation and scrutiny. Stepping into the gap, this article traces the religious intention and intonation of the Monument. The first part of the article entails the history of the Moerdyk design, based on antique Egyptian religious architecture. Then a discussion of the way in which the architect blended his (Egyptian) design with the religious spirituality and nationalism of the Afrikaner is presented. The last section deals with the altar text in the heart of the building: ‘We for thee, South Africa’. This secular text constitutes the religious statement of the memorial. Care should therefore be taken to embed the symbolism and meaning of the building in the Christian faith or the so-called Calvinism of the Afrikaner. The engagement with the Monument’s religious statement revealed a sacrificed religion trapped in a still remarkable commemorative building.

Western Civilization is Atheism and Anti-Islam

(16 FEBRUARY 2009)1 [Trans.: Abdulbasit Kassim] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQY4GLtzLdU This video lecture should be considered in its importance to be the political and religious statement of Abubakar Shekau, who would become Yusuf’s successor. The content of the lecture is closely related to the content of text 11 delivered by Yusuf. The themes covered in this lecture would later feature in many of the writings and multimedia messages of Shekau after 2009. Of specific interest in this lecture is Shekau’s parody of the national pledge and anthem which represents his anti-national ideology and revulsion of the Nigerian state. Shekau’s style and his rather bullying attitude, during the question and answer period, contrast with that of Yusuf (see texts 10, 12). There were some missing parts at the beginning of the video...

Conflict between Confession and the Testimony When Proving Murder

An important aspect is fundamental in criminal law, and jurisprudence arguments would be a judicial conflict in proving the crime. During the procedure of a murder case, it is possible the conflicts arise between the evidence of confession and religious testimony as a proof to prove the murder crime to specify the murderer; such that any of the argument suggests the particular person’s culpability. Because of the various case, determining the probative value of each of them would have a significant impact on such conflict to resolve, regarding jurisprudence and legal. Therefore, the legislator in Article 213 of the Penal Code of Islam, adopted in 2013, has made it clear the probative value of any argues, prioritizing any evidence of confession than that of religious statement while conflicting with each other. If the legislator takes precedence of the evidence of faith over the religious testimony provided that assessing both things of evidence by the adjudicating authority and s/he does waive to apply the phrase to the text of Article, the discovery of the truth and identifying the actual perpetrator with justice-based purpose will be more compatible.