Suchergebnisse

In this chapter, we examine statements of Finnish municipal election candidates regarding plans to build a "grand mosque" and cultural centre in central Helsinki. Despite proclaiming support for the universal freedom of religion, the candidates were hesitant to apply it to the mosque case. Opponents of the mosque project emphasized the Christian heritage of Finland and portrayed the proposed mosque as a channel through which foreign conflicts could enter Finnish society. The mosque was also opposed because it was seen as a "political" project instead of a "religious" one. The proponents of the mosque, in turn, considered it to be a "Muslim church" and therefore entitled to the same treatment as Christian houses of worship. The mosque was also seen as important to the local Muslim community, but very few candidates considered the possibility of the mosque (or Islam) making a positive contribution to the broader society. Besides identifying the key discourses, we reflect on them from a religious literacy perspective. ; Peer reviewed

This open access book presents religious literacy as the main explanatory factor when dealing with certain ethnic groups that attract stereotypes which gloss over other personal factors such as age, class, gender and cultural differences. It discusses freedom of religion, and the Christian revival movement. It examines religious literacy and religious diversity in multi-faith schools. It looks into the role of Mosques and Islamic divorce. Finally, it discusses the prevention of violent radicalization and extremism in Finland. Using recent data on Finnish secular society, the book promotes a new understanding which is needed with respect to popular and media portrayal of religion, or with respect to public discussion about religion. It addresses actors in civic society, public servants and higher education.

Chapter 1. Introduction: Setting the stage -- Chapter 2. "There is Freedom of Religion in Finland, but…": The Helsinki Mosque Debate -- Chapter 3. Laestadians in "the world": reading the biggest Christian revival movement in Finland -- Chapter 4. Religious literacy and the governance of religious diversity in multi-faith schools: The Case of Islam -- Chapter 5. Islamic Divorce in Finland and Role of Mosques: Revisiting Binaries -- Chapter 6. Prevention of violent radicalization and extremism in Finland: the role of religious literacy -- Chapter 7. Conclusions: Religious literacy promotes absorptive capacity, inclusion and reflexivity in society.