Posts Tagged ‘Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster’
Markus Schafer on Religion, Doing Good, Networks, & Triadic Closure
Is your trans-congregational triad closed? What does that even mean?! Prof. Markus Schafer (U of Toronto) explains how all of this relates to how we are networked to other people in our congregations and community. He shares the results of several network studies that show religious traditionalists exhibit more prosocial behavior than expected given how they are connected to other individuals beyond merely their own church. He also reveals that evangelical Christians are not only good at making friends, but good at helping their friends make more friends. A fascinating study of the wide web of connectedness that religion helps promote!
To save the podcast to your device, “right click” on “download” and choose “save as…,” or subscribe on iTunes.
[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
Jonathan Fox on Religion & State Around the World
What does the relationship between religious groups and the state look like around the world? Prof. Jonathan Fox of Bar Ilan University talks about the findings that have come from his expansive data collection and research exploration into the nature of religion and politics around the world. We discuss how religious organizations are regulated by governments in different parts of the globe and whether or not — and how — religious groups offer the state legitimacy and vice versa.
[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]