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Religion and Policy Journal
Published by UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung
ISSN : -     EISSN : 30311004     DOI : https://doi.org/10.15575/rpj
Core Subject : Religion, Humanities, Science, Social,
Religion Humanities Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences
The Religion and Policy Journal identified by the ISSN 30311004 serves as an inclusive and influential platform for rigorous research and comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between religion and public policy
Arjuna Subject : Ilmu Sosial - Administrasi Publik
Articles 26 Documents
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Unholy Alliance: Nationalism, Communalism, and the 2024 Anti-Hindu Violence in Bangladesh Paul, Anurag
Religion and Policy Journal Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Religion and Policy Journal
Publisher : FISIP UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15575/rpj.v3i1.1442

Abstract

Research Problem: Bangladesh’s struggle with national identity has long been shaped by competing ideological forces between secular nationalism and religious conservatism. In recent years, this tension has manifested in sectarian violence targeting minority groups, particularly Hindus. The issue is compounded by media representations that amplify exclusionary nationalist discourses and normalize intolerance. The 2024 student–citizen protests, which escalated into widespread violence, exposed how nationalist rhetoric, cultural chauvinism, and political rivalry undermine the nation’s pluralistic ideals. The central research problem lies in understanding how political discourse and media narratives interact to reinforce exclusionary nationalism and marginalize minority communities within the framework of Bangladesh’s postcolonial identity. Research Purposes: This study aims to examine the interplay between media narratives, nationalist ideologies, and sectarian violence in Bangladesh. Specifically, it seeks to: (1) analyze how exclusionary nationalism is constructed and legitimized through media and political discourse; (2) explore the ideological roots of minority marginalization in Bangladesh’s post-independence history; and (3) contextualize Bangladesh’s experience within broader global trends of religious nationalism. Ultimately, the study intends to offer a critical reflection on the paradox of nationalism—how the idea of unity and sovereignty can simultaneously generate exclusion and conflict. Research Methods: The research employs a qualitative, interpretive approach, utilizing critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine media coverage, political speeches, and public statements during the 2024 protests. A historical and ideological review supports the analysis, tracing the evolution of nationalist narratives since independence and assessing how they intersect with religious identity politics. Comparative insights from other contexts of sectarian nationalism are incorporated to highlight transnational parallels and to situate Bangladesh’s experience within a global framework of religious and political intolerance. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that media representations and political rhetoric jointly contribute to constructing exclusionary forms of nationalism that portray minorities as external to the national identity. The Awami League’s secular project has been compromised by political pragmatism, while the BNP’s reliance on Islamic symbolism has deepened sectarian divisions. The 2024 protests exemplify how nationalist fervor and media sensationalism can converge to justify or obscure violence against minorities. The discourse of “national unity” is paradoxically used to silence diversity, exposing a deep crisis in Bangladesh’s vision of citizenship and belonging. The study highlights that religious nationalism, fueled by media narratives, perpetuates structural marginalization and undermines democratic pluralism. Research Implications and Contributions: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how media and politics shape exclusionary nationalism in postcolonial states. Theoretically, it enriches scholarship on discourse, nationalism, and identity politics by showing how nationalist rhetoric in Bangladesh mirrors global patterns of intolerance. Practically, it underscores the urgent need for media accountability, inclusive policy reform, and civic education to counter extremist narratives. By drawing a parallel with post-Holocaust Germany’s reconciliation and nation-building, the paper offers a hopeful vision: Bangladesh, too, can move toward a more inclusive and pluralistic national identity, provided it is guided by enlightened leadership and supported by international solidarity.
The Decalogue and African Moral Governance: Ethical Reflections on Religion and Public Policy Nwoko, Michael, Nwulu
Religion and Policy Journal Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Religion and Policy Journal
Publisher : FISIP UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15575/rpj.v3i1.2031

Abstract

Research Problem: African societies are characterized by complex intersections between indigenous traditions and external religious influences, particularly Christianity. The Decalogue (Ten Commandments), introduced through missionary and colonial encounters, has profoundly shaped moral consciousness and legal norms across the continent. However, its integration has also produced tensions between traditional African values and Western ethical paradigms, raising questions about how moral frameworks rooted in religion influence social governance and public policy in Africa. Research Purposes: This study aims to examine the impact of the Decalogue on African moral and social polity, with particular attention to its role in shaping ethical principles, family structures, and communal life. It also seeks to explore how Decalogue-based morality can contribute to inclusive, culturally sensitive public policy in contemporary African societies. Research Methods: The study adopts a qualitative, interpretive approach, analyzing secondary data from theological literature, historical records, and socio-political commentaries. Using interdisciplinary perspectives from ethics, religious studies, and African philosophy, the paper investigates how the Decalogue has been contextualized within African worldviews and its implications for governance and moral policy.. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that the Decalogue has significantly influenced African moral and legal norms, reinforcing values such as justice, honesty, respect for life, and communal harmony. Yet, its colonial transmission introduced cultural and ethical dissonance, often positioning Western Christian morality as superior to indigenous systems of ethics. Despite this tension, African societies have demonstrated adaptive resilience, blending biblical moral codes with traditional communal ethics to produce hybrid models of governance and moral practice. Research Implications and Contributions: This study underscores the need for contextually grounded moral frameworks that harmonize Decalogue-based ethics with African cultural values. It contributes to the discourse on religion and public policy by advocating for culturally sensitive moral governance that promotes peace, justice, and human dignity. The research also highlights the importance of sustained interfaith dialogue between African Traditional Religion and Christianity as a pathway toward inclusive moral policymaking and sustainable social development.
Changing Faces of Nigeria Christianity Aremu, Emmanuel
Religion and Policy Journal Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Religion and Policy Journal
Publisher : FISIP UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15575/rpj.v3i1.2206

Abstract

Research Problem: Christianity in Nigeria has experienced profound transformations in recent decades, reflecting the intersection of religion, culture, and socio-political change across Africa. The rapid rise of charismatic and Pentecostal movements has reshaped traditional Christian expressions, challenging established denominational structures and theological norms. At the same time, the emergence of indigenous churches has fostered autonomy and cultural self-determination. However, despite these developments, there remains a lack of scholarly consensus on how syncretism, social influence, and political engagement have redefined Nigerian Christianity’s identity and role in society. The problem, therefore, lies in understanding how this evolving form of Christianity negotiates its spiritual authenticity, cultural rootedness, and social responsibility within both local and global contexts. Research Purposes: This study aims to analyze the changing dynamics of Christianity in Nigeria, focusing on its growth, cultural integration, and socio-political influence. It seeks to: (1) examine the rise and spread of charismatic and Pentecostal movements and their theological distinctiveness; (2) explore how indigenous expressions of Christianity incorporate African traditional beliefs and worldviews; and (3) assess the broader impact of Nigerian Christianity on education, healthcare, social justice, and political discourse. Ultimately, the research aspires to demonstrate how these shifts illustrate Africa’s capacity to reinterpret and localize global religious traditions in ways that affirm its identity and agency. Research Methods: The research adopts a qualitative, interdisciplinary approach, drawing from historical, sociological, and theological analyses. Primary and secondary data—including sermons, church publications, media materials, and scholarly works—are examined to trace the evolution of Nigerian Christianity. Contextual theology and cultural hermeneutics are employed as analytical frameworks to interpret how faith practices have adapted to local realities. Field-based observations and case studies of selected churches may also be included to provide empirical grounding and highlight diverse expressions of worship, leadership, and community engagement. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate that charismatic renewal and Pentecostal revivalism have significantly transformed Nigeria’s Christian landscape, emphasizing personal empowerment, prosperity theology, and experiential worship. Indigenous churches have localized Christianity by integrating traditional cosmologies, resulting in vibrant, context-sensitive spiritualities that challenge Western theological paradigms. The research also shows that Nigerian churches play an increasingly central role in social welfare, education, and public health, filling governance gaps left by the state. Furthermore, Christianity has become a major force in shaping public discourse, mobilizing communities for political participation and moral reform. However, the movement’s rapid expansion also raises questions about materialism, doctrinal fragmentation, and ethical accountability. Research Implications and Contributions: This study contributes to the broader understanding of African Christianity as a dynamic and contextual phenomenon. It underscores the need to view Nigerian Christianity not merely as a derivative of Western missions but as an autonomous, evolving religious force that reflects African cultural creativity and resilience. The research challenges Eurocentric theological interpretations by highlighting how local agency, socio-political realities, and indigenous spirituality redefine global Christianity. Practically, it provides insights for policymakers, theologians, and faith leaders on how religion can foster social cohesion, moral integrity, and sustainable development. In doing so, the study positions Nigeria as a crucial epicenter of contemporary Christian thought and transformation in Africa.
Religious Conflicts and the Future of African Development Adiele, Okoroafor, Sunday
Religion and Policy Journal Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Religion and Policy Journal
Publisher : FISIP UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15575/rpj.v3i1.2247

Abstract

Research Problem: Africa’s vast cultural diversity—comprising more than 2,000 languages and over 3,000 ethnic groups—has produced a complex environment where religion often intersects with politics, ethnicity, and economics. This intersection has led to recurring religious conflicts that continue to obstruct development, peace, and social cohesion across the continent. Despite numerous peace initiatives, the persistence of violence indicates that the structural causes of religious conflict, including inequality, institutional weakness, and historical divisions, remain inadequately addressed. Understanding how these underlying factors contribute to instability is crucial for fostering sustainable development in Africa. Research Purposes: This study aims to examine the relationship between religious conflicts and African development through the lens of Structural Conflict Theory. Specifically, it seeks to: (1) identify the structural and socio-economic factors that drive religious violence; (2) analyze the historical and cultural dimensions that sustain conflict; and (3) propose viable strategies for promoting peace, inclusive governance, and socio-economic stability. Research Methods: The research employs a qualitative methodology, integrating insights from historical, sociological, and political analyses. Data are derived from academic literature, policy reports, and documented case studies of major religious conflicts across different African regions. Structural Conflict Theory provides the theoretical framework for understanding how institutional inequalities, power imbalances, and resource competition shape the dynamics of religious confrontation. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal a multilayered relationship between religion and development in Africa. Religious conflict often emerges from deep-rooted structural disparities—such as poverty, ethnic marginalization, and political manipulation of faith identities. Historical legacies of colonialism and uneven resource distribution further exacerbate these tensions. The study demonstrates that the consequences of these conflicts extend beyond spiritual divisions, directly impeding economic growth, education, and governance. However, it also identifies positive trends: interfaith collaboration, grassroots peacebuilding, and regional integration efforts show potential for fostering mutual understanding and stability. Research Implications and Contributions: This study contributes to the expanding scholarship on religion and development in Africa by offering a holistic framework that links structural inequality, conflict, and governance. It underscores the need for inclusive institutions, interfaith harmony, and equitable resource distribution as pathways to sustainable peace. The research recommends strengthening representative governance, mitigating socio-economic disparities, and fostering pan-African and global solidarity to transform religion from a source of division into a catalyst for unity and progress. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and civil society actors seeking to build a peaceful and prosperous Africa grounded in justice, tolerance, and shared development.
Challenges to Women's Active Political Participation in Northern Nigeria: The Interplay of Education, Religious-Cultural Norms, and Financial Barriers Fidelis, Freda
Religion and Policy Journal Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Religion and Policy Journal
Publisher : FISIP UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15575/rpj.v3i1.2250

Abstract

Research Problem: Women's political participation in Northern Nigeria faces multilayered barriers rooted in the interaction between limited educational access, religious-cultural norms, and economic restrictions. Despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality, structural inequalities persist, undermining women’s agency in public life. Deeply entrenched patriarchal systems and practices such as the Kulle system continue to restrict women’s visibility and participation in political processes. These challenges raise fundamental concerns about gender inclusion in Nigeria’s democratic governance and the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality). Research Purposes: This study seeks to analyze the underlying factors that hinder women’s active political engagement in Northern Nigeria, with a focus on the intersecting roles of education, religious-cultural traditions, and economic constraints. Grounded in liberal feminist theory and equity theory, the research aims to explain how systemic inequalities—manifested through social norms, limited access to quality education, and economic marginalization—constrain women’s opportunities for political participation and leadership. Research Methods: The study employs a qualitative and analytical approach, utilizing thematic content analysis of secondary data drawn from peer-reviewed journal articles, policy reports, and institutional documents. Sources are selected to capture the lived experiences of Northern Nigerian women across educational, cultural, and economic dimensions. The method emphasizes interpretive analysis to identify recurring themes, causal relationships, and structural mechanisms that perpetuate women’s exclusion from political life. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that educational disparities significantly limit women’s civic literacy, confidence, and leadership capacity, making it difficult for them to navigate political spaces. Religious and cultural traditions, particularly those emphasizing female seclusion such as Kulle, restrict women’s mobility and visibility in public affairs. Economic constraints, including high campaign costs, privatized party financing, and inadequate institutional support, further marginalize women aspiring to leadership roles. These dimensions are interlinked, collectively reinforcing systemic exclusion and limiting women’s empowerment. The analysis underscores that without addressing the root causes—educational inequality, patriarchal cultural values, and economic disenfranchisement—efforts to promote women’s political representation will remain superficial and unsustainable. Research Implications and Contributions: This study contributes to the broader discourse on gender-sensitive governance by demonstrating how intersecting social, cultural, and economic factors create cumulative disadvantages for women in politics. It recommends multi-level interventions such as expanding access to quality education for girls, engaging religious and traditional leaders to foster cultural reorientation, and instituting legal frameworks requiring political parties to subsidize female candidacies. Furthermore, the research advocates for institutional reforms and financial inclusion initiatives to empower women economically and politically. By integrating feminist and equity perspectives, the study advances understanding of structural gender inequality in Northern Nigeria and provides practical insights for policymakers, civil society organizations, and scholars committed to achieving gender equality in political participation.
Alleviating Poverty in Nigeria through Islamic Strategies Sambo, Usman; Sule, Babayo; Zamfara, Misbahu Ibrahim
Religion and Policy Journal Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): Religion and Policy Journal
Publisher : FISIP UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15575/rpj.v3i2.2306

Abstract

Research Problem: Poverty in Nigeria is widespread and deeply entrenched, affecting the majority of the population. This persistent deprivation is exacerbated by policy failures, corruption, and the limited adoption of alternative poverty‐alleviation strategies. Recent reports indicate a rapid rise in multidimensional poverty, pushing many households into extreme hardship and making day-to-day survival increasingly difficult. Research Purposes: This study aims to analyze poverty-alleviation strategies through an alternative Islamic approach, assess the potential of Islamic instruments to reduce inequality and poverty in Nigeria, and formulate recommendations for integrating these mechanisms into government policies and programs. Research Methods: The research employs a qualitative design, drawing data from existing documents and secondary sources. Analysis is grounded in empiricism, involving rigorous evaluation of prior studies to test their validity and accuracy and to ensure that conclusions rest on a robust evidence base. Results and Discussion: Findings show that Islamic teachings—derived from Qur’anic verses, prophetic traditions, and scholarly consensus—offer credible mechanisms to address poverty. Core instruments include zakat, inheritance, charity (sadaqah), gifts (hibah), feeding initiatives, and selfless community support. These mechanisms mobilize wealth from the affluent and redistribute it to the less privileged, thereby narrowing inequality and lowering poverty levels; however, their potential impact in Nigeria remains underrealized due to weak implementation, policy shortcomings, and corruption. Research Implications and Contributions: At the policy level, governments should intensify zakat collection and other organized forms of charity and establish capable agencies to redistribute resources fairly and effectively. Practically, the study offers an actionable framework for integrating Islamic social-finance tools into poverty-reduction programs. Academically, it consolidates evidence that Islamic economic instruments constitute context-appropriate and credible strategies for reducing poverty and inequality in Nigeria.

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