Journal of Comparative Study of Religions

The Role of Church Leaders in the Rise of Moral Decay in Malawian Society: A Case Study of Selected Urban Churches in Blantyre

Buledi Majawa — 2025-11-29

Across the world, moral decadence manifested in acts such as fraud, rape, covetousness, sexual misconduct, character assassination, cultic activities, and idolatry has brought significant reproach to the sacred order. This has raised concerns about the moral integrity of some church leaders in the 21st century. While the church is traditionally seen as a moral compass, its credibility is increasingly questioned. Many church leaders focus more on theological knowledge while neglecting moral discipline. In Malawi, many studies have been conducted regarding the church's role in various aspects, but little is said regarding the contribution of Church Leaders in the increase of Moral Decadence. The study, therefore, aimed at investigating the contribution of Church leaders in the increase of Moral Decadence in the selected Blantyre Urban Churches in Malawi, with focus on the sacred order using the Pastoral Epistles, particularly 1 Timothy 3:1-7 as a benchmark. A qualitative study involving twenty church leaders from Catholic, Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Seventh-day Adventist, and Assemblies of God churches in Blantyre Urban examined this issue using Merton’s Anomie-Strain Theory. The findings of the study revealed that church leaders contribute to moral decay through appeasement policies, false teachings, medium consultations, greed, drunkenness, inherited priesthood, selective justice, prostitution, and a relentless pursuit of wealth. By applying appeasement policy, church leaders divert from the true message to ensure high church membership that can help them to increase Tithe returned by church members. False teachings are aimed at attracting a large following on condition that their church leaders have the potential to perform miracles, including making barren women able to bear children, and helping members access good paying jobs, etc. All these and other unnoticed aims behind immoral behaviour. As for the love of money at the expense of preaching the True Message of God without any compromise, the study reminds church leaders that they are required to relate with the opposite sex, whether they be male or female, with decorum in and outside the church. Not relating decorously with the opposite sex has caused many church leaders to lose their integrity, and some have been involved in illicit sexual misconduct. In the electronic and print media, there are cases of sexual scandals and immorality, fraud, and cultic practices by some church leaders in contemporary times.

The Concept of Religious Moderation: Debates and Implications

Hasyanto Hasan — 2025-11-19

This paper examines the concept of religious moderation in Indonesia by critically examining its conceptual trajectory, socio-political reception, and theological implications in contemporary religious discourse. Using qualitative content analysis of relevant literature, this study explores how religious moderation is constructed, promoted and debated in various socio-religious contexts. The findings show that while the state-driven promotion of moderation aims to strengthen tolerance and national unity, it also triggers criticism regarding perceived alignment with Western liberal values as well as the potential blurring of doctrinal authenticity. The research highlights that theological concerns-particularly those related to truth claims, relativism and the politicization of religion-remain at the core of the discourse. Despite the tensions, religious moderation is also accepted by many as a normative idea in maintaining national harmony with the principles of justice, balance and diversity. The author argues that religious moderation in Indonesia must be based on a theological framework that is coherent and responsive to the complexities of Indonesia's plural society so that religious moderation can be sustainable and credible.

Kebangkitan Kristus vis-à-vis Kelahiran Kembali Buddha di Hadapan Sains Modern

Frederick Ray Popo — 2025-11-29

In dialogue with Buddhism, the concept of Jesus’ resurrection is often paralleled with the notion of rebirth. However, these two concepts are fundamentally different. This paper clarifies those differences, highlighting that resurrection is primarily understood as an event of faith, while rebirth is perceived as a natural occurrence governed by the law of karma. Both concepts, inevitably, face critical challenges from modern science. Through a literature-based study, this paper concludes that although the resurrection cannot be scientifically verified, it endures as a powerful and transformative theological claim. On the other hand, rebirth is more open to empirical investigation but remains vulnerable to methodological criticisms. Both concepts reflect distinct worldviews and address profound questions about the meaning of life, death, and the continuity of existence.

Islam, Pluralisme dan Toleransi: Analisis Polemik Ucapan Selamat Natal dan Perayaan Tahun Baru Masehi di Indonesia

Dafis Heriansyah — 2025-11-19

The controversy surrounding Christmas and New Year greetings among Muslims often sparks debate, particularly in the context of pluralism and tolerance. This article analyzes various Islamic scholars' opinions regarding greeting Christians during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Some scholars prohibit such greetings, citing the purity of faith and the potential for polytheism. However, more moderate scholars argue that greetings in a social context are acceptable as a form of respect without harming Islamic faith. This article also examines the relationship between Islamic teachings, pluralism, and tolerance in a multicultural society. Using a qualitative approach, this article aims to provide a deeper understanding of interfaith tolerance in Islam and to highlight how this attitude can be realized without neglecting the basic principles of Islamic teachings. The research findings indicate that Muslims' attitudes in greeting Christmas and New Year greetings are simply to respect, appreciate, and tolerate all forms of other religious rituals while still assisting each other in matters of mutual interaction, a form of tolerance as intended in Islam. This means simply allowing followers of other religions to worship according to their beliefs without participating in or congratulating them on the teachings and celebrations of other religions.

Mafhumu al-Tasamuh al-Diiniy inda Yusuf al-Qordhawi fii halli Islamophobia

Putri Muthmainnah Khoirunnisa — 2025-11-19

In the order of human life, there are various groups of people who adhere to different religions. When tolerance is practiced, it leads to a harmonious social order; however, when it is neglected, it can become a source of danger. This has been evident in several incidents of terrorism and extremism, which often stem from a lack of understanding of genuine tolerance. From such fear and hatred, Islamophobia has emerged a phenomenon that, throughout history, has disrupted the peaceful existence of many Muslims. Several thinkers from both the Age of Enlightenment and the Islamic intellectual tradition have discussed the issue of religious tolerance. Among the prominent Islamic scholars who contributed significantly to this discourse is Yusuf al-Qaradawi. This study employs descriptive and analytical methods, as well as a philosophical approach, to examine al-Qaradawi’s works. Al-Qaradawi’s concept of tolerance is deeply rooted in the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and historical precedents that exemplify the practice of tolerance within Islamic civilization. According to this study, Islamophobia is influenced by three main factors: fear, hatred, and ignorance about Islam. The proposed solution, based on al-Qaradawi’s perspective on tolerance, seeks to address and eliminate these three causes. Fear and ignorance can be dispelled through education and understanding, while hatred can be overcome by building a society grounded in the four essential principles of tolerance outlined by al-Qaradawi.