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Neil Van Leeuwen argues that many religious people do not act and infer as we would expect believers to act and infer, and on this basis argues that they are not genuine believers. They take some other, nondoxastic, attitude to the claims they profess to believe. In this short commentary, I argue that in many (but far from all) such cases, the content, and not the attitude, explains the departures from the inferential and behavioral stereotype we associate with belief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Making the Gods Speak: The Ritual Production of Revelation in Chinese Religious History" by Vincent Goossaert is a comprehensive study of textual revelation in Chinese religions, with a focus on the practice of spirit writing. The book explores the development of spirit writing from the late Han dynasty to the present day, examining the rituals and texts associated with this practice. Goossaert provides typologies and clarifies terms related to spiritual revelations, and delves into the historical basis and development of spirit-written texts and rituals. The book challenges misconceptions about spirit writing and highlights its serious use by religious professionals and devout laypersons. It is hoped that this book will inspire further research and engagement with Chinese religious texts. [Extracted from the article]

Valentino Cattelan's book, "Religion and Contract Law in Islam: From Medieval Trade to Global Finance," offers a unique perspective on the nature of contracts in Islam. Unlike other books on Islamic contract law, Cattelan focuses on the rationale behind the rules rather than providing a comprehensive treatise on contractual rules. He explores the changes in the rationality behind contractual rules in the Muslim world, from the "acoustic space of Islam" to "Western visual rationality" and finally to the "global commercial standards." The book also addresses the interaction between law and religion in Islam and provides insight into the impact of religion on contractual rules throughout the changing realities of the Muslim world. [Extracted from the article]

"Physico-Theology: Religion and Science in Europe, 1650–1750" is a book edited by Ann Blair and Kaspar von Greyerz that explores the heyday of physicotheology, a variant of natural theology that inferred God from the design of nature and the cosmos. The book contains a collection of essays that examine the pious motivations and enthusiasm for the study of nature that characterized physicotheology during this period. Physicotheology offered its contemporary audience a wide range of scientific knowledge, disseminated through vernacular publications with high literary quality, and appealed to aesthetic sensibilities through poetry and illustrations. The book provides cutting-edge scholarship and case studies that demonstrate the interconnectedness of science and religion during the early modern period, and highlights the lasting impact of physicotheology on modern discussions of the design argument and fine-tuning in the universe. [Extracted from the article]

"In the Hands of God: How Evangelical Belonging Transforms Migrant Experiences in the U.S." by Johanna Bard Richlin explores the experiences of Brazilian migrants in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The author conducted interviews, surveys, and ethnographic field research to understand the challenges faced by these migrants, including loneliness, isolation, anxiety, depression, and a sense of being stuck without legal status. Richlin examines the role of evangelical Christianity in relieving these stressors and shaping the self-understanding and daily experiences of migrants. The book highlights the personal stories of migrants and their reliance on evangelical churches for support and community. However, it also acknowledges the potential limitations and criticisms of this religious affiliation. Overall, the book provides valuable insights into the experiences of Brazilian migrants and the impact of evangelical belonging on their lives. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses two scholarly monographs, "British Muslim Women in the Cultural and Creative Industries" by Saskia Warren and "Muslims Making British Media: Popular Culture, Performance and Public Religion" by Carl Morris, which focus on the experiences of Muslim creatives in the UK. The authors examine the conditions for cultural production by Muslim artists and explore the challenges they face in the art industry. They also highlight the changing visibility of Muslims in British media and the role of institutions like the BBC and Channel 4 in promoting diversity. Despite the socio-economic marginalization of some Muslim communities, there is significant economic development and a growing Muslim population that relates to Islam favorably. The studies provide valuable insights into the experiences of Muslim creatives and the need for recognition and inclusion in the art industry. [Extracted from the article]

Geetanjali Srikantan's book, "Identifying and Regulating Religion in India: Law, History and the Place of Worship," challenges the conventional understanding of religion in Indian law. The book argues that the concept of religion in Indian law is influenced by a Christocentric understanding of religion that is protected by Indian law. Srikantan explores the history of religion and law in India, drawing on Augustinian theology, Medieval canon law, and Indian court cases. The book examines the regulation of religious freedom, religious endowments, and the place of worship in India, offering a unique perspective on these issues. While the book provides a thought-provoking analysis, it may be challenging to read due to its dense content and lack of clarity on historical causation. [Extracted from the article]

The book "Work Pray Code: When Work Becomes Religion in Silicon Valley" by Carolyn Chen explores the phenomenon of work replacing religion in Silicon Valley. The author argues that companies in Silicon Valley are catering to the social, spiritual, and emotional needs of their employees in order to increase productivity. This includes offering perks such as mindfulness training, free meals, gyms, and childcare. However, the author raises concerns about the impact of this "religion of work" on communal life, the instrumentalization of spirituality, and the potential for social inequality. The book concludes with a plea for the building and sustaining of social institutions and traditions outside of work. [Extracted from the article]

The book "Work Pray Code: When Work Becomes Religion in Silicon Valley" by Carolyn Chen explores the intersection of religion and corporate culture in Silicon Valley. The author examines how the tech industry promotes workplace spirituality through practices such as mindfulness meditation and executive coaching. Chen also delves into the adaptation of Buddhism to fit corporate expectations, highlighting the ways in which meditation teachers modify the religion to align with the values of the tech industry. The book raises questions about the impact of this techno-religious culture on individuals' happiness and fulfillment, as well as the potential sacrifices of family and community in pursuit of work. [Extracted from the article]

"The Space of Religion: Temple, State, and Buddhist Communities in Modern China" is a book by Yoshiko Ashiwa and David L. Wank that examines the revival of religion in China from 1982 to 2004, focusing on the reestablishment of Xiamen's Nanputuo Temple. The authors conducted extensive fieldwork, including interviews, observations, surveys, and archival research, to provide rich ethnographic information on the dimensions of Buddhism in post-Mao China. The book explores the spatial concepts, physical features, and institutional spaces of Nanputuo, as well as the temple's recovery in different phases and its connections with other temples and communities in Xiamen. It also examines the role of lay Buddhists and the Guanyin Festival. While the book offers valuable insights, there are some points of contention, such as the characterization of certain devotional practices and the translation of certain terms. Overall, the book is a valuable resource for scholars and general readers interested in Chinese religion, Buddhism, and modern China. [Extracted from the article]

Louis Groarke's book, "Uttering the Unutterable: Aristotle, Religion, and Literature," is a comprehensive exploration of literature and its relationship to truth, goodness, and reality. Groarke argues that literature should be morally good and concerned with a transcendent reality that is beyond human comprehension. He draws inspiration from Aristotle's concept of theōria, which he believes provides a truthful vision of a supreme reality. However, some readers may find the book challenging as Groarke spends more time attacking opposing viewpoints than developing his own ideas. Additionally, there are concerns about the compatibility of Groarke's views on literature and morality with Aristotle's philosophy. [Extracted from the article]

Review of: Marveling Religion: Critical Discourses, Religion, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jennifer Baldwin and Daniel White Hodge (eds) (2022) London: Lexington, 285 pp., ISBN 978-1-79362-139-9, h/bk, AUD 168.85 ISBN 978-1-79362-139-9, e-book, AUD 70.59 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joshua M. Cragle's book, "Converting the Saxons: A Study of Violence and Religion in Early Medieval Germany," provides a detailed history of the Frankish-Saxon Wars and the formation of the Carolingian Empire. The book explores the strategies used by the Franks to build a Christian empire and the role of religion in the conflict. Cragle also attempts to portray the Saxons and their society, despite limited sources. The book offers a fresh perspective on the Carolingian era and is a valuable resource for those interested in this period of history. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Religionswissenschaft is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

"The Bloomsbury Handbook of Japanese Religions" is a comprehensive collection of scholarly contributions that covers a wide range of academic fields and explores various aspects of religion in Japan. It examines the impact of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic on religious life and research, and addresses themes of vulnerability, dissolution, and resilience in Japanese religion. The Handbook of Contemporary Japanese Religions covers topics such as activism in response to natural disasters, the interpretation of Islam in Japan, the connection between religion and technology, and the spirituality market in Japan. It offers a diverse and inclusive perspective with contributions from scholars across Europe, the USA, and Japan, making it a valuable resource for researchers and general readers interested in Japanese religions and religious studies. [Extracted from the article]

Janine Anderson Sawada's book, "Faith in Mount Fuji: The Rise of Independent Religion in Early Modern Japan," examines the development of Fujikō, a religious movement in early modern Japan. The movement originated from lay associations centered around pilgrimage to Mount Fuji and eventually became a more formal religious system. Sawada explores the categorization of Fujikō as a popular religion and delves into various aspects of the movement, including rituals, criticism of religious policies, and the suicide of its leader. The article focuses on Jikigyō, a religious leader in early modern Japan, and his beliefs and role in the Fujikō movement. Jikigyō advocated for cooperation between social classes and believed in the concept of the "Age of Miroku," a period of spiritual and social renewal. He criticized the worship of multiple deities and the financial gain of Buddhist religious professionals, rejecting paid ritual services and promoting frugality and compassion. The article also discusses Jikigyō's ritual suicide on Mount Fuji and the subsequent popularity of the Fujikō movement. It provides valuable insights into religious life during the Edo period and the relationship between merchant life and religious practices. [Extracted from the article]

The article analyzes the concept of justice in the sources of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It focuses on the analysis of this concept in the Bible and the Quran, examining the Old Testaments and the letters of Saint Paul in the Bible, as well as the Quran in Islam. The book consists of four monographic articles that explore the concept of justice in these three monotheistic religions. The influence of the Hebrew tradition on Pauline conception of justice is highlighted, and the concept of justice expressed through the Arabic term "adl" in Islam is examined. Reflection is made on the relevance of these traditions in the present day. [Extracted from the article]

"In the Shade of the Sunna: Salafi Piety in the Twentieth-Century Middle East" by Aaron Rock-Singer is a book that explores transnational Salafi piety in the Arab world, with a focus on Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The book examines a subset of Salafi movements that adhere to a neo-Hanbali approach to Islam, emphasizing the exclusive sovereignty of God and deriving all laws directly from the Qur'an and the Sunna. It delves into the daily practices of Salafis, such as prayer, gender segregation, dress style, and etiquette, which serve as ethical markers and distinguish them from secular society. The book also discusses the impact of Salafism on the Islamic landscape and its limitations in political and social settings. While the book provides valuable insights into the sociocultural fabric of Salafism, it could benefit from more in-depth ethnographic study and comparative religion studies. [Extracted from the article]

"The Mystical Presence of Christ: The Exceptional and the Ordinary in Late Medieval Religion" is a book by Richard Kieckhefer that explores the practices and beliefs of medieval Christianity. Kieckhefer examines both the ordinary aspects, such as liturgy and devotion, and the extraordinary aspects, such as mysticism and magic. He argues that these practices and beliefs were embedded in legal due process, literacy, and a learned appreciation for the divine. The book focuses on the presence of Christ in medieval Christianity, exploring why some individuals had more extraordinary engagements with Christ and how these engagements were evaluated by contemporaries. Kieckhefer highlights various individuals and communities, providing cognitive and perceptual analysis of their experiences. The book also compares medieval Christianity to contemporary experiences of God's presence among evangelical American Christians. Kieckhefer emphasizes the reality of Christ's presence in medieval thinking and challenges modern assumptions about the historical reality of Jesus. The book does not aim to prove or disprove the reality of medieval Christians' experiences, but rather to take their faith seriously. [Extracted from the article]

The book "Speaking to the World. The Role of Religion at the Gates of the Great Reset" by author Juan Miguel Otxotorena addresses the debate about the participation of Christian intellectuals in public discussion. The author reflects on the need to reopen the dialogue between faith and reason, religion and culture, in a context of proposals for a Great Reset at an international level. The book is divided into three parts that explore the key moments and arguments of the debate, the relationship between faith and the world in the era of the market and consumerism, and a proposal for dialogue based on sensitivity to human dignity. The author highlights the importance of understanding the Christian message as a relevant response to the world's need for a reset. [Extracted from the article]

The article is a review of the book "What is Neurotheology?" written by Moisés Pérez Marcos. The book is part of the Library of Fundamental Concepts and addresses the topic of neurotheology, which seeks to identify the neural correlates of religious experiences. The author classifies the positions into five categories and analyzes the reductionist and non-reductionist positions of neuroscience in relation to religion. The technical and philosophical challenges of neuroscientific research in this field are also discussed. Overall, the book offers a critical and philosophical perspective on neurotheology. [Extracted from the article]

"Islamic Thought Through Protestant Eyes" by Mehmet Karabela is a book that explores the perspectives of northern European Protestant intellectuals, particularly German Lutherans, on Islam, Islamic history, the Ottoman Empire, Turks, and Arabs from 1650 to 1800. The book translates and analyzes university dissertations and disputations that are largely unknown to English-speaking scholars of the period. It covers various topics such as religion, philosophy, literature, historical change, racial and cultural difference, and reform of educational institutions. The book provides valuable insights into early modern intellectual history, the history of Islamic Studies and Orientalism, and Christian attitudes toward the non-Christian world. [Extracted from the article]