Stories about Religion from December, 2010
South Asia: Looking Back at the Citizen Media Storylines in 2010
You cannot leave South Asia region out of the picture as with nearly twenty three percent of the world's population, events in this region exert an enormous impact on the international system. Global Voices covered some of these events from a citizen media perspective. Let us review the popular posts of 2010 in this region.
Turkmenistan: New Muslims sewing the threads
Islam is on the rise among Turkmenistan’s young and the government has been responding with more Soviet-style oppression. But how long can this situation last? neweurasia’s Annasoltan interviews Forum 18’s John Kinahan for his perspective.
Zambia: Tina Banda, The Facebook Agony Aunt
To many people Facebook is a tool to announce what they are doing or what they have done, yet to some Zambians, it is being used as ‘Agony Aunt’ from which they are seeking advice on many social problems affecting them.
Ghana: Reflections on Christmas in Accra
Fiona reflects on Christmas in Accra, Ghana: “Pink plastic Christmas trees on sale by the side of the road. Inflatable Santas on sale by the side of the road. Flashing Santa hats on sale by the side of the road. Pictures of Jesus, hair clippers, rat poison, socks, kites, ‘white...
Lebanon: Not equal in life and in death
“Even after death, the Lebanese laws do not consider people equal…” states Rita Chemaly.
Political Buddhism In Sri Lanka
D.B.S. Jeyaraj highlights J.L. Devananda's take on political Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Devananda opines: “due to the influence of the Mahavamsa (scripture), a Buddhist Bikkhu (monk) is at liberty to engage in racist politics and promote Sinhala-Buddhist chauvinism and hatred.
Sudan: President Announces North Will Be Ruled By Islamic Law If South Separates
As the referendum on whether or not Southern Sudan will separate approaches, a few Sudanese bloggers have been busy commenting on the future prospects of their country. Recent comments made by the Sudanese President, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, about the implementation of Islamic Law in North Sudan if the South separates have sparked controversy
Bangladesh: Pitha-Pulis As Bengali Christmas Culinary Tradition
Bangladesh, Canada And Beyond shares pictures of the Bengali culinary tradition pitha pulis (rice powder cakes and pastries) which were adopted by the Christians in Bangladesh and West Bengal in India to celebrate Christmas.
Pakistan: The Blasphemous Use Of Blasphemy Law
The interpretation of Blasphemy law in Pakistan has, for long, aroused controversy and has been criticized and questioned by the human rights activists. It has been used as a tool to spread violence and incite fear specifically among the minorities. Neitzens call for amendment of the law.
Caribbean: Defining Moments of 2010
Many landmark events happened in the Caribbean this year, prompting reactions from the regional blogosphere. Here's a look back at some of the most important stories of 2010...
Cuba: A Cuban Christmas
Iván's File Cabinet says that “although the city does not have a Christmas atmosphere…in their way, Cubans celebrate Christmas.”
“In the beginning was the Word”: Blogs by Bible translators
This week Christians will celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christianity appears in many forms around the world and has around 2.2 billion adherents. In this post we take a look at the blogs of the people trying to make sure Christian scripture can be understood in as many languages as possible – Bible translators.
Pakistan: Being Smart About the Blasphemy Law
Teeth Maestro feels that Pakistan needs to be smart about its Blasphemy Law and that what is required now is to improve the law and, more so, to make its implementation more effective and impartial.
Egypt: Sacred Sinai Peninsula
The following narrative on the Sinai Peninsula by Nick still exhibits people's eternal interest and curiosity in sacred places.
Bahrain: A Bloody Ashura!
chowderchunk shares with us a video of bloody Ashura processions in Bahrain. [Warning: Video contains graphic images.]
Iran: Ashura in photos
Zohre has published several photos on Ashura ceremony in Iran.
Pakistan: Debating Blasphemy Cases
An interesting conversation is underway at All Things Pakistan where Adil Najam expressed his concern that the arrest of Dr. Naushad Valiyani on charges of blasphemy was nothing if not an act of spreading personal and petty hatred.
India: Churches in Kerala
In A Travel Blog of an Indian Backpacker, blogger & travel writer Lakshmi shares some interesting photographs of various churches in Kerala, India.
Cuba: Top 10 Cubans
Uncommon Sense begins his Top Ten List of Cubans who made a difference in 2010.
Azerbaijan: Hijab ban
Aaron in Azerbaijan [Eng] also comments on the recent law introduced in Azerbaijan prohibiting hijabs in schools. The blog wonders if the move is an attempt by the government to stop the further spread of radical Islam in the secular country.
Azerbaijan: Hijab ban introduced in schools
Last week hundreds of protesters staged a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Education in Baku, Azerbaijan, expressing their outrage against new regulations banning the wearing of hijabs in schools. Bloggers react.
