Usuteaduslik Ajakiri

Mittereligioossus Eestis: põlvkondlik vaade

Atko Remmel — 2024-11-28

Nonreligion in Estonia: generational approach
Based on the interviews with the nonreligious in Estonia – where religion has been marginal in the public sphere for almost 60 years – the article explores generational differences among the nonreligious in their attitudes and sets of ideas about (non)religion. According to the findings, the paper argues that there are two types of nonreligion: one that emerges from contact with religion and characterizes mainly the older generation, and another one that emerges from the lack of contact and characterizes mainly the middle-aged and younger generation. As (non)religion is often considered a combination of identities, beliefs, and practices, the article argues that a central element of Estonian nonreligion is the normativity of nonreligion in society. This perception defines not only general attitude, but also the spheres of religion and nonreligion, so both are understood primarily as different solutions to personal well-being.

Hiina serviis ja roosa elevant: kuninga paljast taguotsast surmalähikogemusteni

Roland Karo — 2024-12-05

A Rare China Set and the Pink Elephant: from the King’s Naked Butt to Near-Death Experiences

In this paper, we address two interdependent epistemological presumptions in the study of Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), one of which is almost entirely hidden but has an enormous impact on how to interpret the existing empirical evidence. These are: 1) that since consciousness is a brain function, NDEs have to be explained in terms of brain activity; 2) that except for one or another characteristic deviation the rest of the brain works more or less normally during the NDEs. We show that both presumptions run directly against the existing empirical evidence and that neither of them is necessary. We then develop a model that views NDEs on two axes, based on the continuity and discontinuity elements of the reported cases with respect to normal waking consciousness. We arrive at the conclusion that consciousness is better understood as mediated rather than generated by the brain which in turn leads us to propose that traditional substance dualism may deserve more credit than previously believed. The last, highly exploratory section of the paper attempts a „positive program“ on how to interpret the arguments proposed on a broader scale.

Uurija positsioonist religiooniuuringutes

Indrek Peedu — 2024-12-16

Position of the Scholar in the Study of Religion
This article offers a thorough analysis of the issue of scholarly positioning in the study of religion. Positioning here means the issue of the relationship of the scholar and that or those what (s)he is studying. The primary focus of the article is the justifiability of the main conceptualizations (methodological agnosticism, methodological naturalism, neutrality, dialogical positioning) of the position of the scholar, followed by a comparative assessment of their strengths and weaknesses, similarities and differences. It will be shown why none of these conceptualizations offer a properly satisfying solution to the positioning dilemma. Based on that the latter part of the article discusses a couple of options how to cope with such a situation.