Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
The thesis looks into the usefulness of using the concept 'catholic bias' as opposed to 'protestant bias'. This was done by examining the Catholic background of two anthropologists. It argues that...Show moreThe thesis looks into the usefulness of using the concept 'catholic bias' as opposed to 'protestant bias'. This was done by examining the Catholic background of two anthropologists. It argues that the Catholic background had an important influence on their anthropological work, which makes the concept of 'Catholic bias' interesting for further research. It further argues a positive contribution of religious backgrounds, or bias, as a source of inspiration and unique understanding.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
closed access
This research-master thesis focusses on the social implications of the Mithras cult in Rome’s port-city of Ostia. The social aspects of the cult have until now received little scholarly attention....Show moreThis research-master thesis focusses on the social implications of the Mithras cult in Rome’s port-city of Ostia. The social aspects of the cult have until now received little scholarly attention. A high number of sanctuaries dedicated to this cult are preserved in Ostia, most of which are architecturally well preserved. The methodology devised for this study is based on the concepts of Lived Religion and Spatiality. Drawing on these theoretical frameworks, a dataset of 17 sanctuaries was analysed at three distinct scales. Firstly, the sanctuaries, known as mithraea, were studied individually and compared to each other in terms of (ritual) use and decoration. Then all the mithraea were examined within their immediate urban surroundings to identify local spatial activities as well as common trends in spatial engagement. Lastly, the chronological and spatial development of the cult throughout the city was analysed, together with the relationship of these sanctuaries to the urban street network. This research yielded many novel results. In terms of ritual use, decorations, and the spatial engagement between the mithraea and their surroundings, this study identified numerous commonalities and significant variations. It can be suggested that these small religious communities transmitted thoughts and ideas to each other, and these seemed to have influenced architectural and stylistic decisions. The cult played an important role in the daily lives of a substantial number of relatively small groups of men, belonging to the mostly lower classes of society. These small religious groups formed a new social nucleus that partially replaced earlier social structures and family ties that were perhaps not so strongly present in the expanding city. The notions of ‘self’ and ‘us’ were built and fostered through initiation and exclusiveness, an obscurity attached to the sanctuaries, and the creation of a very distinct ritual identity. This identity was reinforced through the unique ritual functioning of these places and their appearance.Show less
In this thesis, I examined forms and elements of religiosity among Iraqi Shiite Muslim men who take part in activities organised by the Alcauther Stichting based in The Hague, where I conducted a...Show moreIn this thesis, I examined forms and elements of religiosity among Iraqi Shiite Muslim men who take part in activities organised by the Alcauther Stichting based in The Hague, where I conducted a field research during one year. I attempted to provide answers to the question how the attendees of Alcauther apprehend and apply normative knowledge on Twelver Shiite Islam in their daily lives and religiosity. I found that my respondents sought practical-oriented knowledge to improve their daily religiosity within the circumstances of their daily lives. I also found that they individualise their religiosity in social settings. This individualisation takes the shape of pragmatism, as in some instances, they consciously choose to abstain from applying religious rules because they don’t “fit” into certain social situations. Pragmatism could also be noted in their performance of these rituals due to their professional obligations. Finally, I described and discussed their performance of collective rituals during the month of Muharram.Show less
