Islam’s adaptation to the West: on the deconstruction and reconstruction of religion

This article describes the process of the deconstruction and reconstruction of Islam in its transition from an Islamic to a Western culture, and does so from a hermeneutical perspective. In this process of reinterpretation of tradition 'Western' Muslims have a number of options: traditionalism, moderate orthodoxy, fundamentalism, radicalism and religious liberalism. On the basis of the process of change in orthodox Reformed churches in the last part of the twentieth century, I describe the process of change among Muslims who have to find a way in Western Europe. This process of reinterpretation in such a different context necessarily triggers off a discussion of the principles of fiqh and the right understanding of the Qur'an and hadith. In this discussion the 'options' mentioned arise. This hermeneutical analysis adds theological insights to processes of change and conflict that often are analysed only in terms of social-economic processes, and can help to understand the developments also from a theological perspective. © 2007 Scottish Journal of Theology Ltd

On Blasphemy: An Analysis

This contribution deals with two questions: a) what is blasphemy and what is the difference between blasphemy and discrimination?, and b) does the state have responsibilities to protect citizens against blasphemy? Although it cannot do without fundamental critiques society also needs social cohesion. I discuss British and Canadian law in relation to blasphemy. With reference to the distinction between two aspects of human identity - how we are made without our own doing, and how we have come into being because of our own values and beliefs – I indicate the difference between discrimination and attacks on what is holy to a person

Mast cells, eosinophils and IgE-positive cells in the nasal mucose of patients with vasomotor rhinitis - An immunohistochemical study

Vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) is a disorder of unknown pathogenesis. Forty patients with VMR were carefully selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria proposed by Mygind and Weeke. Nasal biopsy specimens were taken in the patient group as well as in a group of ten controls. Brush cytology was also taken in the VMR group. Inflammatory cells were identified and counted in the nasal mucosa, with the use of immunohistochemical techniques and a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Eosinophils were studied with the use of BMK13, EG2, and Giemsa. Mast cells were studied with anti-chymase (B7), anti-tryptase (G3) and toluidine blue. Sections were stained with IgE as well. There was no significant difference in the number of eosinophils, mast cells and IgE-positive cells between the two groups. Additionally, in contrast with other reports, in sections that were double-stained with anti-chymase and anti-tryptase, single chymase-positive cells were found