Research Article
Ethiopian Evangelicals' Attitudes Towards and Responses to Climate Change: Implications for Environmental and Theological Research
Mikiyas Nigussie Sima*
,
Aklilu Dalelo,
Tibeb Tafess
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
69-78
Received:
25 August 2026
Accepted:
7 September 2026
Published:
27 September 2026
Abstract: The interplay between religion and climate change has been extensively assessed in the Global North. However, the Global South where religion plays a crucial social role and is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change remains less explored. Moreover, existing literature suggests a need for cross-national studies on evangelicalism and climate change within different contexts. In response, we examined the attitudes and responses of Ethiopian evangelicals to climate change using a quantitative approach. A questionnaire was administered to 264 respondents, representing four denominations in Addis Ababa. The results showed that the vast majority of respondents hold information about climate change that aligns well with the IPCC's assertions. The notion that evangelicals' doctrinal beliefs lead to anti-environmentalism isn’t supported here; respondents across denominations hold similar viewpoints. the study showed that majority of urban Ethiopian evangelicals (97.7%) believe climate change is real and primarily driven by human activity, placing higher trust in climate scientists (79.9%) and religious leaders (51.5%) than in government officials. These findings suggest that effective climate action plans in this context should be strategically channeled through faith-based platforms to enhance engagement. However, a gap exists between belief, level of concern, and practical responses. We concluded that Ethiopian evangelicals could potentially engage in climate action if obstacles to practical responses are addressed.
Abstract: The interplay between religion and climate change has been extensively assessed in the Global North. However, the Global South where religion plays a crucial social role and is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change remains less explored. Moreover, existing literature suggests a need for cross-national studies on evangelicalism and clim...
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Research Article
Hierarchical Differentiation and Mutual Interaction Between Official and Vernacular Ridge Ornamentation in Ming-Qing China
Yuxi Xing*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
79-84
Received:
2 September 2026
Accepted:
15 September 2026
Published:
28 September 2026
Abstract: Ridge ornaments (jishou), as essential decorative components of traditional Chinese roof architecture, serve both practical functions and carry rich symbolic significance. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, a marked hierarchical differentiation emerged between official and vernacular ridge ornamentation. Official architecture established a rigorous correspondence system between ridge beast quantities, types, materials, and building ranks, grounded in codified regulations such as the Daqing Huidian (Collected Statutes of the Great Qing). Vernacular architecture, operating under strict sumptuary constraints, nonetheless developed a remarkable diversity of regional substitute forms and creative adaptations. Yet hierarchical differentiation did not imply two parallel lines that never intersected—official norms exerted a top-down radiating influence on the vernacular sphere, while the flexible innovations of folk practice generated a bottom-up permeation and feedback, together shaping the overall landscape of Ming-Qing ridge ornament culture. Building upon a historical survey of ridge beast origins, this paper examines the institutional forms and regional characteristics of official and vernacular ridge ornamentation respectively, and then analyses the mechanisms of interaction and cultural implications between the two systems, with the aim of deepening our understanding of the dialectical relationship between "order and adaptation" in traditional Chinese architectural decoration culture.
Abstract: Ridge ornaments (jishou), as essential decorative components of traditional Chinese roof architecture, serve both practical functions and carry rich symbolic significance. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, a marked hierarchical differentiation emerged between official and vernacular ridge ornamentation. Official architecture established a rigorou...
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