Ritual seks - Sex als ritueller Akt der Heiligenverehrung

The perception of Islam in Indonesia is radically reduced to its life-hostile and violent components. In contrast, Volker Gottowik emphasizes a different aspect. He focuses on heterodox practices that are examined in the context of pilgrimage and veneration of saints on Java. These include ritualized sexual contacts that pilgrims engage in with one another to receive the blessing of the revered saint. The analysis centers on the societal reactions to such practices. The conclusions drawn from this clearly indicate that an expanded perspective on Islam and Islamization is urgently needed.