K. M. University, India Christianity in the Land of Santhals: a study of Resistance and Acceptance in Historical Perspective(03U)

Hataway, James Earl

University of Tennesse, USA

D.T. Suzuki and the Academy: Has Scholarship Done Its Job?(13Q)

In recent years, the works of Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro (better known in the West as D.T. Suzuki) have been subjected to multiple scholarly criticisms. Suzuki has been labeled as a reductionist thinker, a promoter of sectarian biases, and a supporter of Japanese imperial expansionism. Consequently, the value of Suzuki's scholarship has come into serious question, and his future reputation within the academy has become an uncertainty. In this paper I attempt to re-examine Suzuki's reputation in the academy in light of such criticisms. I argue that Suzuki, despite the shortcomings of his work, is not without value to scholars of Zen Buddhism, or the casual student of East Asian religious traditions. In so doing, I take careful consideration of Suzuki's Sitz im Leben and the audience for whom his work was intended.

Organized panel, English
Hattori, Kozui

International College for Advanced Buddhist Studies, Japan

Nirvana and Peace(15C)

Nirvana is a religious and spiritual term that shows the final goal of a Buddhist. Peace is a political and social word. I have studied Nirvana in Early Buddhism from a philological standpoint. As we are in times where World Peace is something that is to be thought about, I have chosen "Nirvana and Peace" as my topic. In Early Buddhist texts, we can see a sutra that defines Nirvana (=Nibbana), "The destruction of lust, hatred, illusion is called Nibbana."(S.IV.251) The meaning of Nibbana is generally said to be "the extinction of fire", I.e. the ceasing of the three kinds of fire; raga, dosa, moha. I believe that the antonym of 'peace' is 'war.' This is caused by national lust (national interests), hatred, and illusion, and only when these three kinds of fire are extinguished, will Peace be realized in this world.

Organized panel, English
Hawley, C. John

Santa Clara University, USA

Religion and the Sinews of Identity in National Diasporas(03K)

The fatwah ultimately pronounced against the novelists Salman Rushdie resulted from the outcry raised principally by Muslims living in Bradford, UK, and elsewhere outside the recognized Islamic world. Some of the most virulent Zionism is financed in the United States. Christianity often casts itself in outsider roles in "pagan" lands. The point here is that one's religion can take the place of nationalism when one is living in a land that is unwelcoming and uncanny. My paper will examine this phenomenon as, first, a source and instance of conflict, but also as the occasion for a transnational understanding of the unity that may be possible if a common quest for transcendence can be understood. What has been called a "clash of civilizations" by some may be seen in the more specific context of individuals joining together against a projected "other" that often shares a similar dedication to non-material values. A hermeneutic for speaking across cultural divides shapes much contemporary literature.

Organized panel
Hayashi, Makoto

Aichi-Gakuin University, Japan

The Study of Japanese Buddhism and Academism(02S)

Where did the academic study of Japanese Buddhism start from? In Japan the disciplines of Religious studies and Buddhist studies were introduced around 1900 by scholars who had studied in Western countries. But Japanese Buddhism was outside their concerns. The "History of Buddhism" published in 1894 by a Buddhist scholar, Senshou Murakami marks the beginning of the empirical study of Buddhism. The Historiographic Institute of Tokyo University collected historical records of temples, and some researchers working there, such as Tsuji Zennosuke, were interested in the history of Japanese Buddhism. In the 1920s Buddhist universities were established and it became possible to study the theology of Japanese Buddhist schools under the academic label of Buddhology. The above-mentioned three disciplines - Buddhist studies, Japanese history and Buddhist theology - became the vessels of the study of Japanese Buddhism. Among them, Japanese history only could explore the history of Japanese Buddhism beyond sectarian divisions.However, we must pay attention to the partiality that the historical narrative on Japanese Buddhism has shown towards the Kamakura sects.

Organized panel, English
Hayashi, Makoto

Aichi-Gakuin University, Japan

Varieties of Tokugawa Religion(12P)

In this panel, American and Japanese specialists in Tokugawa Religion present their latest researches and exchange their views. The panel organizer chose not to set any unified theme or perspective for this panel. The panelists, therefore, can present freely their studies based on the historical materials and the perspectives of their own choice. For this panel, Christianity, Shirakawa Shinto, Soto Zen, and Fujiko are picked up as presentation topics. The panelists discuss new sources in respective fields and thus attempt to provide "fresh look" to these subjects. The study of Tokugawa Religion has long been dominated by Japanese scholars, but now there appears to be brilliant books in this field written by non-Japanese, particularly by American scholars. It is our hope that this panel will catalyze future research and cooperation among American and Japanese scholars.

Organized panel, * Session Abstract, English
Hazama, Yoshiki

Kyoto Koka Women's University, Japan

An Aspect of Japanese Religious Mentality in the Early Modern Japan;A Homogeneity of Christian with Ikkosyu(07K)

Japan had the most number of Christians during the so-called "Christian Century" from the middle of 16th century to the middle 17th century. At the time, the Jesuits exerted themselves to evangelize the people in order to increase the number of their believers. As proved by a letter of the Jesuits, it is just a group of Ikkousyu's pagans that was the most huge obstacles of their missionary works, who believed in the similar dogmas to European Protestantism. In this presentation, I will compare the character of Kirishitan [Christians in Japan] to Ikkosyu's believers in their faith, and prove a historical phase as follows : the European mentality drastically changed during the Reformation by Martin Luther and others, but such spiritual changes were also discovered by the Jesuits in the so-called "Christian Century" in Japan.

Organized panel, Japanese
Hazama, Yoshiki

Kyoto Koka Women's University, Japan

The Religious Situation in East Asia and Social Justice: Mu-Kyokai Christianity in Japan and South Korea(15I)

*respondent

Organized panel
He, Yansheng

Koriyama Women's University, Japan

Possibilities of Buddhist Thoughts (1)(09V)

*chairperson

Organized panel
He, Yansheng

Koriyama Women's University, Japan

Dogen's Zen as a Public Philosophy(17P)

"Public philosophy" as a field of study that crosscuts the social sciences has in recent years garnered much attention. As well, "public theology," which now reverberates in the world of Christian theology, has ushered forth an energetic debate on the public nature of theology. Taking suggestions from these new movements in research, and while specifically utilizing Fukanzazengi, Tenzuokyokun, and Shobogenzuo as my primary material, I will introduce the category of "public" and thus attempt to explore the universality as well as the practical application towards living, and moreover the interactiveness found in Dogen's Zen.

Organized panel, Japanese
Heinamaki, Elisa

University of Helsinki, Finland

Inner Violence-Outer Violence: Mysticism, Sacrifice and Modernity in the Thinking of Georges Bataille(03V)

The paper deals with the problem of violence in the thinking of Georges Bataille (1897-1962), the influential French writer and philosopher. The context is set by the fact that Bataille questions the project of modernity in the name of a certain religiosity. In this religiosity, violence - especially through the concept of sacrifice - plays a central role. In my presentation I will address, firstly, Bataille's concept of sacrifice as informed by his reading of Christian mystical thought. Secondly, I will try to evaluate the necessity of violence. Does sacrifice, as a form of identification with suffering, save from outer violence, as defenders of Bataille argue, or should we try to get rid of sacrifice altogether? Finally, I argue that Bataille's critique of modernity is a highly ambiguous project. The open question we are left with is whether the problematic violence at the center of Bataille's thinking is a problem of religion, or rather a problem of modernity.

Organized panel, English
Heinrich, Fritz

Georg-August-Universität, Germany

An Endeavour to Re-Establish the Study of Religions after 1945. Reflecting Notes on Gustav Mensching's 1948 Published Geschichte der Religionswissenschaft(02K)

Three years after the end of the Second World War with the capitulation of Germany, Gustav Mensching presented a small book titled "Geschichte der Religionswissenschaft". One year later he released in a second, revised edition both his 1938 published "Vergleichende Religionswissenschaft" and his 1940 published "Allgemeine Religionsgeschichte". Taken together the three books can be recognised as ambitious efforts to provide a new basis for the Study of Religions. The outline of Mensching's reasoning will be analyzed in regard to its performative structure and its propositional contents. In particular the information he provides about other scholars and about himself in regard to their positions since 1933 will be highlighted. As a result his historiography can be perceived as a resetting of the Study of Religions by eliminating unpleasant and awkward features of others and his previous work to assert a central position in the future development of the discipline.

Organized panel, English
Heisig, James W.

Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture, Japan

Rethinking Interreligious Dialogue: Challenges and Reorientations (2) Reconsidering Christianity(02G)

*respondent

Organized panel
Heisig, James W.

Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture, Japan

Mysticism and Violence(06Q)

This panel proposes to consider what the mystical tradition has to say about violence—violence against individuals, against social order, and against nature—and its overcoming. In particular, papers will be prepared on modern figures (Edith Stein and Simon Weil), on a classical Eastern Christian thinker (John Cassian) and on Spanish classical mystics (John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila) in comparison with the Islamic tradition. The format will give 15-20 minutes to each presenter, followed by an interchange among the participants and an open discussion with the floor.

Organized panel, * Session Abstract, English
Hendrikx, Valerie

University of Paris IV Sorbonne, France

Fas and Nefas : Religious Aspects of the Roman Night(15T)

The banning of women from night sacrifices, for which Cicero provides clear evidence, and more generally speaking the disgrace linked to the sacra nocturna (with the noteworthy exception of the cult of the Bona Dea), point to a nefas character of the night. That Agrippina or Commodus should have been buried at night is another sign of this. One could tie up these elements with the prohibition for the flamines to spend one night or more out of Rome (something nefas accorded to Livy). Mythology too reflects such a conception in making Night the mother of the Furies. Moreover night is the moment par excellence for the coming out of these beings that appear closely connected with darkness, as "ghosts", laruae or lemures ; it lends itself to actions related to superstitio, magic and witchcraft (one is reminded of Horatius' frightful witches).

Organized panel, English
Hendry, Donna Marie

Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Expressions of Difference: Buddhist Identity and Ethnic Conflict in Burma.(05S)

Buddhism has always been a dominant feature of Burmese culture, being used as a rallying tool against colonial domination and as a model of moral rule grounded in a dhamma-realm ideal. However, the pervasiveness of Buddhism has also been problematic, with it becoming implicated with the religio-ethnic conflict that has dominated Burmese politics since 1948. It has become a part of a wider process of 'Burmanisation', involving the state's attempt to eliminate ethnic differences and create a homogeneous society modeled on Burman culture. This paper will discuss how Buddhism has been integrated into Burman identity and has become a tool in the Burmanisation process. It will examine the role Buddhism has in sacralising Burman identity, and some of the challenges faced by Buddhism when it is incorporated into state ideology in an ethnically and religiously plural society such as Burma.

Organized panel, English
Hentrich, Thomas

Kyoto University, Japan

The Purity Laws as a Source for Conflict in the Old and New Testament(02N)

The purity laws in Lev 21, 17-23 play a central role in the subject of Disabilities and Religion. According to these prescriptions, it was forbidden for priests with certain disabilities to enter the temple and perform ritual sacrifices. It is possible that these purity laws might have been a by-product of the theological struggle with the neighboring Canaanite religion and its rites, since disabled and ill people seemed to have been less isolated in the Ancient Near Eastern environment. A good example for this is David's capture of Jerusalem, during which the „Blind and Lame" and their supposed impurity are placed at the center of the story (2 Sam 5, 6-8). In the New Testament, the purity prescriptions are an essential part in Jesus' healing episodes. On many occasions Jesus disregards the current laws and not only communicates with sick and disabled people, but in many cases heals them despite repeated warnings from the established priesthood. In this context, divine forgiveness of sins deliberately runs contrary to the literal fulfillment of the letter of the law. In the eyes of the priests, these violations of the purity and Sabbath laws are ultimately deciding the fate of Jesus.

Organized panel
Hermansen, Christian Morimoto

Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan

Ecumenical Christian Cooperation and Social Work in Kamagasaki, Osaka(10V)

As a part of their identity of being Christians, individuals and groups have been attracted by the needs of destitute people in the slum areas of Japanese cities since the late Meiji period years. Kamagasaki in Osaka is no exception. Today, many groups work in Kamagasaki, and in 1970 some of them formed a local ecumenical organization, today called Kamagasaki Kirisutokyo Kyoyukai 釜ヶ崎キリスト教協友会. Ecumenical work often occurs at a theological and theoretical level, less frequently at a practical level outside the common worship service. As praxis focused organization Kyoyukai offers much experience for a reflection on the relationship between faith, community service and religious organization. In my presentation I will outline the history of the Kyoyukai and discuss its achievements and future.

Organized panel, English
Herzog-Schroeder, Gabriele

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Germany

The Death of the Soul and the Shaman's Ancestors (Yanomami, Southern Venezuela)(10L)

Even though the Yanomami of Northern Amazonia cultivate gardens, their world view appears not to be typical for an "agri-culture", but demonstrates a strong ideological emphasis on the foraging way of life. In particular, the concept of hunting is powerful in various aspects of their culture. The concept of person and soul shows to be intertwined with shamanic strategies and a predatory notion towards the outer world: the natural environment and cosmological spheres beyond. In presenting the differential perspectives of the spiritual forces in respect to the genders and other emic classifications, an ample model of power within the Yanomami ideology can be illustrated. By analyzing the ideas of person, soul(s) and the vital principles of humans, as well as other beings, the presentation points to aspects of a Yanomami philosophy of environment and spirituality.

Organized panel, English
Herzog-Schroeder, Gabriele

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Germany

(12L)

Roundtable session, English

Hewitt, Marsha Aileen

University of Toronto, Canada

Religion in a Time of Terror: Religious Violence from a Comparative, Interdisciplinary Perspective(10C)

The relationship of religion and violence infuses most of the world's known religions on the levels of history, practice and belief. This paper will explore the internal dynamics of religious violence and religious terror/terrorism from philosophical, social theoretical and psychoanalytical perspectives. Hannah Arendt's distinction between violence, terror and power, Max Weber's concept of religion as world affirming and world negating, and contemporary psychoanalytic ideas such as dissociation, psychic equivalence and agency, provide a theoretical framework for understanding the internal dialectic of domination and submission, command and obedience that structures religious ideology. Both communal 'self' and 'other' are imaginary constructs whose vitality and realness are conjured and sustained by religious ideology, belief and practice. This paper will argue that religious ways of thinking engage most typically in concrete modes of psychic equivalence where the internal image is equivalent to the external world. The internal thought processes of concrete reductivism and psychic equivalence are central to religion's internal dialectic.

Organized panel, English
Hewitt, Marsha Aileen

Trinity College University of Toronto, Canada

Theoretical Approaches to Conflict and Peace(2)(10C)

*chairperson

Organized panel
Hida, Tsuyoshi

Japan

A Study of Religious Language as seen in the Shinto Classics(08T)

Religions in Japan, which are based on classical Shinto and influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity, have existed for hundreds of years in various forms, often with complex and complicated features, sometimes integrated, sometimes divided into several denominations. The variety of religion in Japan comes mainly from the various linguistic origins of the Japanese language and the accepting nature of Japanese people. This makes a sharp contrast with the Western linguistic system, especially in "langage" (the potentiality of language), "langue" (the linguistic system accepted by activities by society), and "parole" (linguistic activities by people). According to my study, I hope to reconfirm the Japanese religious identity in the synchronic aspects of "KOTOTAMA," the prayers related to "MATSURI" in the Shinto classics.

Organized panel, Japanese
Higashibaba, Ikuo

Tenrikyo Seminary, Japan

A Reflection on Reductionism: From Believer's Perspective(05K)

The heated debate over the reductionist versus nonreductionist approaches to the study of religions has cooled down in recent years. One problem that appears in consequence is, however, the obscurity of the position of the believer's point of view within the framework of the interpretation of religions. Should it be ignored at all in our approaches to the study of religions? This paper highlights the believer's view point and attempts to reexamine the reductionist-nonreductionist issue from that perspective.

Organized panel, English
Higashibaba, Ikuo

Tenrikyo Seminary, Japan

Christian Prayer in Tokugawa Japan(12P)

In 1600 the Society of Jesus published in Nagasaki a small book of Christian prayers titled Orasho no hon'yaku(translation of prayers). This book, written in Japanese, included 35 prayers and 11 articles of the principal Christian teachings. These "prayers" were transmitted by Japanese Christians throughout the Tokugawa period; they have survived the modern times and are still chanted by their descendants. This paper explores the meaning of the prayers to Japanese Christians during the Tokugawa period. It concerns itself with the following questions: What were the contents of the prayers, how were they chanted, and what do these observations show about the faith of Japanese Christians?

Organized panel, English
Hinga, M. Teresia

DePaul University, USA

Religion(s) and the Quest for Sustainable Peace: Gendered and Postcolonial Perspectives from the "Global South"(04V)

This panel will examine the theme of the conference through gendered lenses that bring from the periphery to the center, a critical examination of the role of women in the quest for peace. Papers in this segment will problematize the rather generic and often a-historical ways in which notions of religion and its connection with peace, or more often lack of it in the world are discussed. Focusing on examples and cases studies derived largely form the global south (and its diasporic, trans-border manifestation, hence the neologism glocal South ), papers will examine not only ways religion in which religion has been a factor in generating violence and "un-peace" for women in the so call " Two-Third World" , it will also critically examine women's responses to the crisis of violence and conflict today as they increasingly assert their moral agency and reclaim their space at the table as the global community seeks peace that is sustainable in the contemporary world. Panelists will be drawn from Asia, Africa and Latin America diasporic and transborder contexts in order to lift issues facing people from the global South as they and their religions cross and even transcend borders in an increasingly shrinking and globalized world. The papers will also strive to give a historical analysis of the theme by foregrounding post -colonial perspectives, implications and imperatives.

Organized panel, * Session Abstract
Hinga, M. Teresia

DePaul University, USA

Concerned and Engaged: Women, Religion and the Quest for Just-Peace in Africa(04V)

Using specific examples from the African religio- cultural and historical contexts, this paper will examine the nature of religiously based violence and conflict and highlight implications for women. It will examine for example the implications for women navigating the intersection of Africa's triple heritage of religion and culture: namely African Indigenous Religions, Islam and Christianity, as well as ways in which these religious heritages have facilitated violence against women or have acted as an antidote for the same. Beyond describing and examining the religious roots of various forms of violence against women, which is a major concern for women in Africa and beyond, I will foreground and critically respond to ways in which African women are responding to and engaging the issues of violence as they exercise their moral agency in naming and working to eradicate such violence. This analysis will be historical and contextual as we examine for example the role of women in various nationalist movements in the continent as well as specifically women's movements actively engaged in the quest for peace and justice. Specific attention will be given to the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, a pan-African organization of women from various religious traditions who have identified the critical hermeneutics of culture and religion as integral to the overall quest fro sustainable solutions to the issues that concern women and indeed the global community.

Organized panel