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

Arai, Masami

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Japan

Images of the West in Ottoman-Turkish Discourses(10O)

Since the founding of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey has constituted a part of Europe from various aspects. In the face of Turkish invasion, Gregorios Palamas, a Greek archbishop of fourteenth century Salonica, wrote with surprise that Turks did not see a big difference between Islam and Christianity, I.e., monotheistic religions, saying that the time would come when "we" would all agree. As a result of this attitude, there existed many Christian ruling elite in the Ottoman Empire in spite of its Islamic origins. Hence, the boundary between Islamic and Christian domains was, in the eyes of the Ottomans, not clearly perceptible. In such an empire, the reform movement inevitably emerged as an effort to execute the innovation achieved in the western part of the same world where they lived. Thereby the West could easily be set as the goal they should reach, whereas the reform was carefully shown as an Islamic one.

Organized panel, English
Arai, Toshikazu

Soai University, Japan

The View of Life and Bio-Ethics in Pure Land Buddhism(02J)

Pure Land Buddhism is founded on the belief that our life transmigrates from one state of existence to another and that we can be liberated from the pains of birth and death by relying on Amida Buddha's Primal Vow. The driving force of transmigration is our action (karma), which in turn is caused by our innate blind passions. This implies that all human actions are by nature evil because they are motivated to satisfy human needs. The corollary of this view is that any advanced technologies in our civilization are evil because they are founded on immense sacrifice of life. However, it is also true that we cannot live outside civilization even though it was created by our blind passions. We need to examine each case of technological endeavor with the thought that all living beings are interrelated and that they all wish to shun pain.

Organized panel, English
Arakawa, Toshihiko

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Japan

The Method of Understanding in Max Weber's Sociology of Religion(05V)

At the beginning of Max Weber's "Religious Groups (The Sociology of Religion)" in Economy and Society, Weber says, "The essence of religion is not even our concern, as we make it our task to study the conditions and effects of a particular type of community action." This phrase is well known simply as Weber's empirical attitude to the problem of origin or essence of religion, but its methodological meaning has been given little attention. The latest studies on the genesis of the texts in Economy and Society, however, have brought to light that the treatise "on Some Categories of Interpretative Sociology", which was published in 1913 separately in the journal Logos, is the indispensable conceptual introduction to the substantial chapters, and the concept of community action(Gemeinschaftshandeln) is the most important one in this treatise. Thus, the "Religious Groups" needs to be reinvestigated from the view of interpretative (understanding) sociology.

Organized panel, English
Araki, Michio

Kokushikan University, Japan

The Problem of Contact and Transculturation in the Formation of Modern Japan(01F)

The understanding of religious phenomena as the central task of History of Religions is now more urgent in the midst of the crisis of the Twenty-first Century. What urges us now to engage in a hermeneutics of contact situation began at the age of the Great Navigations, which brought different cultures and religions of the world into radically new hermeneutical situations. The history thereafter brought about the global situation of colonialism, imperialism and all sorts of exploitation/alienation and the formation of the West/Non-West, from which popular religion emerged to overcome these crises. The whole development of world history involved contacts in every phase of its process, and the concepts and categories produced during this process, including those of religions, must be reassessed on the basis of the hermeneutics of "contact situations." We will discuss a whole range of hermeneutical problems of religion(s) dealing with each specific historical experience involved in the "contact situations."

Organized panel, * Session Abstract, English
Araki, Michio

Kokushikan University, Japan

The Problem of Contact and Transculturation in the Formation of Modern Japan(01F)

It is often pointed out that various elements of modernity had been developing within the feudal society of Tokugawa Japan. But the meaning of modernity changed completely when naval forces of Western powers haunted Japanese coasts and a team of samurai visited Shanghai during the Opium War to discover Western colonialism developing all over the world. All-out efforts of the new nation-state of Japan to introduce Western systems and institutions in Japan under the motto of "Japanese spirit and western technology" to be even with Western nations, however, resulted in the erosion of indigenous traditions. This presentation deals with the meaning of transculturation, focusing on the aspects of religious life of fast-changing modern Japanese society.

Organized panel, English
Araki, Michio

Kokushikan University, Japan

Conquests and State Religions in Ancient Mesoamerica(15R)

*respondent

Organized panel, English
Arap Chepkwony, Adam Kiplangat

Moi University, Kenya

Forgiveness: The Divine Gift of Healing and Reconciliation(15E)

The Kalenjin people of Kenya believe that there is nothing that cannot be forgiven. Individuals are thus admonished to forgive anyone who asks for forgiveness regardless of the offence. Forgiveness is perceived as a divine gift that enables individuals to heal, reconcile and create a peaceful environment. In this paper I shall explore how the Kalenjin community puts this concept into practice, first by showing how forgiveness brings peace within the family and then by demonstrating how the community utilizes the concept of forgiveness to maintain harmony within itself and amongst its neighbours. Finally, I will discuss how forgiveness becomes the basis for reconciliation between individuals and members of the community and the Supreme Being. The paper concludes by suggesting how the Kalenjin concept of forgiveness can be of value to conflicts experienced in Africa and globally.

Organized panel, English
Arimune, Masako

Osaka University, Japan

The Current State of the Russian Orthodox Church(05T)

Russia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, and its religious situation has been made more complex through the drastic by the changes that have occurred in the structure of the government. The Russian Orthodox Church was the state religion in pre-Communist times and it is still the single most influential religious organization in the country. However, it regards the existence of "alternative" Orthodox Churches and the activities of Western denominations in Russia as a threat to its existence. Consequently, the Russian Orthodox Church has shown tendencies of restorationism, meaning that it seeks to revert back to the traditional "Orthodox type" of church-state relations, closely cooperating with the secular government in various spheres. This reactionary tendency can also bee detected in the arguments regarding internal matters of the Church. Our panel will discuss the current religious situation in Russia and present its socio-cultural characteristics in comparison to Japan.

Organized panel, * Session Abstract, English, Russian (, Japanese)
Arimune, Masako

Osaka University, Japan

The Problems of Liturgical Language in Russian Orthodox Church: Tradition and Reform(05T)

This report will focus on the religious-cultural aspect of the controversy; whether to continue the traditional "sacred" Church-Slavonic (CS) or to pursue the "modern" Russification. Russian Orthodox Church has been using CS, which was formed in order to spread the religion among Slavic peoples. Since the 19th century, however, difficulty in understanding CS has become a focal point of debate over "Russification" of the liturgical language inside/outside the Church. A priest who had started working toward this Russification since 1990s was prohibited from his activities. The debate became more intense beyond solution. The selection of (a) liturgical language(s) is an issue that various traditional denominations face today and the selected language may provide a yardstick for judging the relation of a denomination and its society. Therefore, the debate above prepares the way for considering the relation among the three: the Church, the government and the multi-confessional society of post-Soviet Russia.

Organized panel, English, Russian (, Japanese)
Arinin, Evgeny I.

Vladimir State University, Russia

Students Identification in Modern Russian Pluralistic Society(05T)

Though 65% of students (2500 respondents) consider themselves to be 'believers' in some sense, only 9% of them identify themselves primarily as believers. The Bible is authoritative only for 3%; priests are authoritative for 2%. These results show a considerable indefiniteness and instability in their world orientation. They are rather independent: 45% do not refer themselves to any of the given 'categories', and 73% think that only their own experience is authoritative. One can also clearly see a religiously constructive approach towards political power: 82% believe that a president should neither be an atheist or a non-Christian. The rating of political leaders is very low, with approval at only 1%. 49% support the equality of all religions general. It's impossible to name this worldview as 'deism' (56%) or 'Christianity' (only 26% believe in Christ's Resurrection), when 65% say that they are believers.

Organized panel, English, Russian (, Japanese)
Arnold, Philip P.

Syracuse University, USA

Iroquois Land Claims and Religious Freedom in the USA(01F)

The Haudenosaunee (I.e., Iroquois) Thanksgiving Address (Ohenton Karihwatehkwen) is an oration performed before all gatherings. It affirms the reciprocal relationships and duties between human beings and Creation. For the Haudenosaunee a sacred reality is embedded in a living world. In contrast Americans understand how meaningfully inhabit the world as private property. Material life is reduced to its monetary value. Over the last several decades there have been several land claims brought by the Haudenosaunee Nations in Upstate New York. Controversies between the Haudenosaunee and "anti-Indian groups" like the Upstate Citizens for Equality (UCE) over land claims that date back to treaty agreements on the eighteenth-century reveal unexamined religious dimensions of American culture. Disputes over land are considered religious issues for the Haudenosaunee and considered economic or political issues for non-Native Americans. Leaving these matters to the court does not reveal the cultural issues involved.

Organized panel, English
Arnold, Philip P.

Syracuse University, USA

Women, Religion, and War(03C)

*chairperson

Organized panel, English
Arnold, Philip P.

Syracuse University, USA

(12L)

Roundtable session

Asad, Talal

City University of New York, USA

(02L)

Roundtable session

Asai, Yoshifusa

Aichi Gakuin University, Japan

Zen Buddhism in the U.S.(08F)

Currently, Soto Zen missionary work of non-Japanese is seeing some success and there are many Euro-American Zen centers throughout America and Europe. In Japan, sharing the teaching and ancestral worship of the members was closely linked; hence, a resident minister's main income came from performing memorial services, rather than teaching meditation. There were few resident ministers who received monetary rewards for teaching Zen, although in America, especially in the mainland, the income of Euro-American Zen centers came from the minister's teaching meditation. The difference in sharing the teaching reflects the contrasting spiritual needs of the Japanese and American members. In this speech, I will examine whether Zen Buddhism in the U.S. still belongs to Japanese culture or whether it has become a unique part of American culture.

Organized panel, Japanese
Asakawa, Yasuhiro

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan

The Space and Scenery in Pilgrimage: In the Case of a Japanese Pilgrimage(03P)

This paper discusses how people live in the pilgrimage space, which is the social space created by pilgrims traveling there, with a case study of Shikoku Henro (Japanese Folk-religious pilgrimage). This Japanese pilgrimage has ambivalent images. It is often described as not only something cheerful, bright and vibrant, but also as dark and suffering. Why does it happen? First, I review how religious studies have treated pilgrimages in Japan, and then introduce the model about pilgrimage space made by a geographer's achievement. Next, I verify the existence of a third pilgrimage space located outside of both holy places and pilgrimage trails by examining historical temple registers. Among many pilgrims, especially the poor ones wandered around the space seeking for the help given by local residents through local custom called settai. Lastly, I discuss how local residents recognize and experience the pilgrimage space from the viewpoint of anthropology.

Symposium, English
Asano, Haruji

Kokugakuin University, Japan

The People Requesting Daoist Rituals and Daoist Priests(11H)

While the common people are involved in religious activities within the framework of folk beliefs, they request Daoist Priests, if necessary, to conduct Daoist rituals for them. Daoist Priests offer Daoist rituals that people need on request. Daoist Priests play a role in connecting people and the Daoist tradition. The relationship between Daoist Priests and their clients described above has diversified the kinds of Daoist rituals the Priests perform and made formation of Daoist' groups that conduct rituals flexible. The relationship has also made Daoist Priests conduct Daoist rituals that partly deviate from traditional ones. I would like to discuss features of Daoist rituals of Taiwan focusing on the relationship between clients and Daoist Priests, based on data obtained through fieldwork in Tainan area in southern Taiwan.

Organized panel, English
Ashina, Sadamichi

Kyoto University, Japan

Tillich and Theology of Peace(13U)

*respondent

Organized panel, Japanese
Ashina, Sadamichi

Kyoto University, Japan

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

From ancient times, religion and society have exerted many-sided interactions with each other and it is necessary to understand religions in their social contexts. This point of view also applies to the religious situation of East Asia. In this panel, we aim to discuss the religions of East Asia and their relations with social justice (against war, poverty, discrimination etc.), and focus on the Mu-Kyokai Christianity of Japan and South Korea as an example. It is because Mu-Kyokai Christianity has historically been involved in the realization of social justice and can be considered as a precious and representative example. We especially examine the UCHIMURA Kanzo, KIM Kyo-Shin, HAM Sock-Hon, and ITO Michiko.

Organized panel, * Session Abstract, Japanese
Asoya, Masahiko

Kokugakuin University, Japan

Scientific Study of Shinto and Theological Study of Shinto(02A)

It seems to me that there are currently two types in the study of Shinto; the scientific study of Shinto and the theological study of Shinto. The following fields are included in the scientific study of Shinto: (1) history of religion, (2) Japanese history, (3) Japanese folklore, (4) archeology, (5) Japanese mythology, and (6) history of Japanese thought. The purpose of the theological study of Shinto is to study Shinto itself from a theological perspective. Before World War II, almost all scholars who were engaged in the study of Shinto were believers in Kamigami and worshiped Tenno (the Emperor). Some recent scholars in the study of Shinto, however, have tried to criticize Shinto and have taken a critical attitude toward Tenno. I would like to make a distinction between these two types in the study of Shinto; the scientific study of Shinto and the theological study of Shinto.

Organized panel, English
Asoya, Masahiko

Kokugakuin University, Japan

The Development of Shinto in Folk Culture(06P)

Judging from its deep relationship to rice cultivation, it can be assumed that Shinto emerged during the Yayoi period during which paddy rice cultivation was first introduced to Japan. In Shinto, the most important rites are the spring festival, in which prayers are offered to the kami asking for an abundant harvest, and the autumn festival, in which gratitude is expressed for successful harvests. Based on this relationship between rice cultivation and Shinto rites, the way of life in Japan came to be formulated based on putting one's trust (representing unconscious belief) and faith (representing conscious belief) in the kami. Even today, the vast majority of Japanese put their trust into the powers of the kami. I tend to categorize Shinto shrines (jinja) into two types: (1)Ubusuna-type shrines, and (2) Kanjou-type shrines. Ubusuna-type shrines are basically communal in character and their function is to perform the spring and autumn festivals and to offer prayers for peace in the village. Kanjou-type shrines – which include Inari shrines, Hachiman shrines, and Tenmangu shrines – are shrines characterized by individual prayer and worship. A syncretism of Shinto and Buddhist deities is one of the defining feature of this type of shrine. In this paper, I want to discuss the reason for the development of the Kanjou-type of Shinto shrines.

Organized panel, English
Atiemo, Abamfo

University of Ghana, Ghana

Punish My Husband But Not so Hard: Religious and Customary Values and the Legal Approach to Human Rights in Ghana(14L)

Currently Ghana is discussing a "Domestic Violence Bill." The proliferation of radio stations that use both local languages and English has helped the discussions to take place at the ordinary people's level. Individuals and groups have expressed fears about various aspects of the bill. These fears have generally been related to religious and customary values about the privacy of the home, conjugal rights and responsibilities of couples, the upbringing of children and the future of the institution of marriage itself. With a culture that is largely attached to customary and religious values and which frowns on litigation, it is no wonder that the proposed legislation is being viewed with widespread discomfort and suspicion. This paper examines the religious and customary values underpinning these fears and suspicions, and explores a possible integrative approach that combines traditional and religious understandings of social transformation with legal approaches that seek to enhance the fortunes of human rights in contemporary Ghana.

Organized panel
Awazu, Kenta

The Institute of Oriental Philosophy, Japan

Nationalism as Collective Memory(11I)

Nationalism is a modern myth and could be understood as a certain form of social construction of the collective memory. War memorials, national cemeteries, and related commemorational ceremonies, at both the national and local levels, have an important roll for this construction. This paper introduces the historical development of these kinds of institutions in Japan and investigates them in terms of their symbols and forms and tries to understand hybridized nature of nationalism spread among advanced countries.

Organized panel, English
Aydin, Mehmet

Selcuk University, Divinity Faculty, Turkey

Le Rôle des Religions d'Empêcher la Violence(14C)

Les Religions qui existent actuellement on les possibiltes d'assurer la paix mondials. On peut voir tout ca dans toutes les religions du Judaisme au Shintoisme. Bien que toutes les relgions offrent ce qui est necessaire pour etablir la paix mondial pourquoi ne veulent-elles pas charger de ces responsabilites? Porquoi ne peuvent-elles pas mettre fin au conflits? La questions essentielle reside dans la reponse de cette questions. Il faut souligner que les hommes ne connaissent pas sufisamment la religions a la quelle ils appartiennent les hommes qui ne connaissent ni leur religion ni celle des autre, ne s'agissent pas par les sentiments religiuex au contraire ils agissent par des sentiments pragmatiques et par les sentiments d'interet. A ce sujet les etablissement religieux et les chefs sprittueles portent de grandes responsabilites. A cet egard, on ne peut pas dire qu'qu'ils accomplissent ce qui leur incombe. A vrai dire, pour etablir la paix les chefs spirituelles et les responsabilites doivent avoir conscientce de leur responsabilites. Malgres toutes sortes de pressions politiques et economiques il faut que tous les responsables puissent expliquer leurs idees pour assurer la paix mondiale. Venez donc, informer les notes, et puis les membres des autres religions. Rependons la tolerance et la solidarite des religions dans le monde entier. A mon avis, c'est en agissant ainsi que nous pouvons parvenir a la paix mondiale desiree par nous tous.

Organized panel, French
Azami, Noriaki

Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Japan

The concepts of Samaropa and Apavada in the Doctrine of the Three Self-natures(14M)

In this paper, I studied the Doctrine of the Three Self-natures (trisvabhava) in the Philosophy of Consciousness-only, and focused more particularly on samaropa (sgro'dogs pa 増益) and apavada (skur pa 'debs pa 損減). In the Doctrine of Consciousness-only, samaropa means 'to see something in the non-existent' and apavada means 'to take something existing as non-existent.' According to the Yogacara school, samaropa and apavada are frequently mentioned in commentaries on emptiness. The Yogacara school stresses the importance of the fact that these two notions should be used in the commentaries on the Three Self-natures. This paper examines several commentaries dealing with the relationship between samaropa and apavada, and the Three Self-natures in order to better understand this relationship. Sanskrit originals were used as well as Tibetan and Chinese translations.

Organized panel, French
Azuma, Kentaro

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan

Doctrine and Devoutness: A Study of a Catholic Charismatic Movement in the Province of Capiz, Philippines(09I)

My paper focuses on the activities of a Catholic charismatic movement named "The Divine Mercy," the largest religious organization in the province of Capiz, Philippines, in order to show the paradox of the coexistence of "orthodoxy" and "heterodoxy" in their activities of "healing" and "revelation." By emphasizing "orthodoxy" on the one hand and by persisting in its "heterodoxy" on the other hand, "The Divine Mercy" continues negotiating with official Catholic doctrine. In other words, it does not only follow the Catholic Church, but shifts and reforms the doctrine itself. Here, we have to re-examine the dichotomy of "orthodoxy/heterodoxy" and to face the believer's "devoutness" to shed light on their reality.

Organized panel, Japanese