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

On the Overseas Missionary Activities of Tenrikyo(08F)

The overseas mission of Tenrikyo was initiated by the Second Shinbashira, Nakayama Masayoshi, in 1915. After ninety years, Tenrikyo's missionary activities have now reached all the corners of the globe and they have been equally noticed for their positive and negative aspects. In North American and Latin American countries, where the mission is well established, the cultural and language differences form an impediment to the development of Tenrikyo, while the lack of candidates for the position of "head of church" is also becoming a problem. In Korea and Taiwan, the consciousness of ethnic difference rooted in the negative experiences made under Japanese colonial rule often affect the development of harmonious relations to the Tenrikyo Headquarter in Japan in a negative way. In Europe, the mission is still at a nascent stage, but appears to be developing comparatively smoothly due to the idea of Ecumenism introduced during Vatican II. The difference in culture, however, may provoke disagreement in the future. In order for Tenrikyo to overcome these cultural differences, it needs to learn from the strategy of inculturation employed by the Catholic Church.

Organized panel, Japanese
Morikami, Yuko

Ochanomizu University, Japan

Nitobe Inazo's Concept of "Cultivation"(09C)

Nitobe Inazo (1862-1933) was an educator as well as a Christian. He developed cultural exchange activities internationally, which functioned as a bridge between Japan and Western countries. He wrote Bushido, the Soul of Japan (1899) to introduce the Japanese spirit. His educational contribution was not limited in schools, but extended to the social education by writing moral issues for the popular publication. In every Nitobe's broad range of activities, there underlies his fundamental faith of Christianity. At this congress, I report an analysis of Nitobe's concept of "Cultivation" in moral issues. Through the process of clarifying the relevance between his Christianity and concept of "Cultivation," this analysis shows two points. First, his concept of "Cultivation" is based on his faith of "Inner Light by Quakers," which are endowed in all human beings equally. Second, it aims human "reconciliation" by showing mutual "goodness" or "sympathy." In conclusion, Nitobe aims to realize "Divine Immanence."

Organized panel, Japanese
Morimoto, Anri

International Christian University, Japan

Christianity at Crossroads: Seeking Asian Identities from a Theological Perspective(02E)

This panel is for theologians and historians interested in exchanging their views on the cultural dimensions of Christianity in Asia. As the demography of the world Christian population changes dramatically, careful re-examinations are called for with regard to the past reflections on the supposedly distinctive character of Asian Christianity. How do we define "Asia" in a theological perspective while giving due respect to the changing and diverse realities that Christians living in Asia experience? What will our findings be when we use our fragile, sometimes marginalized or diasporic, identity formation as interpretive keys beyond obvious or implicit "orientalism"? Inquiring into Asian identities from the Christian perspective will in turn stimulate inquiries into Christian identities from the Asian perspective. Where and how do we locate Asia in the cumulative two-millennium history of Christianity? What are the elements that compose the Christian identity amidst the multi-layered religious settings commonly found in Asia? These are some sample questions for discussion. The panel solicits qualified presenters and respondents, especially those with Chinese, Korean or Japanese aspects in focus.

Organized panel, * Session Abstract, English
Morimoto, Anri

International Christian University, Japan

Lex orandi and lex credendi of Asian Christianity: Asia as a Historical Concept(02E)

Asian theology seeks to explain the "lex orandi" of Asian Christians. As the demography of Christian population saw a dramatic change in the past century, Christians living in Asia need renewed articulation of their faith appropriate to their own contexts. Yet since Christianity is a positive religion, Asian Christians must remain historically connected to larger faith communities, keeping their theology anchored in the depositum of historical Christianity. Asian theologians often dismiss the entire tradition of Western Christianity in an effort to establish theological autonomy and try to relate directly to the New Testament, the only source of legitimacy and point of convergence in their understanding. Viewing tradition as an impediment to the unfettered exercise of human reason, however, may well be an indication of the influence of modern Western Enlightenment philosophy. How, then, can we come to terms with history while avoiding the pitfall of "inverted orientalism"?

Organized panel, English
Morishita, Saburo

Tenri University, Japan

Rethinking Violence in Japanese New Religious Movements(01R)

In Japan, and prior to the "Aum incident," the association between religion and violence for the most part was perceived as a highly unimaginable combination. The sarin-gas attack on the Tokyo subways in 1995, however, changed all of that when it not only shattered the image of religion at home, but also, became the Japanese representative case of religious violence on par with religious atrocities across the globe. Although an extreme example, the "Aum incident" indeed has been the only major focus of study with regard to religious violence in religious movements in Japan. Yet these inquiries have been carried out at the cost of overlooking patterns of violence associated with other religious movements. In this panel, therefore, we will examine different notions of that cross between Japanese new religious movements and violence with papers focusing upon theories of religious violence, the rhetoric of war, and media bullying.

Organized panel, * Session Abstract, English
Morishita, Saburo

Tenri University, Japan

Some Aspects of "Violence" in Japanese New Religious Movements(01R)

Although the framework of harmony and unity has long been held a lens for the understanding of Japanese religions, several studies have supported the view that conflict - and as a point not all that entirely new - may as well be added to the list of basic themes in Japanese religious history. Moreover, studies on Aum Shinrikyo have revealed ways in which internal and external conflict proved to be one of the multifaceted factors that led to some very extreme forms of religious violence. This paper, however, will endeavor to highlight other possible aspects of "violence" associated with Japanese new religious movements. It will engage in a theoretical overview of the interface between religion and "violence" by not only reviewing the connection between conflict and physical "violence," but also, by enlarging the scope of "violence" to include words, actions, or even images that may generate emotional harm to others.

Organized panel, English
Moritani, Mineo

Bukkyo University, Japan

The Problem of Judaism, Christianity, and Mohammedanism: Why do Judaism and Mohammedanism not Accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God (the Savior)?(17N)

One of many factors for conflict between the three Western monotheisms is the fact that Judaism and Mohammedanism do not regard Jesus Christ as the Savior (the Son of God). Today we face a dangerous phase in human history through the conflicts among these three religions. In my paper, I would like to examine the Old Testament to examine why Judaism and Mohammedanism do not regard Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

Organized panel, English
Moritani, Mineo

Bukkyo University, Japan

Philosophical Approaches to Conflict Resolution(17N)

*chairperson

Organized panel
Moriya, Tomoe

Hannan University, Japan

Japanese Zen on the State: A Comparative Study of D.T. Suzuki and Inouye Shuten, 1898-1915(17E)

This paper will revolve around the discourses of two Japanese Zen Buddhists who were fluent speakers of English and contributed to Japanese-Western Buddhist exchange. They both wrote for the Shin Bukkyo (lit. New Buddhism), a progressive Buddhist journal in the Meiji-Taisho periods. By historically analyzing their articles in this journal with reference to their English works as well, this paper will explore their views on relationship between Buddhism and the State which became increasingly nationalistic, and their transnational perspectives of Buddhism.

Organized panel, English
Morooka, Ryosuke

Tohoku University, Japan

Why Should Sociology Employ the Concept of Religion?: Reformulating the Sociology of Religion as a Field of Genuine Intercultural Study(17J)

This presentation examines the inherent relation between sociology of religion and the concept of religion itself. The concept of religion makes it possible to classify radically differing cultural elements into the same category despite their substantial variety. This concept thus corresponds to the modern idea of cultural pluralism in which the same rights must be equally attributed to different cultural groups. From this viewpoint, the sociological study of religions should be regarded as a representation and development of the intention which the concept of religion originally implies. Some of the difficulties with which the sociology of religion is confronted, especially regarding the definition of religion, are not merely methodological but essential issues to intercultural interpretations. This means that as far as sociology of religion is involved in intercultural studies, such a difficulty is inevitable. Sociology of religion should undertake positively the concept of religion as its main theme.

Organized panel
Morris, Paul

Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

The Acceptable Threshold of Violence: Religions for War, Religions for Peace(02C)

True pacifists are rare and all the major religions recognize the inevitability, often the desirability, of violence. When and where do generally peaceful religious traditions advocate the use of violence? What sorts of threats demand the crossing of the boundaries between peace and conflict? This paper explores the thresholds where the religious objections to violence are neutralized and violence sanctioned. Case studies are discussed from a number of different religious traditions. The Jewish tradition is examined in terms of the obligations to establish peace and the pre-emptive strike in modern Israel. Buddhist notions of the 'skillful' use of violence and the cessation of violence are looked at in relation to contemporary Sri Lanka. Hindu notions of peace and necessary conflict are traced in India today. The Muslim traditions of peace and jihad are detailed and the conditions for acceptable violence. And, finally the Augustinian Christian tradition of the 'pacific' kingdom is contrasted with the most recent use of the 'just war' tradition in the context of the 'war on terror'. The final section of the paper develops a comparative model of the thresholds of violence and the implications for our understandings of religiously sanctioned violence.

Organized panel, English
Morris, Paul

Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Religion and Violence: Conceptual and Comparative Approaches(02C)

*chairperson

Organized panel
Morris, Randell

CMG inc, USA

Spirituality in African-American Vernacular Art(15L)

Organized panel

Mortensen, Viggo

University of Aarhus, Denmark

Global Christianity is Changing. How Do These Changes Influence Conflict and Peace?(15U)

Following Philip Jenkins analysis of "the next Christendom", it is argued that when the centre of Christianity is moving southwards Christianity will change. As a translation movement Christianity is a religion made to travel. The consequences of this development are dramatic. In the West and North the mainline churches are in decline. The diversification within Christianity will continue, albeit with a certain tension, in a general trend towards uniformity as a consequence of an on-going process of globalization and localization. The discipline theology of religions will gain in importance as a subject within the discipline of religious studies, as we are faced with a life and death choice between a "clash of civilisations" and a peaceful multicultural and multireligious co-existence.

Organized panel, English
Mubashshir Majeed, Debra

Beloit College, USA

Keeping the Family Secure and At Peace:Polygyny in the World of African American Muslim(04O)

Some of the most debated and misunderstood aspects of Muslim family life include the rights and status of women, particularly in regard to the institution of marriage. Polygyny, the ancient practice of a husband having plural wives, has been supported, and in certain contexts preferred, by traditional Qur'anic interpretations. How these interpretations inform the lived experiences of African American Muslims is an under-explored issue, but one that is drawing increasing scholarly attention. As the gap between marriageable black men and women widens, more African American Muslims choose to practice polygyny, and protection of traditional (monogamous) marriage takes center stage in the cultural wars of North America. This presentation will consider both orthodox and holistic readings of two significant passages in the Qur'an and explore the utility of polygyny as a force of stability and cultural continuation among African American Muslims, often credited with the resurgence of Islam in the United States

Organized panel, English
Mukherjee, Asha

Visva-Bharati, INDIA

Structures of Salvation in Indian Tradition(11U)

*chairperson

Organized panel
Mukherjee, Asha

Visva-Bharati, INDIA

Religious Deontology and Consequential Analysis(11U)

This paper aims at working out a deeper foundation for a relationship between the different religions of the world by understanding the spiritual reality of different faiths, theistic or non-theistic, on the basis of religious ethics. Theistic religions largely believe that there is a God from whom certain 'ought'-propositions are directly obtained by way of prophecy. The Gita, for example, is believed to contain religious injunctions that are inviolable. This means in practice, if ethical principles differ between the religions, their implementation results in contradictory consequences that translate into ethical conflicts, which in turn produce social conflicts. When ethical conflict results in a social conflict, one possible mode of conflict resolution could be that of going back to the sacred words and work back to reach a conclusion about what should be done in such a situation. This mode of conflict resolution is available in case of different sects within a religion but not in a conflict situation involving two theistic religions. So some non-deontological ground has to be evolved if we are seriously interested in conflict resolution. This paper proposes to bring in a consequential analysis along with a basic set of religious beliefs (e.g., Treat all mankind as one community) in the form of deontological principles and argues for a consequential analysis. The argument is substantiated with examples from the Mahabharata.

Organized panel, English
Mukhopadhyaya, Ranjana

Nagoya City University, Japan

Universalizing Salvation: Modernization, Globalization and Transformations in Buddhist Social Welfare in Japan(10V)

Although, Japanese Buddhism has a long history of involvement in social welfare activities, the advent of modernization and subsequently the impact of globalization have greatly influenced 'Buddhist Social Welfare' (Bukkyo Fukushi) in Japan. This presentation will trace the transformation in the social welfare activities of Japanese Buddhist groups in modern (post-Meiji period) and contemporary Japan. Partly in response to new social problems arising from rapid modernization of Japanese society and also the need to maintain its relevance in a modern society, Japanese Buddhism reformed its social welfare activities by adopting new scientific methods of social work. The process of globalization is an impetus to peace movements and overseas voluntary activities of Buddhist organizations and this has internationalized its social welfare activities. This process of transformation is not just restricted to social welfare activities but has also given rise to new organizational structures and ideological adaptations within Buddhist organizations.

Organized panel, English
Mukhopadhyaya, Ranjana

Nagoya City University, Japan

Engaged Buddhism in Japan(11E)

The term "Engaged Buddhism" refers to the social activism of Buddhists and Buddhist organizations. This panel will focus on the social engagements of Buddhist groups (traditional Buddhist sects as well as new religions of Buddhist origin) in Japan. Often referred to as 'Funeral Buddhism', the popular image of Japanese Buddhism is that of being disengaged from the daily life of the people and unconcerned about social issues. However, in Japan too we find various instances of Buddhist participation in politics, social welfare, peace movements, voluntary activities etc. What is the nature of social engagement of Buddhist organizations in Japan? How have modernization, globalization and international conflicts influenced the social activism and social ethics of Japanese Buddhists? How do Engaged Buddhism in Japan compare to those in other countries? The presenters of this panel will deal with these issues while giving specific examples of Buddhists' social engagements in Japan.

Organized panel, * Session Abstract, English
Mukhopadhyaya, Ranjana

Nagoya City University, Japan

Patterns of Social Engagement of Japanese Buddhism(11E)

This presentation identifies four patterns of social engagement of Japanese Buddhism: [1]Nationalization, [2]Socialization,[3]Popularization and [4]Internationalization. [1]Nationalization refers to the engagement of Japanese Buddhism at the national/state level as well as the use of nationalistic ideologies in the formulation of Buddhist ethics.[2]Socialization, the most important aspect of Engaged Buddhism, indicates the social concern of the Buddhists and their social participation beyond sectarian boundaries.[3]Popularization means 'popular participation' in the social movements initiated by Buddhists organizations.[4]Internationalization refers to the social engagements of Buddhist organizations at the international level. The study of social engagements of Japanese Buddhism at these four levels reveals the diverse levels of interaction between Buddhist organizations and the society in general (or the public sphere) established as a consequence of their social activism.

Organized panel, English
Mukhopadhyaya, Ranjana

Nagoya City University, Japan

Religions and Care in Medical Contexts: The Comparative Studies of Spiritual Care beyond Cultures(12J)

*respondent

Organized panel, English
Mukonyora, Isabel

Bella Mukonyora, USA

Should Religions have particularities in a Postmodern Africa?(11F)

This question reviews everything presented by the other panelists. As a matter of fact, they have put a special heritage on the African heritage of the past as far as religion is concerned. Some intellectuals stick to this past to explain their own failure in a world whose progress cannot be stopped. They stress social structures of the past and their success, the failure of the new ones inherited from colonisation. This intervention aims at balancing responsibilities and suggests new ways which will bring hope especially to women. The past can serve only if it can bring about good inspirations. The global world needs different strategies, needs to lead people to thinking as world citizens. Africa can use religion as one of these strategies to revise its own vision of the world and its relation with other countries.

Organized panel
Mullins, Mark

Sophia University, Japan

Chinese Christianity on the Mainland and in Diaspora Communities.(01B)

The proposed roundtable has been organized to bring together scholars engaged in research on contemporary Christianity in China, particularly in relation to Christian churches and movements in overseas diaspora communities. One goal of this gathering is to cultivate a network of scholars working on this relatively new field. Speakers will address a number of issues, including the socio-political context of Christianity in contemporary China, recent developments among Chinese Catholics and Protestants, the export of Chinese Christianity in diaspora communities, and the global impact of Chinese mission groups.

Organized panel, * Session Abstract, English
Mullins, Mark

Sophia University, Japan

Mormons and Japanese Culture(02U)

*chairperson

Organized panel
Mullins, Mark

Sophia University, Japan

The Social and Legal Context of Proselytization in Contemporary Japanese Religions(06H)

The free practice of religion, including proselytization activities, has been a prominent feature of Japanese society since the end of World War II. Under the occupation government, State Shinto was disestablished and the wartime laws regulating religion were abolished. The post-war Constitution of Japan (1947) guaranteed religious freedom and religious groups were registered as "religious juridical persons" (shukyo hojin), which were defined as public benefit organizations (koeiki hojin). Proselytization activities have flourished in this new free-market religious economy, but have often been the cause of social conflict and controversy and the focus of widespread media coverage. In spite of the positive legal standing of religious groups, most Japanese today hold rather negative attitudes toward the activities of religious organizations and an increasing number regard proselytization as an activity that should be restricted by law. This paper will consider some of the factors that have created this "gap" between legal ideals and social reality.

Symposium, English
Mulyati, Sri

Universitas Islam Negeri (State Islamic University) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia

The Tariqa Qadiriyya Naqshbandiyya and Its Proselytization Initiatives in Indonesian Society(05H)

The paper will discuss briefly the historical and intellectual development of the Tariqa Qadiriyya Naqshbandiyya (TQN), the amalgamated Sufi Order founded by an Indonesian Shaykh, Ahmad Khatib Sambas (d.1875). Then the focus will switch to the analysis of the TQN primary sources i.e, Miftah al-Sudur (the key to open the heart), written by Abah Anom, the current shaykh of TQN Suryalaya, West Java, which has developed the teachings of Sambas in response to local circumstances. We find that he has concentrated on dhikr (remembrance of God) as an educational tool and as a means of healing young drug addicts and victims of other mental illness. The TQN has disseminated the brotherhood into several Southeast Asian countries. The involvement of the order in the political arena shows its dynamism; this paper will also discuss the varying political interests of the shaykhs, despite the similarity of their spiritual teachings.

Symposium, English