Science and Engagement in the Study of Religion

This volume emerges from the dynamic IAHR Special Conference held in Tokyo, December 2023, where scholars engaged in vigorous debate on the role of scientific objectivity in the study of religions. The debate featured two distinct perspectives: one advocating for the preservation of scientific neutrality, free from religious or political agendas, and the other promoting the integration of social relevance and addressing societal issues. This volume delves into the complexities of these discussions, exploring regional biases, the definition and articulation of “science,” and the balance between objectivity and cultural-historical perspectives. It aims to expand on the presentations and discussions from the conference, adding insights into the historical context of this debate, the role of science in the study of religions, and the need for an updated understanding of science within the IAHR.

Readers are invited to contemplate the nuanced relationship between science and the study of religions, especially in a global context. This volume questions whether scholars of religion are merely reiterating past discussions without significant progress since the IAHR’s establishment, or if they are now equipped to address these issues with more sophisticated arguments and vocabularies, acknowledging the complexity of these debates. The need for such in-depth discussion among international scholars has increased in recent years, not only because of the ongoing debate on decolonization but also in light of the changing social climate, including wars and other political crises.