ISSN 0967-8948 %% %%%% %%%%%% %%%%%%%% %%%%%% D I S K U S %%%% %% The on-disk journal of international Religious Studies Vol. 3 No. 1 1995 If you know how to use DISKUS, please go to CONTENTS/3#1. If you are new to DISKUS, please read on... ===========================================================* HELP FOR READERS OF DISKUS Welcome to Vol.3, no.1 of DISKUS. We hope you enjoy it. You can print out the contents of DISKUS or read DISKUS on-screen. If you haven't already looked at the file called !WHAT_TO.DO, please read that file before proceeding any further. It may save you a lot of time! In a conventional printed journal, page numbers are used to find items. There are no page numbers in DISKUS. Instead, each item in DISKUS - an article, an announcement, etc. - is given a simple code to help you find it immediately using your wordprocessor's 'FIND' or 'SEARCH' function. 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If you have any queries, comments or suggestions for improvements to DISKUS, please write to one of the editors, whose names and addresses are at the end of this file (at code INFO/3#1) You are now ready to move on to the Contents page for this issue, which is coded CONTENTS (followed by /3#1). HELP ===========================================================* DISKUS Volume 3 No.1 1995 Contents of Vol. 3 No. 1 EDITORIAL ............................................EDIT/3#1 ARTICLES .........................................ARTICLES/3#1 Beatrice Leung Religious Freedom and the Constitution in the People's Republic of China: Interpretation and Implementation....................LEUNG.3#1 Peter Connolly Hypnotic Dimensions of Religious Worldviews.......CONNOLLY.3#1 Tim Fitzgerald Religious Studies as Cultural Studies: A Philosophical and Anthropological Critique of the concept of Religion...........................FITZGERA.3#1 A. M. Okorie Ala-Umuokoroala: the Divinity of an African Igbo Village........................................OKORIE.3#1 Peter Woodward The Kitchen and the Study: An Examination of Selected Gender-Related Issues as seen in Jewish Families and in the Upbringing of Jewish Children..............WOODWAR2.3#1 ===========================================================* CONFERENCES....................................CONFERENCES/3#1 9-13 April 1996 NATURE RELIGION TODAY: Western Paganism, Shamanism and Esotericism in the 1990's.......................NATURE/3#1 11 May 1996 MAGIC AND SCIENCE in CONTEMPORARY & NEW AGE RELIGION IN THE BRITISH ISLES........................BATH/3#1 16-19 September 1996 RELIGION AND MEDIA: BASR (British Association for the Study of Religions) 42nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE..............................BASR96/3#1 8 July 1996 UK BUDDHIST STUDIES ASSOCIATION: INAUGURAL MEETING....................................UKBSA/3#1 Organisations BASR (British Association for the Study of Religions)......BASR/3#1 ABOUT DISKUS..........................................INFO/3#1 DISKUS SUBSCRIPTION FORM...........................SUBFORM/3#1 GUIDELINES FOR CONTRIBUTORS..........................GUIDE/3#1 COPYRIGHT NOTICE.................................COPYRIGHT/3#1 ===========================================================* Editorial We wish you a sincere if belated welcome to DISKUS Vol.3, No.1. The next two issues will appear in quick succession, bringing DISKUS back on schedule by Spring 1996. The five papers in this issue have been contributed by scholars in the UK, Japan, Hong Kong and Africa, and fall broadly into two groups. Those by Tim Fitzgerald and Peter Connolly have to do with the nature of religion and Religious Studies and with the concepts and the explanations appropriate to the academic study of the wide (and according to Fitzgerald, ill-conceived) field of 'religion'. The papers by Beatrice Leung, A.M. Okorie and Peter Woodward deal with religion as practised in a variety of contexts, from Christianity in the People's Republic of China to traditional religion in an African village and Judaism in contemporary Britain. Constant critical reflection on the methods and assumptions of the academic study of religions is a central and essential part of the discipline. Tim Fitzgerald's claim that Religious Studies perpetuates a kind of theological/supernaturalist imperialism and that it should be replaced by cultural studies focusing on values and power relations deserves to be taken seriously. Fitzgerald's is a careful argument backed up by comparative empirical data from Japan and India and a review of mainstream Religious Studies literature. Peter Connolly's discussion of the nature of hypnosis and its relation to religious world-views is similarly stimulating and challenging for Religious Studies methodology. Connolly's argument indicates that we may be wrongly marginalising salient explanations of religion by characterising them as 'reductionist'. Of the papers dealing with specific examples of religious practice and belief, A. M. Okorie's paper enables us to listen to different voices in an oral tradition of African village religiosity, while both Leung and Woodward address issues of global significance - religion, law and state, and religion and gender respectively - in relation to their own detailed research findings. We are grateful to all these authors for their contributions to the study of religion through the pages - or rather the screen - of DISKUS. There is a great deal of interesting and stimulating writing in this edition of DISKUS; we hope that you enjoy reading this issue as we have enjoyed editing it. THE EDITORS Note: Contributions for DISKUS should be sent to Dr. Gavin Flood at Lampeter. The full address and contributors' guidelines can be found at the end of this DISKUS file at GUIDE/3#1. ===========================================================* ABSTRACTS of ARTICLES Please refer to the Contents page above (CONTENTS/3#1) to see a full list of items to be found in this issue of the journal. ===========================================================* Beatrice Leung Religious Freedom and the Constitution in the People's Republic of China: Interpretation and Implementation The article considers issues relating to religion, constitution, law and the interpretation and implementation of the constitution in mainland China since 1949, with special reference to Christianity. Topics covered include the comparative status of of Communist and Western democratic constitutional law, constitutional religious freedom and its interpretations in China, the post-1949 development of law and legal training, religious dissent and Deng's open door policy. The full text is found in DISKUS file LEUNG.3#1 ===========================================================* Peter Connolly Hypnotic Dimensions of Religious Worldviews The paper first reviews the suitability of various methodologies for the study of religious phenomena, arguing that reductionistic accounts can sometimes provide insights denied to the phenomenologist. The paper argues that such accounts need not devalue religion, though they will tend to explain things in ways that religious traditions have reservations about accepting. The argument is developed through a comparative analysis and interpretation of mystical and hypnotic states of consciousness. The full text is found in DISKUS file CONNOLLY.3#1 ===========================================================* Tim Fitzgerald Religious Studies as Cultural Studies: A Philosophical and Anthropological Critique of the Concept of Religion The aim of the argument, developed through fieldwork case-studies and analysis of mainstream Religious Studies accounts of Indian and Japanese religion, is to reconceptualise what is now called Religious Studies. Cultural studies, based on the notion that values and their institutionalization are the real field of study, produces more fruitful and less distorted analysis than a study focused on the damaging and invented concept of 'religions'. "I want ... the study of institutionalised values and their relation to power to be clearly and consciously separated from disguised theology in the field which is now covered by 'religion'" (Author). The full text is found in DISKUS file FITZGERA.3#1 ===========================================================* A.M. Okorie Ala-Umuokoroala: the Divinity of an African Igbo Village The paper discusses the African traditional divinity Ala-umuokoroala, the goddess of an Igbo village. The village, called Umuegwu-Okpuala, is located in Afugiri, a clan in Umuahia, Abia state of Nigeria. The author's approach is phenomenological, "presenting the facts of Ala-umuokoroala as they were presented to me by informants". The paper concludes with two brief and contrasting contemporary African views of Ala-umuokoroala; from a 'traditionalist' viewpoint and from a standpoint of Christian apologetics. The full text is found in DISKUS file OKORIE.3#1 ===========================================================* Peter Woodward The Kitchen and the Study: An Examination of Selected Gender-Related Issues as seen in Jewish Families and in the Upbringing of Jewish Children This study of topics related to gender issues is based on research in urban Jewish communities in the Midlands (UK) including interviews with Jewish children. The paper examines roles assigned to male and female in the synaogue, social life and in the home. Particular attention is paid to food laws and festivals seen through the eyes of children. There is discussion of developments in initiation ceremonies and viewpoints on the value of diversity in sexual roles. The full text is found in DISKUS file WOODWAR2.3#1 ===========================================================* CONFERENCES/3#1 [DISKUS tip: to view 'ASCII-art' like the tree below correctly, use a non-proportionally spaced font such as Courier] NATURE/3#1 ^ ^^^ ^o^o^ ^^^|^^^ ^^^^-^^^^ ^^^^| |^^^^ | | NATURE RELIGION TODAY: Western Paganism, Shamanism and Esotericism in the 1990's Date: 9-13 April 1996 Venue: Lake District Campus of Lancaster University (Charlotte Mason College, Ambleside) The conference will look at religious movements centred around such themes as respect for the environment, reverence for the earth as a living organism and belief in the inherent divinity of all living beings, ideas which have had a long and contested history in world religions and have come to prominence again in modern Western society in conjunction with the growth of the women's movement, environmental consciousness and reaction to the perceived excesses of technological and industrial society. Pagan, shamanic and esoteric ideas are becoming an important resource for the rethinking of Western religion in its new global context. Themes of the conference: 1. Perennialism and Diversity 2. Goddess spirituality 3. Religion as transformational practice 4. The Use of myth 5. Religion and the politics of Nature 6. Globalisation/Localisation Conference Fee: (waged) 60 pounds, (unwaged) 25 pounds Conference fee may be reduced or waived in case of financial hardship. Accommodation including all meals (Charlotte Mason College) Standard rooms, shared (to Saturday morning) 109.40 pounds (to Friday afternoon) 87.45 pounds. Single rooms 3 pounds per night extra. Ensuite singles 10 pounds per night extra (The conference will finish on Friday evening) A variety of other accommodation is available but early booking is advisable. Facilities for camping are available. For further information please call Joanne Pearson (01256-881121) or Geoffrey Samuel (01524-592424) ============================================================* BATH/3#1 ************************************************************* ******* ******** ****** CONTEMPORARY & NEW AGE ******* ***** RELIGIONS IN THE BRITISH ISLES ****** **** ***** *** FOURTH ANNUAL ONE-DAY CONFERENCE **** ** *** * hosted by ** * STUDY OF RELIGIONS DEPT. * * BATH COLLEGE OF HIGHER EDUCATION * * * * SATURDAY 11 MAY 1996 * * * * CONFERENCE THEME: "MAGIC AND SCIENCE" * ** ** *** *** ************************************************************* For further details and offers of papers contact: Brian Bocking or Marion Bowman, Bath College of Higher Education, Newton Park, BATH BA2 9BN. 01225-873701 x368/404. [exxbb@bath.ac.uk or exxmib@bath.ac.uk] NOTE: Papers from the 1995 Bath Conference on 'Healing' in contemporary and New Age religion will be published by Hisarlik Press in 1996. ===========================================================* BASR96/3#1 British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR) *****************42nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE******************* >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>> Theme: RELIGION and MEDIA <<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Date: 16-19th September 1996 Venue: The University College of St. Martin, Lancaster Conference Organiser: Peggy Morgan, Westminster College, Oxford OX2 9AT From whom details of the conference may be obtained. PAPERS Offers of papers on the conference theme should be sent immediately to Peggy Morgan (address above). The conference theme is to be interpreted in the widest sense to include not only mass media but all forms of expression and communication. Papers not related to the theme will be considered for inclusion but will not have priority. APPLICATIONS To register for the conference write to: Alan Rogers, 4 Fossett Way, Wyke Regis, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9HD. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - BOOKING FORM BASR St. Martin Conference 1996 Name & Title of Applicant................................ Institution.............................................. Indicate here if applicant is a doctoral student......... Contact Address:......................................... ......................................................... I enclose the non-returnable conference fee of 15 pounds.[ ] I require accommodation and enclose deposit of 15 pounds.[ ] Signed:.............................. Date................ [Cheques payable to "British Association for the Study of Religions"] ===========================================================* UKBSA/3#1 UK BUDDHIST STUDIES ASSOCIATION: INAUGURAL MEETING Date: Monday July 8th 1996 Venue: School of Oriental & African Studies, London Programme: 10.30 Registration & Coffee 10.45 Professor Richard Gombrich: The Buddhist Attitude to Thaumaturgical Healing Rituals 12.15 Lunch 1.30 Discussion of the Aims and Activities of the Association 3.00 Professor David Seyfort Ruegg: The Inner Asian yon mchod relation and its Indian Precedents: the socio-religious and politico-religious link between a spiritual counsellor and his royal or princely donor. 4.30 Finish The Association is being formed to act as a focus for Buddhiost Studies in the UK. It is open to academics, postgraduates and unaffiliated Buddhist scholars or interested Buddhist practitioners. It will seek to foster communication among those working in various fields. Those interested should contact Dr Peter Harvey Reader in Buddhist Studies School of Social and International Studies University of Sunderland Forster Building, Chester Road Sunderland,Tyne and Wear, UK email: peter.harvey@sunderland.ac.uk giving your name, postal address and telephone number at your institution (or, if this is not relevant, home), and e-mail number. Please also indicate if you would NOT want this information made public. Please include also information on your area of work and research interests. Please also bring this to the notice of any postgraduate students who may be interested. (Co-organiser:) Dr Ian Harris Reader in Buddhist Studies University College of St. Martin Lancaster email: i.harris@lancaster.ac.uk ===========================================================* Organisations BASR/3#1 British Association for the Study of Religions The British Association for the Study of Religions is a registered charity (no.801567) affiliated to the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) whose object is the promotion of the academic study of religions through the international collaboration of all scholars whose research has a bearing on the subject. The BASR pursues these aims within the United Kingdom through conferences, publications and an Annual General Meeting. Membership of the BASR is open to scholars whose work has a bearing on the academic study of religions and who are normally resident in the U.K. Those interested in membership should write to the Hon. Secretary, Dr Kim Knott, Dept. of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT. Annual subscription to BASR is 12 pounds. For postgraduates etc. the subscription is 6 pounds. Overseas scholars may receive the BASR Bulletin (4 per year) for 10 pounds. ===========================================================* ABOUT DISKUS..... DISKUS subscription: 1 year (2 issues) œ5 pounds (UK) or $15 dollars/ œ10 pounds overseas (airmail) Cheques/orders payable to "Bath College of Higher Education" Please specify disk size/type when ordering (PC 3.5" or Apple Mac 3.5") For a subscription form go to SUBFORM below. -------------------------------------------------------------   ISSN 0967-8948   D I S K U S   The on-disk journal of international Religious Studies DISKUS is the first disk-based journal of Religious Studies. Each issue is published and distributed on computer disk only, in a simple format easily accessible by your word-processing program. DISKUS features: - an emphasis on contemporary religions, and contemporary issues in Religious Studies. - a mix of religious traditions in each issue of the journal - a broadly phenomenological approach, by which we mean articles about religion rather than articles written from a religious standpoint. - articles written in a lucid style, accessible to an international readership of researchers, students and educators in Religious Studies. DISKUS is cheaper than standard printed journals. You can study, scan and even index the contents of DISKUS in your own wordprocessing program, and print off part or whole as required. Academic papers (of any reasonable length), notices, reports, letters, books for review, and other short contributions submitted for publication in DISKUS should be addressed to: Dr Gavin Flood DISKUS, Dept. of Theology & Religious Studies University of Wales, Lampeter Lampeter, SA48 7ED, UK Tel: 01570-422351 x 315 e-mail floodg@lampeter.ac.uk - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SUBFORM/3#1 Subscription Form: Please send me DISKUS (each volume comprises two issues) Please tick volumes required: Vol 1, 1993 __ Vol 2, 1994 __ Vol 3, 1995 __ Vol 4, 1996 __ UK & Europe: I enclose 5 pounds per volume (2 issues) (UK Cheques payable to 'Bath College of H.E.) Overseas (Airmail) subscriptions or payment by Eurocheque: I enclose 15 USdollars, or 10 UKpounds. Name: (PRINT)...................................Prof/Dr/Ms/Mr Address:...................................................... Country: ................... Tel:............. Fax:............ e-mail ................ Please send DISKUS on IBM compatible 3.5 Disk [ ] Apple Mac 3.5 Disk [ ] Please return the subscription form and your payment to: Prof. Brian Bocking DISKUS, Study of Religions Dept. Bath College of Higher Education Newton Park, Bath, BA2 9BN, UK - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ===========================================================* GUIDE/3#1 DISKUS: Guidelines for Contributors Version 4 PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE SENDING IN YOUR CONTRIBUTION 'DISKUS: Guidelines for Contributors' will be included in each issue of DISKUS and amended in the light of experience. If you plan to submit an item to DISKUS, please look in your most recent issue of DISKUS for updated Guidelines. CONTENTS GUIDELINES DISKUS features: - an emphasis on contemporary religions, and contemporary issues in Religious Studies. - a mix of religious traditions in each issue of the journal - a broadly phenomenological approach, by which we mean articles about religion rather than articles written from a religious standpoint. - articles written in a lucid style, accessible to an international readership of researchers, students and educators in Religious Studies. Style Guide: Papers intended for publication in DISKUS should be submitted initially IN PRINTED FORM ONLY, two copies, double spaced and page-numbered. Short announcements, letters etc. may be submitted on paper, or on paper and disk. Referencing: Referencing may be done with numbered endnotes e.g. <3> or in the author-date style e.g. (BROOKS, 1979:23). Some writers may wish to number paragraphs in order to refer backwards and forwards in their paper. Sub-headings are often useful. Bear in mind that that readers don't like scrolling backwards and forwards looking for endnotes, so incorporate as much as possible in the main text. Special characters: Remember that DISKUS cannot handle bold text, italics, diacritics, underlining etc.. If diacritics are necessary a special list suitable for DISKUS may be useful. See file FREEMAN.2#2 for an example. Authors may wish to use the diacritical conventions used for e-mail but remember that many DISKUS readers not on the internet may be unfamiliar with those conventions. Bibliography: use single quote marks for title of articles, e.g: Brown, A. 'Religion and Reason Reconsidered', CORPUS. Vol.5, no.1, 1993, pp.3-25. For book titles, separate the title from preceding text and place a full stop at the end, before the publisher information, e.g: Smith, J. (1990) The Nature of Nature. London, Common Press. Joint Editors of DISKUS: Prof. Brian Bocking Dr Gavin Flood Study of Religions Dept. Dept. of Theology Bath College of Higher Education & Religious Studies Newton Park Univ. of Wales, Lampeter Bath BA2 9BN Lampeter, Dyfed SA48 7AR Tel: 0225-873701 x 368 Tel: 0570-422351 x 315 Fax: 0225-874457 Fax: 0570-423641 e-mail: exxbb@bath.ac.uk floodg@lampeter.ac.uk ===========================================================*