Science and Engagement in the Study of Religion: A Global Debate (Study of Religion in a Global Context)

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 religi