Soraj Hongladarom et al., "Philosophies of Appropriated Religions: Perspectives from Southeast Asia" (Springer, 2024)
Sep 21, 2024
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Soraj Hongladarom, an expert in Southeast Asian philosophical traditions, teams up with Jeremiah Joven Joaquin, who explores the philosophy of religion in the region, and Frank J. Hoffman, who discusses traditional philosophical topics. They delve into the appropriation of world religions in Southeast Asia, examining cultural nuances around the problem of evil and the afterlife. Insights on Buddhism's role in Thai ethics and a cross-cultural inquiry into death and immortality highlight the rich tapestry of local philosophies, emphasizing inclusivity and syncretism.
Southeast Asian religions uniquely interpret major faiths through local cultural lenses, enriching philosophical discussions on traditional topics like the problem of evil.
The interdisciplinary approach to philosophy of religion in Southeast Asia merges sociology, culture, and philosophy, fostering holistic analyses of religious practices and beliefs.
Deep dives
Southeast Asian Perspectives in Philosophy of Religion
The book explores the unique approach of Southeast Asian religions in the field of philosophy of religion, focusing on the concept of appropriated religions. It emphasizes how major religions, such as Islam and Christianity, are assimilated and interpreted through local cultural lenses in Southeast Asian contexts. For example, the book analyzes the problem of evil not just from a monotheistic viewpoint but through the lens of Islam as practiced in Indonesia or Malaysia. This allows for a richer understanding of traditional philosophical issues, highlighting the significance of cultural context in shaping religious views.
Interdisciplinary Approaches in Southeast Asia
The authors highlight the interdisciplinary nature of philosophy of religion in Southeast Asia, which integrates sociology, cultural studies, and philosophy. In the Philippines, for instance, the study of religion often involves sociological input, as seen in the examination of local practices, such as the Black Nazarene festival, where cultural devotion intertwines with philosophical reflection. This blend of disciplines challenges conventional boundaries within the academic study of philosophy and opens the door for more holistic analyses. The emphasis on local perspectives and practices illustrates how philosophical inquiry is naturally intertwined with various fields in Southeast Asia.
The Challenges of Inclusivity and Representation
The project navigates complex issues related to inclusivity and representation in Southeast Asian philosophy, particularly concerning geographical and disciplinary boundaries. The editors acknowledge that some philosophers from Southeast Asia felt excluded from the project, raising questions about who should be represented in these discussions. Additionally, they confront criticisms about whether their work can still be classified as philosophy when it incorporates sociological elements and localized insights. These challenges drive the authors to broaden their networks and foster collaboration across the region's diverse philosophical communities.
Navigating the Concept of Religion and Indigeneity
The book delves into the complex understanding of religion, particularly how indigenous beliefs intersect with globally recognized religions. It examines syncretism, where local practices blend with major religions like Christianity and Islam, creating unique cultural interpretations. For instance, the Aetas people in the Philippines contextualize Jesus not just as a divine figure but as a relatable friend, showcasing how indigenous beliefs influence perceptions of world religions. The discussion emphasizes the need to rethink conventional definitions of religion, recognizing that many Southeast Asians do not draw strict boundaries between religious and non-religious practices.
The open-access edited volume Philosophies of Appropriated Religions: Perspectives from Southeast Asia (Springer, 2023) collects philosophical approaches to Southeast Asian traditions of philosophy and religion. The editors, Soraj Hongladarom, Jeremiah Joven Joaquin, and Frank J. Hoffman, have produced a volume that treats traditional topics in philosophy of religion, such as the problem of evil and afterlife, as well as religious identity, beliefs, practices, and diversity. Contributions vary in methodology; some focus on empirical data and modern culture, while others engage with philosophical texts. Essays focus on a range of religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and indigenous practices. Despite this variety, the volume's editors present the collection as having a kind of unity, both in the specificity of how Southeast Asia "appropriates" religions and the philosophical nature of the essays included.