Western countries that were predominantly Christian have recently changed into multireligious societies. Along with Islam, Asian religions such as Buddhism (Zen, etc.) and Asian religious practices (Yoga, Reiki, Fen hsui, etc.) are exerting considerable influence. Multireligious societies must learn to understand and accept people of different religions. There is the urgent need for interreligious communication and understanding. The example of Asian churches, which have been in a religiously plural world for a long time, can help to better respond to this challenge. They can offer experience and wisdom through study centers which are dedicated to research on Asian religions and interreligious dialogue. One of these institutes, the NCC Center for the Study of Japanese Religions, an institute of the National Christian Council of Japan (NCCJ), has established the “Interreligious Studies in Japan Program” (ISJP) in order to assist church and theology to be better prepared for meeting the new religion; graduate and postgraduate students of theology, education, Japanese studies and religious studies. — Students are expected to be open to new learning experiences in a foreign culture (cross-cultural communication). Solid knowledge of English is required for the classes.
Curriculum The ISJP offers the following courses:
1. Introduction to Shinto and Folk Religion
2. Introduction to Japanese Buddhism (history, teaching, and practice of the different schools)
3. Introduction to Japanese New Religions 4. Introduction to Japanese Christianity
5. Introduction to theology in dialogue
6. Introduction to basic Japanese language
The courses are held over the period of one semester
The NCC Center for the Study of Japanese Religions is an ecumenical research institute of the National Christian Council of Japan. Since its foundation in 1958, it is pursuing studies of religions in Japan, research in enculturation of Christianity, and interreligious dialogue. It is located in central Kyoto next to the Imperial Palace Park and houses a library (in English and Japanese) on religions in Japan, as well as on history, culture, etc. The Center also publishes the journals Japanese Religions and Deai (Encounter). It cooperates with similar research centers in the Ecumenical Group for the Study of Interreligious Dialogue (EGSID) and with research institutes of various religious groups and universities in Japan.
ACHUTUNG! Das Studienprogramm steht auch Studierenden aus anderen Ländern offen, die sich direkt beim „NCC Center for the Studies of Japanese Religions“ bewerben können. Englischsprachiges Faltblatt ebenfalls beiliegend.!!