This thesis explores the complex issues surrounding the study of religion as a universal concept, with a particular focus on potential Eurocentric biases and epistemological violence. Central to...Show moreThis thesis explores the complex issues surrounding the study of religion as a universal concept, with a particular focus on potential Eurocentric biases and epistemological violence. Central to this exploration is whether religion, a term deeply rooted in Abrahamic monotheistic traditions, can be meaningfully applied across different cultural contexts for comparative studies. To address this question, the thesis begins with a theoretical discussion on studying "the Other," including concepts like epistemological violence, dominant paradigms, and ethnocentric methodologies, which shape the author’s approach. The thesis then delves into the historical origins of the concept of religion, both broadly and specifically within the context of Japan. The unique historical and socio-political developments in Japan provide insight into how the concept of religion has been shaped by modernization, international relations, and ideological conflicts. This discussion informs the subsequent analysis of the disciplinary debates within the comparative study of religion, again focusing on broader issues before narrowing down to Japan-specific debates. The study emphasizes the interconnectedness of the diachrony of religion with disciplinary shifts and contemporary scholarly approaches. Through textual and discourse analysis, the thesis investigates the perspectives of scholars who study religion in Japan. While recognizing the limitations of relying solely on published works, the thesis argues that the analysis of published texts offers valuable insights into the ongoing debates and the scholars' engagement with the concept of religion within the academic field.Show less
Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
This Master Thesis has two main aims, both of which should be regarded as preliminary rather than definitive. The first of these is to expand the scholarly knowledge on the subject of tarot...Show moreThis Master Thesis has two main aims, both of which should be regarded as preliminary rather than definitive. The first of these is to expand the scholarly knowledge on the subject of tarot divination, as this is sorely needed within the field. The focus here is on the personal side of this practice rather than the professional side. The second aim is to look at tarot divination and analyze it using theories from the cognitive science of religion (CSR) in order to explain the popularity of the 78 divinatory cards. The result is a comprehensive model.Show less
