International Association for the History of Religions

International Association for the History of Religions is a global organization that promotes the academic study of religion through interdisciplinary approaches, involving scholars from University of Oxford, Harvard University, and University of Chicago. The association's efforts are aligned with those of the European Association for the Study of Religions, American Academy of Religion, and Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Its members, including renowned scholars like Mircea Eliade, Joseph Campbell, and Carl Jung, have contributed significantly to the field of religious studies at institutions such as University of California, Berkeley, Yale University, and University of Cambridge.

● History

The history of the organization dates back to 1950, when it was founded by scholars like Raffaele Pettazzoni, Geo Widengren, and Fritz Staal, who were influenced by the works of Max Weber, Émile Durkheim, and Karl Marx. The association's early development was shaped by its relationships with other academic organizations, such as the International Sociological Association, International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences, and World Council of Churches. Over the years, the association has been led by presidents from various institutions, including University of Paris, University of Rome, and University of Amsterdam, and has collaborated with scholars from Australian National University, National University of Singapore, and University of Tokyo.

● Organization

The organization is governed by a council comprising representatives from various countries, including United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. The council works closely with other academic organizations, such as the American Philosophical Society, British Academy, and Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, to promote the study of comparative religion and history of religion. The association's secretariat is currently located at the University of Zurich, and its activities are supported by institutions like Vatican Library, Bodleian Library, and Library of Congress.

● Membership

Membership in the organization is open to scholars from around the world, including those from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Members include prominent scholars like Clifford Geertz, Talal Asad, and Jonathan Z. Smith, who have taught at institutions such as University of Michigan, New York University, and University of Sydney. The association also has close ties with other academic organizations, such as the Middle East Studies Association of North America, Association for Asian Studies, and Latin American Studies Association, and has collaborated with scholars from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Al-Azhar University, and Peking University.

● Congresses

The organization hosts international congresses every five years, which bring together scholars from various disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and history. Recent congresses have been held in cities like Tokyo, Toronto, Stockholm, and Cape Town, and have featured keynote speakers like Umberto Eco, Hans Küng, and Desmond Tutu. These congresses provide a platform for scholars to present their research and engage in discussions with colleagues from institutions like University of California, Los Angeles, Columbia University, and University of Melbourne.

● Publications

The organization publishes a journal, Numen, which features articles on various aspects of the history of religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. The journal is edited by scholars from institutions like University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, and Duke University, and has published works by prominent scholars like Rudolf Bultmann, Paul Tillich, and Abraham Joshua Heschel. The association also publishes books and monographs in collaboration with publishers like Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, and Brill Publishers.

● Objectives

The primary objective of the organization is to promote the academic study of the history of religions through interdisciplinary approaches, involving scholars from institutions like University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, and University of Bristol. The association aims to foster collaboration and dialogue among scholars from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, including theology, philosophy, anthropology, and sociology. By promoting the study of religions in their historical and cultural contexts, the organization seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between religion and society, and to promote greater tolerance and respect for diversity, as advocated by scholars like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malala Yousafzai.

Category:Academic organizations