New Books in Religion

In Occult Hunting and Supernatural Play in Japan (Hawaii 2024), Laura Miller examines the intersections of ludic capitalism with formal and informal religious practices and beliefs in contemporary Japan. Miller shows that women―often younger women―are the primary drivers of industries of religiously flavored entertainment that offer avenues of self-exploration and spiritual capital that are marketed to appeal first and foremost to women “hunters” engaged in supernatural play. Miller’s eclectically interdisciplinary analysis reveals the ways that supernatural play, incorporated into the fabric of everyday life in contemporary Japan, can contribute to social and personal wellbeing for these seekers. The book will appeal to readers interested in religion, material culture, media, gender, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

In this episode, Hizer Mir and Chella Ward talked to Ðermana Kuric about Bosnia and Muslimness, focussing on the ways the history of Muslimness in Bosnia interacts with current identities and practices. Ðermana is a researcher whose work concerns hate crime and discrimination in relation to Muslims in Europe. This episode is one of our ‘Forgotten Ummah’ episodes where we consider Muslimness in places outside of those traditional considered to be Muslim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

In this episode, we dive into the world of innovative Haggadot with four fascinating guests. Jordan B. Gorfinkel discusses The Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel (Koren Publishers, 2019), a visual retelling of the traditional Seder that combines graphic storytelling with sacred text. Rabbi Sheftel Weinberg introduces Seder HaCheirus (Mosaica Press, 2024), a fresh take on the Seder experience. Rabbi Shimon Feder explores The Psychology and Personal Growth Haggadah (Mosaica Press, 2024), blending psychological insights with the Passover tradition. Finally, Leora Ashman shares insights from Koach Eitan Haggadah: The Empowering Seder Conversation Passover Haggadah (Urim Publications, 2024), with insights from her husband Eitan and helpful guidance on running an inclusive seder.Join us as we uncover how these works bring new meaning to an ancient ritual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymount University, brings fresh insights into the ancient Sāṃkhya system. He delves into its unique philosophical foundations, exploring its dual nature of idealism and materialism. Chapple discusses the complexities of translating Sanskrit texts and reflects on their cultural significance. The conversation also touches on gender dynamics in Sāṃkhya, emphasizing the elevation of feminine principles and their connection to spirituality. A captivating dive into understanding existence and consciousness!

In today’s episode, Dr. Pierce Salguero sits down with Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and researcher of religion, spirituality, and cognition. Together we try to get to the bottom of whether meditation is actually good for you through a comparison of Miguel's research on the adverse effects of meditation with my research on Asian notions of meditation sickness. Along the way, we discuss the limitations of modern Western understandings of consciousness, and explore whether we can develop a more expansive, multifaceted understanding of altered states both pleasant and unpleasant.If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about the dark side of Asian religions and medicines, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out our members-only benefits on blackberyl.substack.com. Enjoy the show!Resources mentioned: Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm, The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You? (2019). Miguel Farias, Oxford Handbook of Meditation (2022). Miguel Farias et al, “Adverse Events in Meditation Practices and Meditation-based Therapies: A Systematic Review” (2021). Pierce Salguero, “‘Meditation Sickness’ in Medieval Chinese Buddhism and the Contemporary West” (2023). Peter Berger, The Homeless Mind (1973). Joseph Henrich et al. article on the Müller-Lyer illusion (2010). The source for the term “monophasic bias” is apparently Charles Laughlin’s chapter “Transpersonal Anthropology” in Roger Walsh’s book Paths Beyond Ego (1993). Pierce Salguero, A Lamp Unto Yourself (2025). Resources provided by the interviewee on blackberyl.substack.com:Introduction to the Oxford Handbook of MeditationPierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University’s Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

Dr. Richard A. Muller, P.J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology Emeritus, dives into the intricate doctrine of predestination in early modern Reformed theology. He discusses the evolution of thought on this controversial topic, challenging simplistic interpretations and the perspectives on Calvin's work. Muller highlights key figures like Franciscus Junius and offers insights into the broader implications of predestination, emphasizing its significance in theological debates while debunking myths surrounding hyper-dogmatism.

Eli Rubin, a contributing editor at Chabad.org and PhD holder from UCL, explores the fascinating world of Chabad Hasidism in his latest work. He discusses the Kabbalistic concept of ṣimṣum and its implications for modernity and Jewish identity. Rubin reflects on the movement's historical evolution, the role of mentorship, and the impact of Kabbalistic ideas on individual spirituality. He also delves into the dynamic relationships among Chabad leaders and how their intellectual pursuits shaped the movement's response to modern challenges.

Deborah Savage, a theology professor specializing in St. John Paul II's anthropology, teams up with Robert Fastiggi, an expert in ecclesiology and moral theology. Together, they delve into the tension between subjective and absolute truths in Catholic sexual morality. They analyze personal narratives of those who strayed from church teachings, emphasizing the Church's role in guiding individuals back to fulfillment. Highlighting the interplay of gender identity and morality, they advocate for compassionate discourse in understanding personal and ecclesiastical truths.

In this discussion, Jonathan Rauch, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and contributing editor at The Atlantic, dives into his latest book, analyzing the fraught relationship between Christianity and democracy. He highlights the urgent need for dialogue amid the cultural chasm between secular liberals and religious conservatives. Topics include the decline of mainline Protestantism, the impact of political alignment on faith, and the crucial Christian values that underpin liberal democracy. Rauch argues for understanding rather than division to create a more harmonious society.

Wafik W. Wahba, a Professor of Global Christianity at Tyndale University, dives deep into the intricate relationships between Christianity and Islam. He blends personal insights from his journey from Egypt with a look at historical interactions that shaped these faiths. Wahba highlights key moments of coexistence and tension, discusses the influence of theological traditions, and emphasizes the importance of interfaith dialogue for a harmonious future. His perspectives serve as a guide for understanding contemporary dynamics between these two world religions.