July–September 2009, Volume 36
Features
Religion and the Media
Religious Organizations and Public Relations Activities
by Takeshi Kawabata
Media as Peace-Building Tool in Sri Lanka—Religions Have a Long Way to Go
by Jehan Perera
The intertwining of ethnicity and religion means that the ethnic conflict also occupies a religious dimension. The politicization of religion has thus become a major impediment to peace building.
The News Media and Religion in the Blogging Era
by Peter Kenny
Many news items raise the issue of media and religion and how they intertwine in a landscape that in reality is far more complex than a robust debate between creationists and evolutionists.
The Role of the Media in Dialogue among Religions
by Michele Zanzucchi
Communication between peoples of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds has been implemented and fostered by the media, which at the same time have contributed to the conflict between civilizations.
The Information Age and Religious Belief: TV Puts Its Imprint on Religion in Japan
by Kenji Ishii
Is there not a need for unbiased, balanced reporting on religious organizations and for more broadcasting of quality programs on religion?
Religion and the Media Could Raise Consideration for Others
by Hajime Ozaki
Buddhism and the mass media share the potential for playing a positive social role. They can turn people’s eyes to what they cannot see for themselves and open their minds to consideration for others.
Japan’s Spiritual Culture and Buddhism: The Religious Outlook of the Japanese as Seen through the Performing Arts
by Michihiko Komine
Popular actors in the fourteenth century performed in works that richly incorporated Buddhist faith and doctrine. While being entertained, audiences simultaneously learned the ideas of Buddhism.
Japanese Religions, the Media, and the Internet: A Very Special Relationship
by Michael Pye
Japanese religious organizations and activists have hurried to establish their presence somehow on the Internet. However, some important distinctions about this use have to be made.
Niwano Peace Prize
Called to Be Ambassadors of Life and Peace
by Canon Gideon Baguma Byamugisha
The Niwano Peace Foundation presented the twenty-sixth Niwano Peace Prize to Canon Gideon Baguma Byamugisha, an Anglican priest in Uganda. Rev. Byamugisha was honored for his endeavors to uphold the dignity and human rights of people with HIV/AIDS. The presentation took place on May 7 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan in Tokyo. Because of the international swine flu alert, Rev. Byamugisha, who is HIV-positive, did not attend the ceremony. On his behalf, the Most Rev. Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu, primate of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (Anglican Episcopal Church in Japan) accepted the prize. Following are excerpts of the acceptance address that Rev. Byamugisha had prepared for the presentation ceremony.
Essay
The Bodhisattva Practice and Lotus Sutra-Based New Religions of Japan: The Concept of Integration
by Susumu Shimazono
New religious organizations in Japan today clearly reveal that Buddhism has retained its influence on modern Japanese society.
Reflections
The Importance of Knowing One’s Self
by Nichiko Niwano
When our concern about affairs outside ourselves grows, we become likely to neglect our precious inner lives.
