Taking up the theme of religion, media, and culture in Southeast Asia, this international symposium seeks to reflect on the complex intersections among these three entities in contemporary Southeast Asian societies. It aims to deepen the inquiry into how they mutually influence and shape one another, both positively and negatively.

Our contemporary society and its cultural dynamics; are shaped by rapid social changes; marked, among other things, by post-secularism; and the emergence of a new media culture; driven by advances in information technology. In other words, for today’s society; the rapid development of information technology; has led not only to the rise; of a new media culture; but also to a broader transformation; of cultural dynamics as a whole. Southeast Asian society; is no exception.

For religions, this rapid technological advancement coincides with the revival of religion as part of the post-secular era. Through digital media, the dissemination of religious messages and visions has become much faster and less dependent on traditional religious institutions. This is precisely the cultural dynamic facing all religions today - a context in which each religion is called to remain authentic while also staying relevant in fulfilling its mission.

To some extent, this shift is beneficial for formal religious institutions, offering more opportunities to spread religious values. It opens up new ways for religions to contribute to social transformation and the advancement of human civilization. However, it also contributes to an institutional crisis, as religious matters become increasingly personalized, raising questions about long-established religious practices and values. This development affects not only the internal dynamics of religious communities but also their external interactions with other religious traditions and social institutions.

A similar dynamic can be observed at the intersection of media and established cultures. New media practices provide established cultures with fresh avenues for promoting the cultural values that have long shaped human civilization. This, of course, enriches intercultural dialogue. At the same time, it presents challenges to many aspects of traditional culture, as the cultural shifts driven by digital media question and transform longstanding practices and norms while introducing new ones. This international symposium will explore these issues at the intersection of religion, media, and culture, with particular reference to the Southeast Asian context.

Call for Papers

We welcome scholars from around the world to reflect on this central theme of religion, media and culture in Southeast Asia and explore the following related subthemes:

• Religious practices in digital society: Opportunities and challenges
• Attitudes and responses of religious communities to new developments in digital media
• The role of religion in digital society
• Digital media and the promotion of cultural diversity and plurality
• The impact of media on the well-being of local cultural entities and practices
• The role of media in fostering intercultural and interreligious dialogue
• The question of how religions shape popular cultures
• The question of how popular cultures shape religions
• Digital media and the norms, trends, and processes of identity construction
• The emergence of new ways of life resulting from advancements in digital media
• The use of digital media in addressing specific social-cultural issues
• Responses of religious communities to contemporary social-cultural environmental issues

Abstract submission form (max. 250 words) click here.