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Humanities and Social Sciences |
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Philosophy and Religious StudiesResearch
The Philosophy and Religious Studies program’s current research activities fall under three headings: TRADITIONAL STUDIES Over the last few years the Philosophy and Religious Studies program at Bendigo has emerged as a vital centre for Traditional studies. We have developed close links with such bodies as Sacred Web, Sophia, Vincit Omnia Veritas, World Wisdom Publishing, and Fons Vitae Publishing; staff members have been regular contributors to perennialist and tradition-oriented journals, as well as publishing a number of books such as Traditionalism: Religion in the Light of the Perennial Philosophy, Journeys East: 20th Century Western Encounters with Eastern Religious Traditions, The Betrayal of Tradition, Light from the East: Eastern Wisdom for the Modern West, The Golden Chain: An Anthology of Platonic and Pythagorean Philosophy, Mining, Metallurgy and the Meaning of Life, and Homer on Immortality: The Journey of Odysseus as a Path to Perfection. Forthcoming books include Abishiktananda: A Christian Pilgrim in India and Symbolism of the Ark: Universal Symbolism of the Receptacle of Divine Immanence. The PRS program’s latest venture is the establishment of a scholarly peer-reviewed journal, Eye of the Heart. Eye of the Heart distinguishes itself from other scholarly, peer-reviewed journals in the field by its recognition and acceptance of “traditional methodologies.” As part of this project we are working with the Business Systems Development Unit on the development of an international database of Traditionalist scholars and academics. INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH The Philosophy and Religious Studies program offers a wide range of research expertise covering a broad range of traditions. An example of these expertises and interests can be seen below:
Rodney Blackhirst is currently on a research trip in India at the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. He is engaged in the development of a collection of hadith emphasising Qur’anic integrity. His is also in the process of preparing a collection of his essays on Islamic symbolism for publication with Sophia Perennis Publishers (New York). Rodney is engaged in ongoing research on the medieval gospel of Barnabas (The Medieval Gospel of Barnabas). Peter Chang is working towards publication of his comparative study of Christian and Chinese ideas of conscience: A Comparative Study of Conscience: Anglican Bishop Joseph Butler (1692-1752) and the Neo-Confucianist Wang Yang-ming (1472-1529). He is developing the study of Chinese traditions within the PRS Program. Peter is also developing links with the Centre for Dialogue. He is looking at the question of globalization and the common good for the Centre’s conference (30th June – 4th June, 2008). Brian Coman is researching the relationship between traditional Christianity and the modern ecological situation. His latest paper, ‘The Loaded Dog’ (with Evan Jones) continues Brian’s relationship with the celebrated magazine, Quadrant: Australia’s independent review of literature and ideas. Harry Oldmeadow is researching and writing a book systematically expounding the thought and writings of the Swiss metaphysician, Frithjof Schuon (1907-1998). This book has been commission by World Wisdom Publishers (Indiana, U.S.) to act as a doctrinal companion to a forthcoming biography. This work continues Harry’s association with World Wisdom (see his publications). John Penwill continues to work in the capacity of his long standing roles as associate editor of the acclaimed journal, Ramus: Critical Studies in Greek and Roman Literature and Iris: Journal of the Classical Association of Victoria. Timothy Scott is principally engaged as the executive editor of the PRS program’s new scholarly journal, Eye of the Heart. His recent research will see articles on the topic of religious initiation appear in the forthcoming issues of Sophia: The Journal of Traditional Studies (Washington, U.S.) and Sacred Web (Vancouver). These articles continue Timothy’s relationship with these journals. His current research focuses on questions of biblical symbolism. Roger Sworder is currently preparing his book Mining, Metallurgy and the Meaning of Life for republication. An updated version of his book, Homer on Immortality: the Journey of Odysseus as a Path to Perfection is also due for republication in the near future. A recent review by Prof. John Carey (University College Cork), described this work as ‘one of the most fascinating’ accounts of Homer that he had ever encountered (Temenos Academy Review, 2007). Algis Uždavinys is preparing his latest book, The Egyptian Book of the Dead and Neoplatonic Philosophy, for publication. Algis is currently researching a work on theurgy in the Hellenic, ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Phoenician, Byzantine and Indian traditions. RELIGIOUS STUDIES AND EDUCATION The academic study of religion is a growing field in both the U.K. and the U.S. In 2005, Religious Studies was the A level subject with the largest rise in entries, increasing by 16.9% (Joint Council for Qualifications). The Institute of Directors (U.K.) recognised a “boom” in the rise of students taking Religious Studies at GCSE level in 2007, rising 7.2% into 10th position in a table of most popular subjects. We are currently in early discussions with Monash University’s, Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology regarding a project aimed at reviewing the place of Religious Studies in the Australian secondary education.
Content Approved by: Head of School
Page maintained by: Administrative Officer Last Updated: 27 April, 2007 |
