Call for Abstracts ARC 15th International Roundtable on “The Media and Religion & Spirituality in Asia”
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Call for Abstract Proposals
15th ARC International Roundtable
Theme: “The Media and Religion & Spirituality in Asia”
Location: Payap University, Chiangmai, Thailand
1-2 Novmeber 2025
The Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication (ARC), St. John’s University and Department of Peace Studies, International College, Payap University invite submissions for ARC’s 15th International Roundtable focusing on the theme The Media and Religion & Spirituality in Asia. This conference seeks to explore the dynamic intersection of media, religion, and spirituality within the diverse contexts of Asia. As media continues to shape societal narratives, its influence on religious practices, spiritual beliefs, and interfaith dialogues is increasingly significant. We welcome scholarly contributions that investigate how media impacts religion and spirituality in Asia, as well as how religious and spiritual messages are communicated through various media platforms.
Scope and Topics:
We invite proposals from a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to religious studies, media studies, sociology, anthropology, theology, communication studies, and cultural studies. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
Media Representation of Religious Practices and Beliefs
- How are religious practices, rituals, and beliefs portrayed in Asian media?
- What role does digital media play in shaping perceptions of religious communities?
- Comparative studies of how traditional and digital media represent various religious traditions.
Religion, Spirituality, and Social Media
- How are religious groups using social media to engage followers and promote spiritual practices?
- The influence of social media influencers on religious discourse.
- The role of social media in spreading religious movements, fostering spiritual communities, and promoting interfaith dialogue.
Media as a Tool for Religious and Spiritual Mobilization
- How has media mobilized religious groups for social, political, or environmental causes?
- Media’s role in advancing religious activism, spirituality, and social justice.
- Coverage of religious conflicts and collaborations, including interfaith peacebuilding initiatives.
Religious and Spiritual Narratives in Popular Culture
- The representation of religious and spiritual themes in Asian film, television, literature, and music.
- How has media transformed traditional religious storytelling, mythology, and symbolism in popular culture?
- The relationship between popular culture and religious traditions in constructing spiritual identities.
Media, Religion, and Government Relations
- How do state-controlled media regulate religious discourse in various Asian countries?
- The impact of government policies on religious expression in the media.
- Censorship and the mediation of religion in politically restrictive environments.
Religion, Spirituality, and Media in Diaspora Communities
- How are diaspora communities using media to maintain their religious and spiritual traditions?
- Media’s role in facilitating transnational religious networks and practices.
- The influence of media on religious identities in migrant and refugee communities.
Media, Technology, and the Future of Religious Practice
- The impact of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, virtual reality, augmented reality) on religious practices and spiritual experiences.
- How are religious communities adapting to new technological opportunities and challenges?
- Digital media’s role in shaping future trends in religion and spirituality across Asia.
Media and Interfaith Dialogue
- How does media foster interfaith dialogue across religious traditions in Asia?
- Media’s role in promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding among diverse faith communities.
- Case studies of media-facilitated interfaith initiatives and their outcomes.
Ethics and Challenges in Media’s Engagement with Religion and Spirituality
- Ethical issues in representing religious minorities and spiritual movements in the media.
- The commodification of spirituality and its impact on authentic religious practices.
- Addressing bias, misrepresentation, and sensationalism in media coverage of religion.
Submission Guidelines:
We invite both theoretical and empirical papers that offer fresh insights into the relationship between media, religion, and spirituality in Asia. Submissions may include case studies, comparative analyses, or critical reflections.
All presentations will take place in person. Authors of accepted papers are waived registration fee for the Roundtable.
Deadline for submitting proposal (250-300 words): April 1, 2025
Notice of Acceptance: May 1, 2025
Deadline for submitting full papers (6,000 words): September 1, 2025
Send inquiries and manuscripts to: arcstjohns.bkk@gmail.com
