[Virtual Roundtable #11] “Regulating Religion in Asia”

Virtual Roundtable #11 on “Regulating Religion in Asia” took place yesterday at 10am (SGT). The Roundtable was based on the newly edited book, “Regulating Religion in Asia” edited by Assoc Profs Jaclyn Neo, Arif A. Jamal and Daniel PS Goh.

The Panel of Speakers, comprising Prof Kenneth Dean (Asia Research Institute, NUS), Assoc Prof Vineeta Sinha (Department of Sociology, NUS) and Dr Mona Oraby (Amherst College) shared their comments about the book and also raised questions for greater insight into the future of the state and religion in Asia.

Dr Sinha praised the depth and breadth of the edited volume on the issue of law and religion with an Asian perspective, given the complexities within societies in the region. Noting how the volume defines and situates “religion”, she noted that despite firm regulation of religion by the state and its agents, there is still flourishing of religious activities beyond the boundaries of regulation.

Dr Dean spoke on the chapters which covered the Chinese and Vietnamese jurisdictions, noting how economic disparities between different regions in China seem to have a correlation with regulation and highlighted how the socialist government regulates religion in Vietnam.

Dr Oraby shared her thoughts on whether religion is a measurable phenomenon and can demographics depicting a religious presence be sufficient to disprove claims of religious decline.

The session was moderated by Dr Dian Shah (NUS Law) and ended with a highly involved and interesting Q&A segment with the audience.

If you had missed yesterday’s session, watch the recording that will be up soon on our YouTube Channel!