CALL FOR PAPERS
The Special Topic Issue of the 2009 South Asian Review
Theorizing Religion in a Postmodern Context

Despite western onslaughts from Richard Dawkins, Bill Maher, Christopher Hitchens, and others, and regardless of scandals and outrages carried out in its name over the centuries, religion continues to shape lives, create nations, and inspire imaginations. Arguably, for South Asians in particular, a totally secular world is unimaginable. Hinduism began in India about 5,000 years ago and is still adhered to by 82% of the Indian population; Buddhism and Jainism began there around 500 BC, but today less than 2% of the population follows either. Sikhism began in the fifteenth century, and 2% identifies with it. Other religious traditions present in India include Judaism (0.0005%), Zoroastrianism (0.01%), Christianity (2.5%), and Islam (12%). In Pakistan, 97% of the population is Muslim, with 77% being Sunni and 20% Shia. Sri Lankans are 69.1% Buddhist, 7.6% Muslim, 7.1% Hindu, and 6.2% Christian. Bangladeshis are 83% Muslim and 16% Hindu. In Nepal, 80% is Hindu, 11% Buddhist, 4% Muslim, 4% Kirat, and 0.5% Christian.

In this issue, we will explore the impact that religion has had ”and, more importantly, continues to have” on South Asian society and culture, both at home and in the diaspora. This exploration will consider the role of holy men and women, the influence of the myths on contemporary imaginations, the intolerance that leads to violence, the connection of religion to national identities, and so on. For the Special Topic Issue, interdisciplinary approaches and topics are especially encouraged; thus, essays exploring art, film, gender studies, geography, politics, as well as literature, will be welcome. Interviews of particular relevance will be considered. How does religion exercise its influence, and upon whom, and to what effect? How regressive is it and why or, conversely, what new directions is it inspiring in societies? What would be lost or gained in its demise? Has globalized business, by default, taken the place of transcendence?

This issue will be guest-edited by John C. Hawley of Santa Clara University. Essays should be 15-25 pages (3750-6250 words) prepared in accordance with the latest edition of the MLA style and accompanied by
an abstract of 75-100 words and a biographical note of 50-75 words. The deadline for the receipt of complete manuscripts is March 30, 2009. Early inquiries are encouraged. Manuscripts should be submitted electronically to jhawley@scu.edu either in rich text format (RTF) or, preferably, as a Microsoft Word document.

Books on related topics, for possible review, should be called to the attention of:

Professor P. S. Chauhan
Reviews Editor
Department of English
Arcadia University
450 South Easton Road
Glenside, PA
19038-3295
(e-mail: chauhanp@comcast.net)