2025 Annual Meeting: In Conjunction with the American Academy of Religion, Boston, Massachusetts | November 2025

The Society typically meets concurrently with the American Academy of Religion, in the same city as the AAR. The round of meetings begins with a Board meeting, followed by two sessions with papers and discussion and a general business meeting at which Board recommendations are voted on. Please see below for a photo from the 2025 Annual Meeting, and continue reading for 2025 details.

The Annual Meeting of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies

In Conjunction with the American Academy of Religion

Boston, Massachusetts: November 2025

SESSION 1

Some Highlights of the Journey Thus Far of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies (SBCS)

Saturday, November 22 | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Westin Copley Place, St. George CD | Session ID: P22-201

General Description:

The philosopher of religion and interreligious theologian John B. Cobb Jr. passed away in December 2024. Cobb was, among other roles, also the first president of the Society of Buddhist-Christian Studies. His passing prompts us to reflect on the journey of the society thus far as it approaches its 40th anniversary.

This session will highlight some milestones of the society’s history. It will gather some members who have been firsthand witnesses of this history. They will reflect on what for them are highlights and milestones of the society’s journey thus far. Based on that, they will also offer insights on how the society can impact Buddhist-Christian studies now and in the future.

Presenters and Topics

· Moderator: Julius-Kei Kato

· Leo Lefebure: Some SBCS History Highlights

· Judith Simmer-Brown: Some SBCS History Highlights

· Elizabeth Harris: Some SBCS History Highlights

· Ruben L.F. Habito: Some SBCS History Highlights

· Mark Unno: Some SBCS History Highlights

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SESSION 2

Doctrine and Dissent: Buddhist-Christian Reflections on Normativity and Authority

Sunday, November 23 | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Westin Copley Place, Empire | Session ID: P23-200

General Description:

In the Christian tradition, doctrines have played an important role in setting the terms of theological speculation, while also drawing boundaries marking membership or exclusion from religious institutions. Dharma traditions, for their part, tended to envisage the philosophical articulation of particular insights as the expression of intellectual and existential realization. In the former case, doctrinal normativity expunged discordant positions as erroneous and misleading, whereas in the latter, the adoption of specific claims and positions often meant that alternative beliefs and practices were seen as defective, but arguably viable for individuals unable to reach a higher level of realization. The goal of this panel is to bring into conversation these distinct approaches to doctrinal reflection, foregrounding the distinctive significance that normativity possesses in various religious contexts because of their different approaches to anthropology, cosmology and soteriology.

Presenters and Topics:

· Moderator: Stephanie Wong

· Thomas Cattoi: Exegesis and Normativity: Using Allegorical Interpretation to Affirm Doctrinal Consistency in Early Christianity and Tibetan Buddhism

· Mark Unno: Normativity and Authority in Christianity and Mahayana Buddhism

· Joseph Kimmel: Dealing with Demons: Comparative Demonologies and Demonological Ethics between Christianity and Tibetan Buddhism

· Bin Song: Finding Self or Losing Self: Authority and Allegiance in Stoicism, Early Christianity, and Confucianism (Ruism)

· Respondent: Katie Mahowski-Mylroie