Divyadaan

Here, we propose, via Jung, a methodological shift in Sociology of Religion (SoR). We seek an invariant non-reductionist method in SoR regarding the depths of religious experience. We hypothesise that, encouraged by Taylor's characterisation of secularisation, taking the authentic subjectivity (in the Lonerganian sense) of the sociological investigator of religion as starting-point, and the consultational recommendation of Wheeldon as the interaction paradigm, we would have a prototypical methodological toolbox for a non-condescending approach in SoR. The proposed approach evades the trap of overarching narratives, while retaining commitment to scientific rigour, without discarding the existing theoretical heritage of SoR.

This essay traces Girard's intellectual journey and shows how his central insight-that human desire is fundamentally imitative-not only shapes personal identity but also leads to rivalry and conflict. It begins by explaining the triangular structure of desire through the relation between subject, object, and model, and develops Girard's distinctions between external and internal mediation, mimetic rivalry, contagion, and metaphysical desire. It further demonstrates the relevance of mimetic theory to consumer culture, social media and political polarization. Finally, the article offers a critical appraisal, highlighting both the interpretive power of Girard's framework and its limits, especially its tendency toward universalization and reductionism.

This collection of book reviews critically examines contemporary works in philosophy, religion, spirituality, media studies, and consciousness studies. The reviewed texts engage diverse themes such as the concept of personhood in Advaita Vedanta through Richard De Smet’s interpretation of Sankara, John Henry Newman’s epistemology as a response to modern atheism, Ran Lahav’s contemplative approach in Deep Philosophy, feminist and spiritual reinterpretations of the Ramayana through Sita’s perspective, the social and political dangers of fake news, and neuroscientific explorations of consciousness by Anil Seth. Together, these reviews highlight ongoing dialogues between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, faith and reason, spirituality and modernity, as well as technology, media, and human identity. The essays emphasize interdisciplinary reflection and demonstrate how philosophical and religious inquiry continue to address contemporary existential, ethical, and cultural concerns.