Abstract
The general role of (academic) "studies" in society may be to point out the problems of contemporary society, to draw the figure of an ideal society, and to propose ways towards a solution of their problems. On the other hand, the role of religious studies in modern society must be illuminated by the most important problems in society. What, then, are these most important problems in modern society? I think one of them is the problem of "sustainability." This includes not only the problem of environmental issues, but also the problems of depressing or dominating developing countries by some large advanced nations that freely use science and technology for their own purposes. The root of this problem must be finally based on the overestimation of human rationality that acts to divide beings objectively. In contrast, the world view or the view of human beings of religions often expresses the transcendental Being or a relational standpoint concerning the world. They offer the image of an original human society that will overcome the various distortions in modern society. Religious studies must be able to provide many suggestions to society or people by clarifying the fundamental design of society precisely for solving the problems of modern society. I think this is one of the most important roles of religious studies in modern society.
