Abstract
"Shukyo bunkashi" (specialists in religious culture [or religion and culture]) is a new qualification system for undergraduates being planned by JARS. It aims to qualify students who demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of worldwide religious traditions. A "shukyo bunkashi" is expected to be engaged in various occupations that require knowledge in different cultures. On the other hand, the Japanese Ministry of Education has been attempting to introduce an academic review system of subjects to higher education institutions. These two systems suggest an increased awareness that the academic study of religion, not only as "applied science" but also as "plain science," should play a social role and be recognized as worthwhile by the public. We, the members of JARS, are encouraged to work together to establish education assessment panels and also to achieve accountability. Would we be able to fulfill our social responsibilities without jeopardizing the independence and the autonomy of the academy? This paper explains both qualification systems by comparing and contrasting them with each other and then discusses their problems. As an example of a precedent, it will refer to the benchmarking guidelines for theology and religious studies in UK universities and analyzes their possible liaison with governmental policies.
