Exploring East Asian Religiosity in Austria: Current State, Desiderata, and Challenges

Abstract

This article outlines the current state of East Asian religiosity in Austria, divided into five areas: (1) Buddhism; (2) Christianity; (3) ethnic religions; (4) alternative traditions/holistic offerings; and (5) popular religious realities. In doing so, a glance is cast at the relevant scholarship, which is subsequently addressed in systematic terms. Next, three chief thematic lacunae in the research are expounded upon: (1) historical documentation; (2) sociological examination; and (3) material-aesthetical exploration. Finally, a range of challenges for the scholar of East Asian religiosity in Austria (and beyond) are addressed, including (1) language; (2) cultural competence; (3) accessibility; (4) ephemerality, marginality, and clandestineness; (5) historical blindness; (6) conceptual complexity; and (7) systemic discouragement.