In the present day world a revival of Islam is a tendency that attracts particularly the attention. However, since such a phenomenon is not restricted to the Muslim religion, it may be considered a part of the religious revival occurring simultaneously on a world-scale. At closer inspection, a similar tendency can be seen in Christianity, Hinduism, Confucianism and other religions as well. What causes the two contrasting tendencies of religious revival and secularization and what makes both of them influence the present world? Is it appropriate to interpret the world as being torn between these two vectors? How can the frictions and repulsion resulting from collisions of these opposite vectors in a given society (for example, the case of the Muslim immigrants in Europe) be resolved? In order to realize the coexistence of humankind, what relationship should be established between the three elements of secularization, religions and the state that interacts with them?
To address these problems we would like to start by examining specific instances of secularization and religious revival in several countries, societies and regions of the world and referring to the related discussions and research. The choice of the countries and regions to be taken up will be adjusted to the participants’ interest; Japan, America, France, Egypt (Turkey, Iran and other Middle East countries) are among the considered areas.
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