Professor of Religion, Philosophy, and Asian Studies | Elizabethtown College | United States
Dr. Jeffery D. Long, the Carl W. Zeigler Professor of Religion, Philosophy, and Asian Studies at Elizabethtown College, is a renowned scholar in Indic religions and philosophies, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. With a career spanning over two decades, he is also a speaker, author, and editor focused on promoting interfaith understanding and religious pluralism. As the Series Editor of Explorations in Indic Traditions at Lexington Books, Dr. Long combines his teaching expertise with research that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives.
Profile
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Strengths for the Award
Dr. Jeffery D. Long exhibits significant strengths as a researcher and educator, particularly in the fields of Indic religions, philosophy, and religious pluralism. His prolific academic output, spanning over 20 years, includes both single-authored books and numerous edited volumes, which explore complex topics in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions. Key publications, such as Hinduism in America and Jainism: An Introduction, reflect his depth of knowledge and influence on religious studies. Dr. Long’s role as the Series Editor for “Explorations in Indic Traditions” and his contributions to notable encyclopedic volumes (e.g., Encyclopedia of Indian Religions) underscore his leadership in his field. Additionally, Dr. Long’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and religious pluralism aligns well with the inclusive values and scholarly rigor that the Best Researcher Award aims to honor.
Education 🎓📖
Dr. Long completed his PhD in the Philosophy of Religion from the University of Chicago Divinity School, where he wrote a dissertation on pluralism through the lens of Jain and Whiteheadian thought. He holds a Master’s in Religious Studies, also from the University of Chicago, and a BA from the University of Notre Dame in Liberal Studies and Theology, graduating with honors. His academic foundation provides a robust platform for his cross-cultural and interdisciplinary research.
Experience 👨🏫📜
With over 24 years of teaching experience, Dr. Long has served at Elizabethtown College since 2000, advancing from Assistant Professor to his current role as Carl W. Zeigler Professor. His teaching career began in Chicago at Loyola University, the School of the Art Institute, Truman College, and the University of Chicago’s Graham School. His diverse roles reflect his dedication to educating on religion and philosophy with an emphasis on interreligious dialogue.
Research Interests 🔍🧘♂️
Dr. Long’s research interests include Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophies, with a special focus on religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue, and the Jain principle of Anekāntavāda. His work often explores the intersection of spirituality and ecology, non-violence, and the philosophical underpinnings of meditation practices across traditions, emphasizing cross-cultural relevance and ethical applications.
Awards 🏆🌟
Dr. Long has received numerous awards and honors for his work in religion and philosophy, recognizing his contributions to both academia and public discourse. He has been acknowledged for his influential research on pluralism and non-violence, and his dedication to fostering mutual understanding between diverse faith traditions.
Publications 📚📝
- Title: “On Swami Vivekananda and Caste Prejudice: Ethical Implications of the Experience of Non-Duality”
- Title: “The Study of Indian Philosophy in the Work of Arvind Sharma (with Particular Reference to Advaita Vedānta)”
- Title: “Sarada Devi: Holiness, Charisma, and Iconic Motherhood”
- Title: “Goddess, Guru, and Sanghajanani: The Authority and Ongoing Appeal of the Holy Mother Sarada Devi”
- Title: “Religions as Yogas: How Reflection on Swami Vivekananda’s Theology of Religions Can Clarify the Threefold Model of Exclusivism, Inclusivism, and Pluralism”
- Title: “Navigating the Excluded Middle: The Jaina Logic of Relativity”
- Title: “From a Certain Point of View… Jain Theism and Atheism” (Book Chapter)
- Title: “From a Certain Point of View… Jain Theism and Atheism”
- Title: “A Complex Ultimate Reality: The Metaphysics of the Four Yogas”
- Title: “Review of Parveen Jain’s An Introduction to Jain Philosophy”
Conclusion 🌐✍️
Dr. Long stands as a prominent figure in Asian Studies and interfaith scholarship, blending his scholarly rigor with a commitment to promoting religious harmony. Through his extensive teaching, research, and writing, he continues to shape contemporary understanding of Indic religions and the philosophical implications of pluralism.
