David Chappell
David W. Chappell (1940-2004) was Professor of Comparative Religion at Soka University of America and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Hawaii. His publications include: Buddhist and Taoist Studies (1977); T'ien-t'ai Buddhism: An Outline of the Fourfold Teachings (1983); Buddhist and Taoist Practice in Medieval Chinese Society (1987); Unity in Diversity: Hawaii's Buddhist Communities (1997); and Buddhist Peacework: Creating Cultures of Peace (1999). After initiating a series of Buddhist-Christian conferences in the 1980s, he became founding editor (1981-1995) of the academic journal Buddhist-Christian Studies, founding Director of the Buddhist Studies Program, UH (1987-1991), a co-founder of the Society of Buddhist-Christian Studies (1988), and later its President (1993-95). His later work focused on the changing relationships between religion, business, and government in our global society. Prof. Chappell was an invaluable member of the Forum's Board of Directors during its formative years.