The meeting of religions is one of the most pressing issues that face humankind. It is a challenge for religions themselves and for theologians and philosophers who seek to formulate theories about religion. Interfaith and Interreligious encounters, collaboration and dialogue occur in a variety of ways and diverse contexts. How can we understand faith and dogma, dialogue and comparison, texts and reasoning, ethics and politics in the context of religious pluralism? How have world religions come to terms with diversity and pluralism? What are the different models that are used to account for difference and commonality?
This module will seek to address these questions on a theological/philosophical and textual level in addition to a study of key practical, ethical and contextual issues found in the latest scholarship and practice.
Cannot normally be taken with LM Interfaith Relations and Issues.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Evaluate some of the main models used in the understanding and interpretation of interfaith encounters;
Identify and critically assess efforts at positively shaping relations between faiths;
Demonstrate understanding of the major positions on key issues relevant to interfaith relations;
Be conversant with some of the latest movements and scholarship in the field.
Assessment
36088-01 : 2250 word Critical Reflection : Coursework (50%)
36088-02 : 2250 word Essay : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
1 x 2250 word Essay (50%) and a 1 x 2250 word Critical Reflection (50%)
Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component, if this results in failure of the module as a whole.