Many of us no longer live in culturally and religiously homogenous societies, but rather in pluralistic societies. Here, different religions live side by side, sometimes in mutual understanding, but sometimes also in conflict. This has made the study of interreligious relations an important field for scholars of religion and theologians alike, including giving rise to questions of comparative theology. The course treats central concepts, theories and positions in the study of interreligious relations, such as for example dialogue, ecumenics, religious freedom, conversion, exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism and the theology of religion. Present-day problems and challenges are in focus, and questions are highlighted from the perspective of different religions, as well as in the light of research in both religious studies and theology.
Cannot normally be taken with LH God Beyond Borders; Building Interfaith Bridges.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Evaluate strengths and weaknesses in different types of interreligious relations and different types of interreligious dialogue;
Identify and analyse the complex problems and possibilities that interreligious relations give rise to, as these emerge in light of research in religious studies and theology;
Critically review different approaches to the study of interreligious and interfaith relations.
Assessment
36099-01 : 1250 word critical reflection : Coursework (25%)
36099-02 : 3250 word essay : Coursework (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1,250-word critical reflection (25%) on a key institutional statement/document on the topic AND 3,250-word essay (75%).
