Advancing comparative theology research in Europe
Researchers sought to close the gap through work on the EU-funded project COMPARATIVE THEOLOGY (Translating god(s): Comparative theology in Europe). Running in two parts for a total of four years to end-2014, the team studied recent developments and scholarship in Anglo-American comparative theology. It also explored its transatlantic transfer and reception in Europe. In October 2010, an international research group was formed comprising 14 junior and senior scholars. Studies in comparative theology and interreligious studies were undertaken with the goal of producing publications and PhD theses. Topics included comparisons of Christianity and Islam, ecclesiology and ecumenical theology, and interreligious prayer. Through collaborative publication with comparative theologians in the United States and European scholars, two edited volumes and a special journal issue were published, as were three peer-reviewed research essays on comparative theology. The project coordinated various research and study events to fulfil its objective of hosting international experts seminars, lectures, conferences and intensive study programmes. These explored key areas of comparative theology in Europe in line with the disciplines of intercultural theology and interreligious studies. Examples are the kick-off conference 'From World Mission to Interreligious Witness', two international theological colloquia, three two-week European Intensive Programmes and a Summer School for PhD students and junior researchers. COMPARATIVE THEOLOGY included a reintegration and career development dimension, culminating in the position of Full Professor at Germany's University of Münster. Project work has already made an academic impact, seen through formation of a European Network of Comparative Theology and cross-fertilisation with related fields and academic societies. The outcomes are relevant to policymakers concerned with interreligious dialogue and coexistence in the public domain and those involved in education in theology and religious studies.
Keywords
Comparative theology, religion, interreligious studies, Christianity, Islam
