Theology and Religion(s): Conflict or Dialogue T-SJ>mon24/25-L-3
The course covers following issues:
1. Introduction – The notion of religion, a brief history of the academic study of religion, and an overview of the theology of religions.
2. Christianity and religion(s) from antiquity through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
3. The critique of religion and theology in the Enlightenment and modern era.
4. The Church’s attitude towards Non-Christian Religions prior to the Second Vatican Council.
5. Precursors to contemporary Catholic theology of religions (Daniélou, de Lubac, Rahner, and others)
6. The Second Vatican Council – A “Copernican turn” in the Catholic theology of religion.
7. Official teachings of the Church Post-Vatican II – Key documents and doctrinal developments.
8. Theology of religion after Vatican II – Contemporary theological perspectives.
9. Interreligious dialogue – Theoretical and practical aspects.
10. Theology and Judaism – Historical and theological perspectives.
11. The Church and Islam – Historical and theological perspectives.
12. The Church and the traditions of the Far East.
13. Contemporary interfaith and intercultural Dialogue – Challenges and opportunities in a pluralistic world.
14. “Violence and the Sacred” – Religious fundamentalism and violence in historical and contemporary contexts.
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes:
After completing the course and confirming the learning outcomes, the student will be able to:
– Outline the historical development of Christianity’s and the Catholic Church’s attitudes toward non-Christian religions.
– Analyse the implications of contemporary Catholic teachings for interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
– Critically reflect on key issues in the theology of religions.
Assessment criteria
Methods:
– Lectures with multimedia presentations.
– Discussion on key topics and selected theological texts.
Evaluation Criteria:
– Attendance at classes is mandatory.
– Assessment will be conducted through an oral exam. Alternative forms of evaluation may be considered under special circumstances with prior approval from the instructor.
Practical placement
D’Costa G., Christianity and world religions: disputed questions in the theology of religions, Wiley-Blackwell, Malden, MA / Chichester, West Sussex 2009.
Kärkkäinen V.-M., An introduction to the theology of religions: biblical, historical and contemporary perspectives, IVP Academic, Downers Grove 2014.
Mortensen V., Theology and the Religions: A Dialogue, Aarhus Universitet (red.), Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Cambridge 2003.
Sullivan F.A., Salvation outside the church? Tracing the history of the Catholic response, Paulist Press, New York 1992.
Weyel B. et al. (red.), International handbook of practical theology, De Gruyter, De Gruyter 2022.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: