Department of Religious Studies and Intercultural Theology

In our research and teaching we focus on:

• central theoretical problems and methodological questions of religious studies and intercultural theology;
• key aspects of the history and philosophy of religion, including Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism, as well as elementary knowledge of new religious movements and esotericism;
• core questions and concepts of intercultural theology, core questions and concepts of theology and hermeneutics of interreligious relations.

In the Department for Religious Studies and Intercultural Theology, a particular focus of research is on the study of cognitive and existential aspects, i.e. the meaning-conveying and challenging function in the messages/teachings/practices of religions. These aspects are examined using various sources, which include both written testimonies from the past and present as well as material forms of expression, such as artifacts or rituals. The work of the department engages with the interdisciplinary engagement between ​​religious studies, religious philosophy and theology.

The existential challenges, entangled in religious traditions does not only affect their own followers. Today, different religious communities encounter each other on a much broader and more intensive scale than ever before in history. In this situation, religious actors are challenged to relate to one another and to develop a consistent interpretation of religious diversity. On the one hand, this implies a potential for conflict that should not be underestimated, but on the other hand it also offers the possibility of a constructive change in the self-perception and perception of other religions. The study of interreligious encounters and their "theological" implications in the broader sense therefore form another focus of the department.

Intercultural theology historically and systematically reflects the interactions between Christianity and non-Christian religious traditions and the transformation processes of Christianity triggered in different cultural contexts. In this context, fundamental questions of the relationship between faith and culture are addressed in the debate with theologies from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania. In the current academic discourse in intercultural theology, debates such as contextuality, transculturality, migration, plurality, globalization and decolonization play a central role. This shows strong resonances with current social and cultural debates. This also includes topics such as religion and ecology or religion and gender.