Center for Comparative Theology and Cultural Studies
The Center for Comparative Theology and Cultural Studies (ZeKK / Center for Comparative Theology and Cultural Studies ) was founded in November 2009 as a new interdisciplinary research facility at the University of Paderborn . The basic idea is the cooperation of different theologies and cultural studies in a research network, which enrich each other in the discourse as equal partners through their different perspectives, experiences and methods. In addition to the institutes for Protestant and Catholic theology and theologians of all other major world religions, all other subjects in the Faculty of Cultural Studies participate in the work of the ZeKK .
organization
The ZeKK is managed by an interfaith team of scientists from theologies and cultural studies. The ZeKK team consists of Muslim and Christian academic staff who work closely together in research and teaching and in this way further develop the form of theology. Cooperation partners of the ZeKK include the Eko-Haus and Schura Paderborn.
concept
Comparative theology means conducting interreligious dialogue from the internal perspective of the religions. It is the aim of the ZeKK to bring theologians into discussion with one another on a scientific basis on concrete topics. In this way, the focus is on working together on a topic and the opportunity to learn from one another, but also to recognize and respect differences. This is where the approach of comparative theology differs from the approach of comparative religious studies , in which religions are compared from an outside perspective. By integrating cultural-scientific aspects and perspectives, the approach of comparative theology is expanded to the extent that social and cultural topics are also increasingly brought into focus and interactions can thus be uncovered. In this way, the theologies of the various religions connected in the ZeKK develop in a fruitful tension of external and internal perspectives. The cultural studies often turn to neglected questions related to religion and thus open up new fields of research related to religion (e.g. Islam in literature).
aims
In line with the comparative theology approach, the research institute advocates the promotion of the dialogue between religions and the development of respectful interaction with one another. The discussion of religions and theologies is committed to reason and wants to release emancipatory potential for our democratic systems, strengthen social cohesion in the work for the disadvantaged and promote the ability to live together peacefully.
Education
Since the winter semester 2009/2010 it has been possible to study the subject “Comparative Theology of Religions” in the two-subject bachelor's degree at the University of Paderborn. The course consists of 6 semesters in which both the content of Christian theology and the content of theologies of other world religions are in focus. The aim is to familiarize students with the scientific approach to comparative theology and to enable them to deal competently with interreligious and intercultural issues. Starting with the 2014/2015 winter semester, there will be various master’s courses with the title “Theologies in Dialog” based on this.
Publications
- Reinhold Bernhardt / Klaus von Stosch (eds.), Comparative Theology. Interreligious comparisons as a way of theology of religion . Zurich 2009.