COMPARATIVE THEOLOGY AS A POSSIBLE RESPONSE FOR THE RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL MIGRATIONS

Authors

  • Janez Vodičar Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana

Keywords:

interfaith dialogue, interculture education, P. Ricoeur, F. X. Clooney, comparative theology, religious studies

Abstract

Many migrations are also causing increasing religious pluralism. This can quickly be a cause of religious intolerance. That is why we urgently need education for interfaith dialogue. Interfaith dialogue, as understood by its founders, is supposed to transcend mere tolerance. It is supposed to lead to cooperation and mutual enrichment and should not be based on mere coexistence with others who are different from us. Ricoeur’s hermeneutics, which claims that all understanding happens through translation, gives an anthropological foundation for interfaith dialogue, which is based on strengthening of one’s own faith. Comparative theology of F. X. Clooney is based on a similar idea. It will help us demonstrate a didactic plan for a religious education in high school which will promote the strengthening of students’ faith and their enrichment through people of other faiths, which is the goal of such courses anyway. A course with such didactic plan can overcome the superficiality of modern believers faced with a variety of frivolous new age spiritualities, as well as the conflicts which arise when various fundamentalist believers meet.

Published

2022-04-06

Issue

Section

Articles