Overcoming the Imperialist Seduction: A Polylogue Reading of Mary towards a Theology of Peace
The current war waged by Russia against Ukraine once again sheds light on the ambivalent role of religion in violent conflicts, and especially the use of religious figures for imperialist political strategies. In this context, Mary is of particular interest, as she serves in Christian history (and p...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Religions |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/9/1189 |
| _version_ | 1797577325758382080 |
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| author | Michaela Quast-Neulinger |
| author_facet | Michaela Quast-Neulinger |
| author_sort | Michaela Quast-Neulinger |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The current war waged by Russia against Ukraine once again sheds light on the ambivalent role of religion in violent conflicts, and especially the use of religious figures for imperialist political strategies. In this context, Mary is of particular interest, as she serves in Christian history (and presence) as the Queen of Peace, but could also take on characteristics of a warrior goddess. I suggest that investigating the complex use and abuse of Mary for imperialist strategies in the context of Christian–Muslim encounters can give some hints for overcoming the ever-present seduction of theopolitical imperialism, especially with regard to the current developments in parts of (Orthodox) Christian theology. Thus, I will first outline the premises of a political theology dedicated to peace that can only be worked out in a permanent polylogue of religions. Second, a historical overview shows the deep ambivalence of Mary as a theopolitical figure, particularly in the context of Christian–Muslim encounters. Thus, it is even more surprising that, thirdly, a close comparative reading of the Qur’anic Maryam can help to overcome the imperial theopolitical seduction. Finally, I will draw some conclusions about a theology of peace with particular regard to our conflictive times. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T22:06:40Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-b5b3b0fd7e3841fba5e62889c2b5a122 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T22:06:40Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Religions |
| spelling | doaj.art-b5b3b0fd7e3841fba5e62889c2b5a1222023-11-19T12:46:15ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442023-09-01149118910.3390/rel14091189Overcoming the Imperialist Seduction: A Polylogue Reading of Mary towards a Theology of PeaceMichaela Quast-Neulinger0Department of Systematic Theology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, AustriaThe current war waged by Russia against Ukraine once again sheds light on the ambivalent role of religion in violent conflicts, and especially the use of religious figures for imperialist political strategies. In this context, Mary is of particular interest, as she serves in Christian history (and presence) as the Queen of Peace, but could also take on characteristics of a warrior goddess. I suggest that investigating the complex use and abuse of Mary for imperialist strategies in the context of Christian–Muslim encounters can give some hints for overcoming the ever-present seduction of theopolitical imperialism, especially with regard to the current developments in parts of (Orthodox) Christian theology. Thus, I will first outline the premises of a political theology dedicated to peace that can only be worked out in a permanent polylogue of religions. Second, a historical overview shows the deep ambivalence of Mary as a theopolitical figure, particularly in the context of Christian–Muslim encounters. Thus, it is even more surprising that, thirdly, a close comparative reading of the Qur’anic Maryam can help to overcome the imperial theopolitical seduction. Finally, I will draw some conclusions about a theology of peace with particular regard to our conflictive times.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/9/1189MaryQur’anpolitical theologytheology of peacecomparative theology |
| spellingShingle | Michaela Quast-Neulinger Overcoming the Imperialist Seduction: A Polylogue Reading of Mary towards a Theology of Peace Religions Mary Qur’an political theology theology of peace comparative theology |
| title | Overcoming the Imperialist Seduction: A Polylogue Reading of Mary towards a Theology of Peace |
| title_full | Overcoming the Imperialist Seduction: A Polylogue Reading of Mary towards a Theology of Peace |
| title_fullStr | Overcoming the Imperialist Seduction: A Polylogue Reading of Mary towards a Theology of Peace |
| title_full_unstemmed | Overcoming the Imperialist Seduction: A Polylogue Reading of Mary towards a Theology of Peace |
| title_short | Overcoming the Imperialist Seduction: A Polylogue Reading of Mary towards a Theology of Peace |
| title_sort | overcoming the imperialist seduction a polylogue reading of mary towards a theology of peace |
| topic | Mary Qur’an political theology theology of peace comparative theology |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/9/1189 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT michaelaquastneulinger overcomingtheimperialistseductionapolyloguereadingofmarytowardsatheologyofpeace |