Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies
In the German-speaking academy there is a widespread rivalry between theology and religious studies. “Comparative Theology” provokes suspicions from both sides. This contribution first takes a look at the history of the rivalry, refers then to the criticism from both sides agains...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2012-10-01
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| Series: | Religions |
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| Online Access: | http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/3/4/964 |
| _version_ | 1819113391534374912 |
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| author | Reinhold Bernhardt |
| author_facet | Reinhold Bernhardt |
| author_sort | Reinhold Bernhardt |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In the German-speaking academy there is a widespread rivalry between theology and religious studies. “Comparative Theology” provokes suspicions from both sides. This contribution first takes a look at the history of the rivalry, refers then to the criticism from both sides against “Comparative Theology” and suggests a way of positioning it between the two stools. It pleads for distinguishing between the levels of (analytical) method and (constructive) interpretation as far as possible. The comparative approach should be understood and used as a method of comparative analysis in accordance with the standards of religious studies, while theological reflection should constitute the hermeneutical frame of motivation and interpretation. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-22T04:28:40Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-e774d5ebc2d94ce5ba1d4ae6f35cdb52 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-22T04:28:40Z |
| publishDate | 2012-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Religions |
| spelling | doaj.art-e774d5ebc2d94ce5ba1d4ae6f35cdb522022-12-21T18:39:05ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442012-10-013496497210.3390/rel3040964rel3040964Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious StudiesReinhold Bernhardt0Chair of Systematic Theology/Dogmatics, Theological Faculty, University of Basel (CH), Heuberg 33, CH-4051 Basel, SwitzerlandIn the German-speaking academy there is a widespread rivalry between theology and religious studies. “Comparative Theology” provokes suspicions from both sides. This contribution first takes a look at the history of the rivalry, refers then to the criticism from both sides against “Comparative Theology” and suggests a way of positioning it between the two stools. It pleads for distinguishing between the levels of (analytical) method and (constructive) interpretation as far as possible. The comparative approach should be understood and used as a method of comparative analysis in accordance with the standards of religious studies, while theological reflection should constitute the hermeneutical frame of motivation and interpretation.http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/3/4/964Comparative Theologyreligious studiesreligious truth-claims |
| spellingShingle | Reinhold Bernhardt Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies Religions Comparative Theology religious studies religious truth-claims |
| title | Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies |
| title_full | Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies |
| title_fullStr | Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies |
| title_full_unstemmed | Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies |
| title_short | Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies |
| title_sort | comparative theology between theology and religious studies |
| topic | Comparative Theology religious studies religious truth-claims |
| url | http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/3/4/964 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT reinholdbernhardt comparativetheologybetweentheologyandreligiousstudies |