Comparative Theology

An Alternative to Religious Studies or Theology of Religions

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3364699
AutoresBetül Avcı (0000-0001-7225-0568, Ibn Haldun University, autor de correspondencia), Betül Avci
Año2018
Volumen9
Número3
Páginas83
Fecha de publicación2018-03-16
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaReligions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
EditorialMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel9030083
OpenAlexW2790810024
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas7

This paper examines the relationship between Comparative Theology, Religious Studies and Theology of Religions and questions whether Comparative Theology is an alternative to the last two. Comparative Theology, a faith seeking understanding practice, may be viewed as an alternative to the Enlightenment ideal of Religious Studies, which seeks "impartiality" and "scientific objectivity" in contrast to Comparative Theology's enquiry into "truth" and "meaning." I suggest, however, that the comparative method employed by both Religious Studies and Comparative Theology is not a neutral space. Hence, the new comparativism in Religious Studies reinstates its search for understanding and its political stand, which blurs the boundaries between Comparative Theology and Religious Studies. Likewise, while Comparative Theology is distinct from the Theology of Religions, it does not pose an alternative to it because Comparative Theology, too, often embodies either a pluralist or an inclusivist approach

Comparative religion · Comparative Theology · Epistemology · Faith · Mythical theology · Natural theology · Philosophical theology · Political science · Political theology · Politics · Sociology · Theology · Christian Theology and Mission · Law · Philosophy · Religion and Society Interactions · Religion, Society, and Development · Religious studies