Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies

Journal Title: Religions - Year 2012, Vol 3, Issue 4

Abstract

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.

Authors and Affiliations

Reinhold Bernhardt

Keywords

Related Articles

‘Better as a Buddhist’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Reflections on the Religious Beliefs of Buddhist Men Serving a Prison Sentence for a Sexual Offence

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of the accounts offered by individuals (n = 7) convicted of a sexual offense who describe themselves as Buddhists. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews withi...

Somatic Energies and Emotional Traumas: A Qualitative Study of Practice-Related Challenges Reported by Vajrayana Buddhists

A qualitative study of Western practitioners of Buddhist meditation investigated unexpected, challenging, difficult, and distressing experiences. This paper reports on a subset of 12 practitioners within Tibetan Vajray...

Spiritual Care: The Nurses’ Experiences in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Physical aspects of disease management are often more evident than those related to spirituality or spiritual care. Spirituality may appear more crucial in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) when patients are exper...

The Catholic Church and Technological Progress: Past, Present, and Future

Over 2000 years the Catholic Church has slowly developed a posture towards technology which is predominantly techno-optimist and techno-progressive, and yet the Church does not have this reputation today. Concomitantly...

From Religious Diversity to Political Competition: The Differentiation Process of Pentecostalism in Brazil

The growing religious diversity in Brazil has more to do with a differentiation process within Pentecostalism itself than with the presence of very diverse religious groups. Starting with the analysis of such different...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP25277
  • DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/rel3040964
  • Views 395
  • Downloads 16

How To Cite

Reinhold Bernhardt (2012). Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies. Religions, 3(4), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-25277