Content

This level 2 course introduces select theological approaches to the reality of religious plurality. It will examine how 'sufficient' these approaches might be, both from the perspective of the Christian faith's own self-description, and from the perspective of the religious other (might the religious other see themselves within the positions as stated). The course will also move from the theoretical to the practical and engage with individuals and communities other than Christian. Students will be challenged to develop a responsible (and theologically and socially defensible) understanding of inter-religious engagement.

Unit code: DM2030P

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Missiology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Map religious pluralism as a theological and social concern, especially as it has developed over the past century

2.

Engage with a religious tradition other than Christianity

3.

Identify and evaluate key theological positions motivating interreligious engagement (encounter, dialogue)

Pedagogy

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorial, Site Visits. A key component of this course includes site visits to other religious communities and prospective students should expect potentially irregular scheduling.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Clooney, Francis X., ed. The New Comparative Theology: Interreligious Insights from the Next Generation London: T. & T. Clark, 2010.
  • D’Costa, Gavin. Christian Uniqueness Reconsidered: Myth of Pluralistic Theology of Religions. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1990.
  • Dupuis, Jacques. Christianity and the Religions: From Confrontation to Dialogue. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2002.
  • Heim, S. Mark. Salvations: Truth and Difference in Religion. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1995.
  • Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. An Introduction to the Theology of Religions: Biblical, Historical & Contemporary Perspectives. IVP Academic, 2003.
  • Knitter, Paul F. No Other Name? A Critical Survey of Christian Attitudes Toward the World Religions. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1985.
  • Knitter, Paul F. Theologies of Religions. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2002.
  • Knitter, Paul F., and John Hick, eds. The Myth of Christian Uniqueness: Toward a Pluralistic Theology of Religions Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1987.
  • Volf, Miroslav, ed. Do We Worship the Same God?: Jews, Christians and Muslims in Dialogue Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2012.
  • Yong, Amos. Beyond the Impasse: Beyond a Pneumatological Theology of Religions. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Journal

A journal equivalent to 2000 words in which the student reflects upon the occasions of interreligious encounter and the theological and social questions this raises for the student. Such reflection may include media articles, interviews of adherents from different religions concerning their experiences, or detailed examinations of different theological positions. The goal is to demonstrate an attentive working through of the issues and experiences raised during the site visits.

2000 45.0
Essay

A short 4500 word essay outlining one theoretical position introduced during the class, including a critical evaluation of its potential strengths and weaknesses.

4500 55.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2016

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-04 13:27:42 +1100