The director of the CTSI is the Catholic theologian Prof. Dr. Klaus von Stosch. Since last year, he has been a so-called Schlegel Professor at the Excellence University of Bonn and a proven expert in comparative theology with a focus on Islam. Already one day before the opening ceremony he will give his inaugural lecture: On May 3 at 4 p.m., he will speak on "Quranic Christology as a Challenge for Modern Christian Thought."
"Comparative theology strives to seek dialogue with other religions from the perspective of one's own faith, and to understand them as a learning ground for one's own theology," von Stosch says. To pursue this goal, the members of CTSI want to expand international cooperation, especially with universities in the Islamic world. The Faculty of Catholic Theology already has good contacts with Tunisia, Iran and Turkey.
Other research foci of the CTSI include questions of ethics and law, peace and conflict studies, and a comparative perspective on the concepts of identity and ambiguity. Another focus is on a historical-critical approach to the late ancient Near East. This focus should help to better understand the emergence of Islam and its interaction with Judaism and Christianity.
In addition, various initiatives are planned to support young scholars - including an Annemarie Schimmel Fellowship, which will enable junior researchers to spend time in Bonn. These activities are closely linked to the Transdisciplinary Research Area "Individuals, Institutions and Societies" at the University of Bonn.
The opening of the CTSI on May 4 marks the beginning of a two-day symposium dedicated to the question of interreligiously sustainable standards of epistemology.
More information about the International Center for Comparative Theology and Social Issues (CTSI)