Comparative Theological Studies

Delivered in English, this international master’s program is designed for theology, religious studies or cultural studies graduates and teaches the basics of comparative theology, covering Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Comparative theology is based on candid academic and personal dialogue with the theological thought espoused by other religions. Students of the subject set out to compare their own religious and cultural traditions with others and thus see them in a different light, question them and develop them further from a theological perspective. In the process, they identify common ground, differences and scope for further thought and action that will facilitate a constructive and productive dialogue between religions and cultures.

The master’s program thus focuses on topics that are key to successful co-existence in societies with an increasingly complex religious and cultural fabric. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach that is both practical and research-oriented and that benefits from the wide variety of methodologies for theological thought across the three monotheistic traditions that are represented by the teachers and students. The objective is to foster an environment where interreligious and intercultural dialogue can flourish - in theory and practice and as the subject matter of research, a learning objective and a personal experience.

Possible lines of work:

Careers related to the humanities and cultural studies that require particular expertise and sensitivity in handling issues of an interreligious or intercultural nature, e. g. as speaker for organizations run by or affiliated with the Church; in education for children, youth and adults; in politics, administration, business, counseling, coaching, journalism, HR; positions at archives, in libraries and museums, science and academia (teaching/research at a university, research institution, think tank, etc.)