Hindu- Christian Comparative

Catalog description

Taught by GTU. HINDU CHRISTIAN COMPARATIVE THEOLOGY: Theories and Applications While religious studies have had to reconsider comparative methodologies, they have started flourishing in Theology. Comparative theology as Francis X. Clooney describes it, incorporates a dialectical approach that seeks to hold both "comparative" and "theology" in creative tension. This interreligious approach juxtaposes specific texts, images, practices, doctrines, or even persons of two or more traditions, with the goal of helping the interlocutor's "faith seek understanding," while being rooted in a home tradition. The fruits, or insights of such a comparison are indebted to both the newly encountered tradition/s as well as the home tradition. This seminar course explores important comparative theological methods, sources, and philosophical frameworks that undergird this interreligious, dialogical venture. As such, it outlines themes and texts, theories, and theorists, while distinguishing it from comparative religions. Our typical unit for a comparative method will be a Hindu Christian theology. Recent socio-political and religious developments have led many to reflect on one's position toward the religious 'Other.' This course will enable students to mark themselves or their religious perspectives in one or more of the theological and philosophical paradigms that will be discussed. This course will be at the intersection of Comparative Religions, Philosophy & Theology of Religions, and Interreligious studies due to their overlapping relationship with one another. This course is taught by PhD student Pravina Rodrigues with a Newhall Award, under the supervision of Rita Sherma.