Fields of Faith
Theology and Religious Studies for the Twenty-first Century

This 2005 book asks: how will theology and the religions be studied in higher education in the coming century?

David F. Ford (Edited by), Ben Quash (Edited by), Janet Martin Soskice (Edited by)

9781107403529, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 March 2012

250 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.34 kg

Review of the hardback: 'For readers concerned with the study and teaching of theology and religion in the twenty-first century, the editors of Fields of Faith provide a stimulating guide to discussion and debate.' Scottish Journal of Theology

This book was first published in 2005. How will the study of theology and the religions in higher education be shaped in the coming century? This book offers several different perspectives on this field of study with suggestions for a future in which theology and religious studies are pursued together. There are examples of the interplay of theology and religious studies with reference to a range of topics: God, love, scripture, worship, argument, reconciliation, friendship and justice. The contributors practise different disciplines within the field, often in combination, covering theology, philosophy, history, phenomenology, literary studies, hermeneutics, politics, ethics and law. Their specialisms embrace Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Indian religions, with particular focus on the field in Europe, the US and South Africa. Recognizing the significance of the religions and of higher education, the book explores what best practice can be adopted to fulfil responsibilities towards academic disciplines, the religions and the societies of which they are part.

Introduction David F. Ford
Part I. The End of the Enlightenment's Neutral Ground: 1. The study of religion and the rise of atheism: conflict or confirmation? Michael J. Buckley S. J.
2. Doing theology in the university Denys Turner
3. Shaping the field: a transatlantic perspective Sarah Coakley
4. The study of religion as corrective reading Gavin Flood
Part II. Meetings on Common Ground
Section 1: Understanding Faith: 5. God Rowan Williams
6. Love Julius Lipner
7. Scripture Peter Ochs
8. Worship Eamon Duffy
Section 2: The Practice of Justice and Love: 9. Argument Nicholas Adams
10. Reconciliation John W. de Gruchy
11. Friendship Janet Martin Soskice
12. Justice Maleiha Malik
Response: Fields of Faith: An experiment in the study of theology and the religions Nicholas Adams, Oliver Davies and Ben Quash.

Subject Areas: Education [JN], Religion & beliefs [HR]