Interreligious Studies
An Introduction

The first comprehensive textbook designed for undergraduate and graduate students in Interreligious Studies.

Rachel Mikva (Author)

9781108826600, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 June 2023

377 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm, 0.56 kg

'Only a scholar with many years of sincere and serious engagement with faith communities and a commitment to an honest and critical examination of the ethics and theology of interreligious studies could have produced this excellent book. I can hardly wait to introduce Rabbi Mikva's Interreligious Studies to my Theology students.' Ingrid Mattson, Chair of Islamic Studies, Huron at Western University, London, Canada Author, The Story of the Qur'an

The emergence of the field of interreligious studies is emerging as a response to critical issues within our religiously plural world. Religious conflicts, large and small, continue to plague our society, as the challenges of navigating religious difference emerge in daily encounters among people who would like to get along in the public square that they fashion together. These challenges unfold within families, congregations, college campuses, workplaces, communities, media, and cyberspace. This volume offers a comprehensive introduction to interreligious studies. Providing an overview of the history, terms, and characteristics of the field, Rachel Mikva explores the ethical, philosophical, and theological foundations for pluralism. She also presents guidelines and case studies that demonstrate how interreligious understanding and solidarity can be achieved. Designed for use in undergraduate and graduate courses, the volume also will be useful to medical doctors, social workers, police officers, corporate managers, and others whose work requires multi-cultural competence.

Part I. Mapping the Field: 1. Introducing interreligious studies
2. Challenges in naming and navigating religious difference
3. A selective history of interreligious studies and engagement
4. Ethical, philosophical, and theological grounds of parity pluralism
Part II. Meeting Spaces: 5. Meeting difference everywhere
6. Media, old and new
7. Interreligious encounter in the public square
8. Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Part III. Modes of Engagement: 9. Practices of interreligious engagement
10. Dialogue
11. Study and spiritual encounter
12. Community-based service, organizing, and advocacy
13. Arts
14. Conflict transformation.

Subject Areas: Religion: general [HRA]