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Interpretation Theory: Cross-References
Interpretation Theory: Cross-References
Interpretation Theory: Cross-References
Cross-References
Interreligious Dialogue
▶ Attribution/Attribution Theory
▶ Divine Action ▶ Pluralism (Religious)
▶ Externalism and Internalism
Interreligious Studies
Interbeing
Paul Hedges
▶ Animal Theology and Ethics Department of Theology and Religious Studies,
University of Winchester, Winchester, UK
Interfaith Description
▶ Science and Religion Dialogue and the The term “Interreligious Studies” is a relatively
Interreligious Dialogue new one within academia, but one that is becom-
ing frequently employed. Its basic meaning refers
to studies involving two or more religious tradi-
tions or groups; however, it can bear a number of
Interiority different connotations within this broad area. For
instance, it is often seen linked to the term
▶ Externalism and Internalism “Intercultural Theology,” a term that usually
refers to recent development within ecumenics
and mission studies where emphasis moves
from mission as conversion toward developing
Internet and Religion an inculturated theology and dialogue with the
religious other. In this context, although stressing
▶ Online Religion the Religious Studies context rather than the
theological, it may carry a theological tone
where study between religions for mutual enrich-
ment is key. However, this is not its only usage,
Internet Ethics and it may refer to the study of different religions
in meeting, encounter, and activism. Here, a more
▶ Cyberethics “secular” than theological concern may be
involved based in, for instance, a sociological
exploration of the role of different religious tra-
ditions in social inclusion, or activism around
Interpersonal Relationships issues like the environment. Another area that
may be of concern in Interreligious Studies, and
▶ Social Psychology where, probably, the most common usage of
Interreligious Studies 1077 I
“interreligious” on its own is found, is as an Self-identification
alternative or synonym to “interfaith” in the
phrase Interreligious/Interfaith Dialogue. This Science
preview of three sample areas may suggest In the broad sense of an area of study, or field of
a variety of different usages, and this is indeed knowledge, Interreligious Studies can be seen as
the case, however, this does not make the term too a science like the fields of Religious Studies and
broad. Across its various usages, Interreligious Theology. However, in the more restricted
Studies often tends to imply more than simply sense commonly used today, in reference to the
a study of two or more religions, but is about natural and mathematical sciences, it is not
studying the dynamic encounter and interaction a science. Nevertheless, in the mainland Euro-
between them. This may involve hermeneutics, pean context at least, many of those committed
dialogue, historical encounters, or other areas; to Interreligious Studies may see their work as
moreover there is normally an interest in the “scientific” in that it holds to strict qualitative
meaningful growth, enrichment, and benefit and/or quantitative methodologies, criteria, and
gained in this. Much of its focus will be on modern disciplinary guidelines that prescribe it as
and contemporary issues; however, for particular a genuine academic area of study.
scholars historical studies may be the focus.
I
Given its broad usage and general intentions, Religion
Interreligious Studies has a certain affinity with It is not a religion, however, as outlined in
a number of other academic growth areas, par- section “Description”; there may be those who
ticularly Intercultural Theology (referred to see its study as providing important details
above), Comparative Theology, Comparative about the contemporary activity of their own
Religion, and studies in such areas as the Theol- religion.
ogy of Religions, Multiple or Dual Religious
Belonging, and Interfaith Dialogue and Rela-
tions. It may, therefore, be seen, in some ways, Characteristics
as an interface between a more traditionally
secular Religious Studies discipline, and As noted above, Interreligious Studies is a new
a more traditionally confessional theological term, and this has implications for its recognition.
discipline. It is certainly a multidisciplinary It could be argued that it is a development from
enterprise employing historical, sociological, the older, and well-established, field of Compar-
anthropological, psychological, philosophical, ative Religion. However, whereas this sought to
and other tools; in this regard, it stands clearly simply provide an objective historical or phe-
in the tradition of Religious Studies, perhaps as nomenological account of similarities or points
a more engaged aspect of Comparative Religion. of meeting between religious traditions (notwith-
However, it can be seen as something more, standing criticisms of its quasi-theological func-
standing neither in Theology per se, nor simply tion under such luminaries in the field as Mircea
Religious Studies, with some people involved in Eliade), Interreligious Studies is more expressly
the research area sitting more comfortably in focused on the dynamic encounter and engage-
Sociology or Global Studies. Concerns with the ment between religious traditions and persons.
social issues, political concerns, and other fac- Moreover, it can be seen as going beyond Theol-
tors related to religious interaction make it ogy and Religious Studies as a transdisciplinary
a transdisciplinary or interdisciplinary subject area. Certainly the resurgence of religion in
area. While many involved may come from one recent decades has seen it growing in importance
particular background, Interreligious Studies in relation to areas such as politics, economics,
involves the recognition that as a subject area and sociology; therefore, it may be suggested that
it interacts with many disciplines and areas of there is room for a new research field that cuts
life and study. across subject borders.
I 1078 Interreligious Studies
Relevance to Science and Religion studies, while scholars involved would, normally,
be methodologically self-conscious and would,
The issue of “Science and Religion” is one that as a principle, exercise a kind of hermeneutical
would not necessarily be of interest within suspicion about privileged starting points.
Interreligious Studies; however, at the same
time, it could within certain contexts become
a key focus for specific studies. For instance, in Key Values
studying the historical encounter between
Christianity and Islam the passing of Greek Given the diversity of perspectives encompassed,
wisdom as interpreted and developed by Islamic key values would vary. However, by and large,
scholars could be a fruitful area for exploration. It some guiding principles could be noted:
could certainly be usefully employed as an exer- (1) respect for the other (religious, cultural,
cise in helping contemporary communities etc.); (2) valuing and appreciating diversity;
engage more closely in dialogue and understand- (3) an awareness that truth is plural and diversely
ing. In contemporary concerns, practical issues of expressed; and (4) an interest in social change,
interreligious activism may involve issues such particularly involving social cohesion and reli-
as climate change, and as such would again gious tolerance in society; for many this interest
involve directly scientific questions and issues. could be spoken of in terms of commitment or
desire for these things as areas of scholarly study
and personal activism may overlap.
Sources of Authority
Consciousness Cross-References
Concepts of this vary vastly between different
religious traditions, and social and cultural group- ▶ Bodhisattva Ideal
ings and so may become a topic of discussion ▶ Daoism
I 1080 Interventional Neuroradiology
▶ Ecology in Islam
▶ Ecology in Judaism Islam and Medicine
▶ Feminist Philosophy of Religion
▶ Interbeing ▶ Medicine in Islam
▶ Liberation, Theology of
▶ Religion, Sociology of
▶ Religious Studies
▶ Science and Religion Dialogue and the Islam and Science
Interreligious Dialogue
▶ Physics, Science in Islam
References