Religions 2012, 3(4), 964-972; doi:10.3390/rel3040964
Article

Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies

Reinhold Bernhardtemail
Chair of Systematic Theology/Dogmatics, Theological Faculty, University of Basel (CH), Heuberg 33, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
Received: 26 July 2012; in revised form: 10 October 2012 / Accepted: 12 October 2012 / Published: 15 October 2012
(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Perspectives on the New Comparative Theology)
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Abstract: In the German-speaking academy there is a widespread rivalry between theology and religious studies. “Comparative Theology” provokes suspicions from both sides. This contribution first takes a look at the history of the rivalry, refers then to the criticism from both sides against “Comparative Theology” and suggests a way of positioning it between the two stools. It pleads for distinguishing between the levels of (analytical) method and (constructive) interpretation as far as possible. The comparative approach should be understood and used as a method of comparative analysis in accordance with the standards of religious studies, while theological reflection should constitute the hermeneutical frame of motivation and interpretation.
Keywords: Comparative Theology; religious studies; religious truth-claims

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MDPI and ACS Style

Bernhardt, R. Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies. Religions 2012, 3, 964-972.

AMA Style

Bernhardt R. Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies. Religions. 2012; 3(4):964-972.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bernhardt, Reinhold. 2012. "Comparative Theology: Between Theology and Religious Studies." Religions 3, no. 4: 964-972.

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