Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Intercultural and inter-religious dialogue'

This paper is a case-study on a group of American students, who spent a four- month period in Oman on a semester abroad program hosted by Al Amana Cen- tre. This paper examines the changes that have occurred in the students concep- tual thinking, their attitudes towards Muslims, Arabs and Islam and their personal theology, and identifies causes of those changes. In the first section, I will introduce the interfaith work that Al Amana Centre does, and lay a summary of the history and theory of Christian-Muslim dialogue. I will also explain the concept of Theology of Religion, which is central in examining the students’ own theological views. I will also introduce transformative learning theory that I use as a theoretical framework in this study In the last section of this paper, I analyze the research material which includes program curriculum, student interviews, student essays and students’ answers to questionnaires and surveys. From this material, I have identified repeating ideas and patterns and compared them to the framework offered by transformational learning theory. This paper seeks to answer to the question: what kind of effects does the Al Amana semester abroad program, infused with cultural immersion, have on the students in this particular case study. In the conclusion part of this paper, I con- clude that the semester abroad program facilitates opportunities for deep reflec- tion and extrarational experiences that work as a catalyst for transformation. It is hoped that this study can offer guidelines for other programs that aim at transforming attitudes and believes, and that work with cultural immersion and interfaith dialogue. It should be noted though, that the conclusions and outcomes of this study are tied to the specific context and people who attended the semes- ter abroad program, and should not be taken as universal or context-free.

Notre enquête doctorale étudie la métamorphose d'Abd el-Kader, à la suite de sa reddition en Algérie, de 1848 à 1852 pendant son emprisonnement en France. Cette thèse ambitionne d’éclairer la transformation de l'émir Abd el-Kader encore méconnue de l’historiographie, à partir du dépouillement des archives principales d’Aix en Provence (ANOM) et de sources diverses. Les axes principaux de l’étude sont les relations entretenues par l’émir avec des protagonistes politiques, militaires, ecclésiastiques, simples citoyens, son évolution intellectuelle et religieuse nourrie de sa confrontation avec la société française qui l’amène à pratiquer un Islam soufi, la manière dont l’émir est perçu lui-même par ses contemporains : du chef de guerre barbare à l’homme de paix et de dialogue interculturel et inter-religieux. Nous tentons donc de questionner à la fois une trajectoire et des perceptions
Our doctoral investigation studies the metamorphosis of Abd el-Kader, following his surrender in Algeria, from 1848 to 1852 during his imprisonment in France. This thesis aims to shed light on the transformation of the emir Abd al-Qadir still unknown to historiography, from the analysis of the main archives of Aix en Provence (ANOM) and various sources. The main axes of the study are the relations maintained by the emir with political, military, ecclesiastical protagonists, simple citizens, his intellectual and religious evolution nourished by his confrontation with French society which leads him to practice a Sufi Islam, the way in which the emir is perceived himself by his contemporaries : from the barbarian warlord to the man of peace and intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. We therefore attempt to question both a trajectory and perceptions

PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO
A presente tese investiga uma forma nova de diálogo entre monges, o diálogo de experiência, focalizando o processo psicossocial de identidadealteridade religiosa. A pesquisa baseou-se em documentos e testemunho do Diálogo Inter-religioso Monástico (DIM), órgão ligado ao Conselho Pontifício para o Diálogo Inter-religioso (CPDI) do Vaticano, que reúne monges de mosteiros católicos do mundo inteiro, participando de comissões de diálogo com monges de outras tradições religiosas. Embora recente este tipo de diálogo indica uma tendência inovadora na relação entre as religiões ocidentais e orientais; e é fruto não apenas do esforço pessoal de alguns pioneiros, mas também das transformações religiosas e sociais que se aceleraram na atual etapa de mundialização. Assim sendo, após apresentar os fundamentos do monaquismo, tendo salientando as diferenças entre suas principais tendências e a referência a uma base comum, situo o desenvolvimento deste tipo de diálogo na perspectiva da história monástica cristã, do atual contexto de pluralismo religioso e de elaboração católica sobre o tema. A importância deste tipo de diálogo para o campo de estudo da religião reside em sua ênfase na experiência, em sua associação entre diálogo e contemplação (ou meditação), e no compartilhamento de práticas monásticas por membros de diferentes tradições religiosas. Ao mesmo tempo, como as experiências relatadas pelos monges estão enraizadas em uma vida religiosa tanto pessoal como comunitária e foram orientadas para o testemunho, elas permitiram um enfoque das representações históricas que relaciona estas representações às práticas religiosas, às experiências espirituais, e às histórias de vida dos monges e comunidades monásticas. A convergência da reflexão vinda de vários campos do conhecimento em direção à experiência transformou esta última em um ponto nodal de referência, em torno do qual foi possível integrar estes campos e estabelecer uma articulação com o testemunho, a narração e o processo psicossocial. Baseada na fenomenologia hermenêutica de Ricoeur e na concepção da consciência religiosa de Nabert, e tendo colocado em evidência a contribuição da psicologia social para esclarecer a dinâmica de identidade-alteridade entre o ego e o alter, a tese analisa o sentido, a formação e a consolidação de uma nova dinâmica desenvolvida no contexto do diálogo intermonástico, estudando-a do ponto de vista da comunidade monástica católica e de sua experiência viva e histórica de diálogo e contemplação. Esta rompe com a visão de subjetividades separadas e com a negação e exclusão da alteridade religiosa, chegando a uma perspectiva de unidade na pluralidade e a um novo tipo de identidade e espiritualidade dialogal. Tendo verificado a importância central desta dinâmica e seu sentido religioso para o desenvolvimento do diálogo entre contemplativos, a tese destaca não apenas a dimensão psicossocial desta dinâmica, mas seu enraizamento no mais profundo centro do ser, sublinhando a relação estabelecida pelos monges católicos entre o diálogo inter-religioso e seu diálogo com Deus. A concepção cristã da alteridade de Deus e do próximo foi determinante para a formulação e prática dialogal de reconhecimento mútuo e para as experiências monásticas de paz e harmonia entre os monges de diferentes religiões. É possível, portanto, distinguir a dinâmica de reconhecimento mútuo da dinâmica de autoafirmação e recusa do outro, relacionada à experiência de negação da diferença, de guerra e eliminação da alteridade. A dinâmica de reconhecimento mútuo é favorecida pela ruptura social da vida monástica, pelas práticas contemplativas e pelo profundo processo de reformulação da identidade- alteridade pela qual passam os monges em sua caminhada para o Absoluto. Atualmente, o reconhecimento
The present thesis investigates a new form of dialogue among monks, the dialogue of experience, bringing into focus the psychosocial process of religious identity-alterity. The research is based on documents and testimonies of the Monastic Inter-religious Dialogue (MID), organism attached to the Vatican`s Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue (PCID), that gathers monks from Catholic`s monasteries of all the world participating at dialogue`s commissions with monks of others religious traditions. Although recent, this type of dialogue indicates a renewable tendency in the occidental and oriental religions` relationship; and it is fruit not only of the personal efforts of some pioneers, but also of religious and social transformations, that are accelerating in the actual world-wideness stage. Then, after presenting the monachism`s foundations, having presented the differences among their main tendencies and the references to a common base, I situate the dialogue`s development in the perspective of Christian monastic history, of the current context of religious pluralism and of Catholic`s elaboration about this subject. The importance of this type of dialogue to the religious study`s field lies in its experience`s emphasis, in its association between dialogue and contemplation (or meditation) and in the sharing of monastic practices by the different religious traditions` members. At the same time, as the monk`s experience accounts are rooted in their personal and communitarian religious life and are orientated to testimony, they allowed an approach of historical representations that relates these representations to religious practices, to spiritual experiences and to life`s histories of monks and monastic communities. The convergence of reflections coming from various fields toward experience has transform this one in a central point of reference around which it was possible to integrate these fields and establish the articulation of experience to testimony, narration and psychosocial process. Based on Ricoeur`s hermeneutical phenomenology and on Nabert`s conception of religious consciousness, and having put in evidence the social psychology`s contribution to clarify identityalterity`s dynamic between the ego and the alter, this thesis analysis the sense, the formation and the consolidation of a new dynamic developed in the inter-monastic dialogue`s context, studying it from the point of view of the catholic`s monastic community and of their living and historical dialogue and contemplation`s experience. This one breaks off with the separated subjectivities` vision and with the negation and exclusion`s of religious alterity, arriving to a unity in plurality`s inter-subjectivity perspective and to a new type of catholic dialogical identity and spirituality. Having verified the central importance of this dynamic and its religious sense to the dialogue`s development among contemplatives, the thesis stands out not only this dynamic`s psychosocial dimension, but also its rooting in the deepest center of being, underlying relation established by catholic monks between the inter-religious dialogue and their dialogue with God. The Christian conception of God and fellow`s alterity has been determinant to the dialogical mutual recognition and to the peace and harmony`s monastic experiences among monks from different religions. The study of this conception and of its application on inter-monastic dialogue conducts to the distinction between this dialogical dynamics from the one established in terms of auto- affirmation and other`s deny, that is related to the differences` negation, to war, and to several kinds of alterity` s elimination. The mutual recognition was favored for the monastic social rupture, for the contemplative practices and for the profound process of identityalterity`s reformulation the monks go through in their path toward the Absolute. Nowadays, the recognition of

Europe has in recent years recognized the need of the inclusion of religions in the dialogue on social cohesion and building of its future. Analysts of the interreligious dialogue suggest that understanding the process of it may be helpful to both the initiators of such conversations as well as all the participants. The idea of different religions working together raises some questions. One of the first questions asked is whether interreligious dialogue really works. How can diverse religions dialogue when there are disputes even within the same religions and within their branches? The understanding of the process offers a better chance of such dialogue being successful and useful for the building of the world we live in.  This thesis explores interreligious dialogue by looking into the interreligious council of Stockholm, which currently includes eighteen different religions, representing some of the city’s diversity, its thoughts and culture. For the analysis, we will use Orton’s discussion and recommendations. In his “Interfaith dialogue: seven key questions for theory, policy and practice” (2016), Orton considers many of the nuances involved in such dialogue. Questioning and reflections allow for the observations and insight into  the complexities of interreligious dialogue which provides for better understanding of the process included. Theories and angles consider social and psychological elements, as well as religious concerns.  Using qualitative research, coming from the interpretive paradigm, this thesis analyses how interreligious dialogue works within a local interreligious council. Analysing the reflections and answers of the respondents, we find the answers to some of the questions given by Orton and reflect over the practical understanding of the theories we looked at.

Inter-religious dialogue is an essential means for different faiths and believers to develop friendship and understanding in an increasingly global and multifaith society. Additionally, it could provide for increased levels of social harmony in a seemingly divided yet ever-shrinking globalised world. Islam has a long history with Australia that pre-dates European colonisation; however, research into the nature and impact of interfaith dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims is scarce. To date, there is an extensive gap in the academic record as no comprehensive historical exploration on inter-religious dialogue prior to 9/11 between Muslims and non-Muslims has been undertaken in Australia. Accordingly, it is envisaged that this will be the most comprehensive research on the topic to date. Uniquely, through the application of the sociological population-level constructs of micro, meso and macro-level analysis this research has looked for evidence of cyclical patterns of inter-religious dialogue over Australia’s long history and contact with Islam. A key question for this research is how, if at all, have different sociological levels of dialogue, as represented in the public and private record, contributed to meaningful social harmony? It is hoped that this historical enquiry will place some light on past paradigm shifts in interfaith relations and assist in the future of interfaith dialogue in a uniquely Australian context. Using the public record, along with other related academic works, this research has analysed the available evidence to establish the sociological levels of interfaith dialogue that existed in Australia up to 2001. A brief overview of the history of global and local inter-religious dialogue has been provided that includes the approaches taken by the various religions as outlined in the sacred texts, the Torah, Gospels and Qur’an. It also looks to outline the changes that have occurred surrounding religion in Australia over time. Initial research has demonstrated levels of micro and meso-level dialogue in the pre-colonial period between the Muslim Baijini, Macassans and Australia's Indigenous peoples. Following colonisation, this dialogue largely disappeared and was replaced by a period of mutual monologue, enforced by the dominant Christian hegemony, notwithstanding the contribution by members of the Islamic community to the exploration and construction of modern Australia. Despite the effects of the Immigration Restriction Act (1901), Muslims continued to migrate to Australia and integrate into the community, including those from British India and Albania. Many kept their religious beliefs and thrived in several Australian towns through the 20th Century. As the century progressed, so did the growth of the Australian umma, with migrants arriving from Turkey, Lebanon, Bosnia, Indonesia, the Middle East and North Africa. Through a critical historical analysis of the public and private records, this research has looked to illustrate to true nature of the sociological levels and effectiveness of dialogue from the first contact with Islam, sometime before the 17th Century until the beginning of the 21st Century. Importantly, the key contribution of this research has also found that the levels of dialogue have been measurable and over time, cyclical in nature, when measured using the sociological constructs of micro, meso and macro. Additionally, this research has uncovered the importance of ecumenical dialogue as a precursor to any meaningful inter-religious dialogue, largely driven by the Catholic Church’s Declaration Nostra Aetate in 1965. Other aspects of the findings include, the need for a critical mass, some form of organisation and favourable political conditions. Finally, shortcomings and suggestions for further avenues of research are discussed.

Religion
Ph.D.
How does inter-religious dialogue in Indonesia transform and being transformed by the New Order authoritarian regime in the creation of a strong civil society and a religiously plural and democratic country? By discussing the politicization of religion and mobilization of religious communities by the New Order regime to fight against the Communists in the wake of the 1965 tragedy as the background, this dissertation seeks to analyze the anatomy of inter-religious relations in the country, including its historical roots, pivotal events, enduring issues and consequential development in the later period. The discussion is placed in a wider theoretical context on the role of religion in public life. Based on the analysis of topical biography, academic works, media reports and other reliable unpublished documents as the main sources, the dissertation investigates the intellectual legacy of four selected key thinkers in the field of inter-religious dialogue. It critically discusses the complex interplay between religion and politics in particular relation to such issues as religious pluralism, religious tolerance, exclusivism, human rights, freedom of religion, legal discrimination, and minority-majority relations. It highlights why and how the contesting discourse within a particular religious community about other group, between different religious communities, especially the Muslims and the Christians, as well as between religious communities and the regime move toward certain direction in particular context and then move towards the opposite direction in other context. Despite the wide spread conflict towards the end of the New Order regime and during the 2000s, the dissertation proved that inter-religious relations in Indonesia in general developed from antagonism to more dialogical relations over the period. The four selected key thinkers of inter-religious dialogue and their intellectual legacy demonstrated how religion could make fundamental contribution in the creation of democracy in a religiously plural society.
Temple University--Theses

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Este trabalho tem como foco o estudo da Fraternidade Cósmica Universal, um grupo sediado na cidade de Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. O grupo realiza encontros entre segmentos religiosos e não religiosos, promovendo o conhecimento, a interação e o diálogo entre as diversas tradições. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi compreender essa dinâmica. Para sua execução foram realizadas visitas ao grupo, observações, participações em suas atividades e entrevistas com seus membros efetivos e visitantes. O resultado encontra-se organizado em três capítulos. No primeiro capítulo serão abordados o diálogo inter-religioso no atual contexto do pluralismo, a questão da identidade, da busca pelo sentido e as novas configurações religiosas. No segundo capítulo serão apresentados a criação e o histórico do grupo, as atividades desenvolvidas pela casa, a dinâmica dos encontros e os espaços físicos onde ocorrem. O terceiro capítulo apresentará os personagens envolvidos nesse processo, suas trajetórias até o grupo e as funções que desempenham na construção de um espaço para o exercício do diálogo inter-religioso e na formação de uma identidade para o grupo. A análise final apresentará os elementos desta dinâmica do diálogo inter-religioso que ocorre na Fraternidade Cósmica Universal.
This research focuses on the study of the Fraternidade Cósmica Universal, a group headquartered in the city of Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The group set up meetings between religious and non-religious segments, promoting knowledge, interaction and dialogue between different traditions. The purpose of this work was to understand this dynamics. For its implementation, visits were done to the group, observations, participation in activities and interviews with its members and visitors. The result of this research is organized into three chapters. In the first chapter will be addressed interfaith dialogue in the current context of pluralism, the question of identity, the search for meaning and new religious settings. In the second chapter will be presented the creation and history of the group, the activities of the home, the dynamics of the meetings and the physical spaces in which they occur. The third chapter introduces the characters involved in this process, their trajectories to the group and the roles they play in the construction of a space for the exercise of interfaith dialogue and the formation of an identity for the group. The final analysis will present the elements of the dynamics of interfaith dialogue that occurs in Fraternidade Cósmica Universal.

Religion has often been viewed as a source of conflict and violence in international relations. Yet history provides that religion has also been a source and inspiration for peace building and non-violent resistance. The role of religious leaders in conflict transformation has been treated as a marginal phenomenon. Appleby (2000) points out that identifying and documenting the roles of religious actors in resolving protracted conflicts remains an unfinished task. This thesis is an attempt to meet such challenge by focusing on religious leaders and their role in search of solutions in deeply rooted conflicts. Working from the premise that religious leaders can make a substantial contribution in conflict transformation, the overarching goal of this thesis is to examine what roles religious actors play and how equipped they are to serve their communities in their capacity as peacemakers.

Darbe analizuotas religijų dialogas ir jo plėtotei būtina sąlyga - tolerancijos buvimas. Globalėjančiame pasaulyje tolerancijos ugdymas padeda įgyvendinti teisingumą, taikų įvairių religijų sugyvenimą. Šiandieninė religijų dialogo situacija Lietuvoje atskleidžiama, analizuojant Bažnyčios Susirinkimų dokumentus, Lietuvos Respublikos įstatymus, vyriausybės nutarimus, Švietimo ir mokslo ministerijos patvirtintas bendrojo lavinimo mokyklų programas. Apžvelgiamas Lietuvos religinių bendruomenių indėlis į tarpusavio toleranciją, kuri vykdoma ekumeninio judėjimo pagrindu.Aptartos teorinės ir praktinės konfesijų dialogo suderinamumo kliūtys, ištirta moksleivių nuostata tarpreliginio dialogo ir tolerancijos klausimu. Atkreiptas dėmesys į visuomenės religinio bei etinio švietimo būtinumą ir galimybes vertybių pervertinimo situacijoje.
A dialogue and the necessary condition for its development – the presence of tolerance were analyzed in this work. In today’s world of globalization the raising of tolerance is helpful in implementing justice and peaceful living in concord among the religions. The present situation of the dialogue between religions in Lithuania is revealed by analyzing the documentation of Church Assemblies, the laws of the Lithuanian Republic, the governmental legal acts, the secondary school curriculums confirmed by the Ministry of Education and Science. The work is also reviewing the input of the Lithuanian religious communities into common tolerance, which is performed on the basis of ecumenical movement. The theoretical and practical compatibility obstacles of the confessions’ dialogue are discussed as well as pupils’ attitude towards the issue of inter-religious dialogue and tolerance is investigated. The attention is paid on the necessity of religious and ethic education in the society and the possibilities of the reassessment of values in this situation.

PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO
Os conceitos de trindade e ternariedade são fundamentais para refletir sobre o diálogo inter-religioso. A expressão relacional da trindade surge no terceiro artigo do Credo Niceno (381 d.C.). Apesar disso, o Espírito Santo ficou invisibilizado na teologia por séculos, por causa da base binitária na lógica do pensamento ocidental. Isso gerou falsa polarização entre fé e ciência, e monoteísmo e pluralismo. Ao ser revelada a ternariedade, pela filosofia de Peirce (séc. XIX) e a física quântica de Planck (séc. XX), tornou-se categoria da transdisciplinaridade. A teologia seguiu laborando pelo paradigma aristotélico – binitário, misógino e com a potência na coisa visível – e produzindo discursos monológicos eruditos, autodefensivos e solitários, numa contramarcha que provocou atrasos na reflexão teológico-filosófica do mundo ocidental, com impacto nas relações ecumênicas e inter-religiosas. O novo paradigma teológico interpela teólogos/as sobre sua responsabilidade diante da comunidade, por tocar na ética da vida e implicar na salvação. Sua incidência na América Latina é relevante pelo histórico de confronto, dominação militar, submissão cultural e imposição religiosa desta. Sob a influência das teologias da libertação, feminista, negra e indígena, as eclesialidades são chamadas a rever sua relação com a pós-modernidade, base mínima para entrar no diálogo interreligioso. E reelaborar novas bases epistemológicas para pensar o transreligioso, sem sucumbir à tentação monoteísta de constranger a realidade para ceder ao seu propósito.
The concepts of trinity and ternarity are fundamental to think about the inter-religious dialogue. The relational expression of the trinity appears in the Nicene Creed s third article (381 A.D.). In spite of that, the Holy Spirit remained in theology for centuries, because of the binitary base in the western thought s logic. This fact generated a false polarization between faith and science, and monoteism and pluralism. When the ternarity was revealed for the Peirce s philosophy (19th century) and the Planck s quantum physics (20th century), it became the category of the transdisciplinarity. Theology continued working by the Aristotelian paradigm - binitary, misogynistic and with the potency in the visible thing - and producing erudite monological speeches, self defensives and solitarians, in a counter-attack that provoked arrears in the theological-philosophical reflection of the western world, with impact in the ecumenical and interreligious relationships. The new theological paradigm questions theologians about their responsibility in front of the community, because they touch life ethics and imply salvation. Its incidence in Latin America is important because the historic confrontation, military dominance, cultural submission and religious imposition of her. Under the influence of the liberation, feminist, black and indigenous theologies, the eclesialities are called to review its relationship with the postmodernity, minimum base to enter in the inter-religious dialogue. And reconstruct new epistemological bases to think the trans-religious, without succumbing to the monoteist temptation of constraining the reality to according with our purpose.
Los conceptos de trinidad y ternariedad son fundamentales para pensar en el diálogo interreligioso. La expresión relacional de la trinidad aparece en el tercer artículo del Credo Niceno (381 a.C.). A pesar de eso, el espíritu santo permaneció invisible en la teología durante siglos, debido a la base binitaria de la lógica del pensamiento occidental. Este hecho generó una polarización falsa entre la fe y ciencia, y monoteísmo y pluralismo. Cuando la ternariedad se reveló en la filosofía de Peirce (siglo XIX) y en la física quántica de Planck (siglo XX), se volvió una categoría de la transdisciplinaridad. La teología continuó trabajando por el paradigma Aristotélico - binitario, misógino y con la potencia en la cosa visible - y produjo discursos monológicos, autodefensivos y solitarios, en una contramarcha que provocó atrasos en la reflexión teológico-filosófica del mundo occidental, con el impacto en las relaciones ecuménicas e interreligiosas. El nuevo paradigma teológico cuestiona a los teólogos sobre su responsabilidad delante de la comunidad, porque a ellos toca la ética de vida e implica la salvación. Su incidencia en Latinoamérica es importante por la confrontación histórica, dominación militar, sumisión cultural e imposición religiosa de ella. Bajo la influencia de las teologías de la liberación, feminista, negra e indígena, las eclesialidades son llamadas para repasar su relación con la pósmodernidad, base mínima para entrar en el diálogo interreligioso, y reconstruir la nueva base epistemológica para pensar lo transreligioso, sin sucumbir a la tentación monoteísta de constreñir la realidad a ceder a nuestro propósito.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
With this thesis we present the inter-religious dialogue, from the Brazilian religious pluralist situation, as a challenge for the discussion of religious education in public schools in the secular state of Brazil, with the purpose to overcome intolerance and religious exclusivism. In the first chapter we will introduce the present situation of religious education, especially in its important historical moments, the relationship with the secular state and the position of the Permanent National Forum of Religious Education (FONAPER). In the second chapter we analyze the Brazilian religious plurality taking into account the elements of the Brazilian religious map, relating it to data from the last census of IBGE, with the intention of knowing the Brazilian religious framework and the plural context in which religious education is inserted. In the last chapter we will discuss a proposal of a religious education as ‘a space of dialogue’ between different religions, making use of the foundational elements of the theology of religious pluralism and interreligious dialogue. The practice of religious education as ‘a space of dialogue’ is brought forward as the option that enables tolerance among religious groups represented in the school environment.
Com a presente dissertação buscamos apresentar o diálogo inter-religioso, a partir do pluralismo religioso brasileiro, como desafio para a discussão sobre o ensino religioso em escolas públicas no Brasil, enquanto Estado laico, possibilitando a superação da intolerância e do exclusivismo religiosos. Para isso, no primeiro capítulo apresentaremos a situação do ensino religioso, com destaque para momentos históricos, sua relação com a laicidade do Estado e a experiência do Fórum Nacional Permanente do Ensino Religioso (FONAPER). No segundo capítulo analisaremos a pluralidade religiosa brasileira a partir elementos formadores do mapa religioso brasileiro, relacionando com os dados dos últimos censos do IBGE, com a intenção de conhecer o quadro religioso brasileiro e o contexto plural no qual o ensino religioso está inserido. No último capítulo discutiremos a proposta de um ensino religioso como espaço de diálogo entre as diferentes religiões, utilizando para isso alguns elementos da teologia do pluralismo religioso e do diálogo inter-religioso como fundamentos. A prática do ensino religioso enquanto espaço de diálogo é possível e possibilita a tolerância entre os grupos religiosos que estão representados no ambiente escolar.

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O presente estudo procura descrever a trajetória teológica de John H. Hick, filósofo e teólogo inglês que se notabilizou por defender, ao que se refere ao diálogo inter-religioso, uma posição pluralista de acolhimento igualitário a todas as religiões. Escritor prolixo publicou inúmeros livros e artigos defendendo a sua hipótese pluralista em confronto com posições tradicionais do Cristianismo. Neste trabalho seus principais textos são apresentados e discutidos comparando-os com as demais posições nas diversas tradições religiosas com respeito à soteriologia humana tendo em vista o entendimento entre elas.
The present research try to describes the theological trajectory of John H. Hick, English philosopher and theologian who become well-know distinguished himself by defending, a pluralistic position regarding an equal treatment for all religions in religious dialogue. Wordy writer has published numerous books and articles advocating its pluralistic hypothesis in comparison with traditional positions of Christianity. In this work its main texts are presented and discussed by comparing them to other positions in the various religious traditions with respect to human soteriology in view of the understanding between them.

O tema central da tese é a educação para a paz na escola. É abordado a partir da bibliografia disponível e da investigação realizada durante o ano letivo de 2009 com 151 adolescentes de quatro escolas da rede pública e particular da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte. A pergunta fundamental e motivadora da tese é: é possível educar para a paz na escola? Com o foco nesta questão central e a partir da hipótese inicial de que na medida em que educarmos comportamentos pró-sociais na escola, inibiremos os comportamentos violentos, foi realizada a pesquisa de campo com o objetivo geral de investigar os fatores que, numa proposta de educação para a paz, favorecem o desenvolvimento de comportamentos pró-sociais nos adolescentes e evitam comportamentos violentos no contexto escolar. Foram objetivos específicos da investigação realizada os seguintes: entender a educação para a paz como um compromisso fundamentado na experiência religiosa expressada nas diferentes tradições e como elemento central numa proposta de diálogo inter-religioso; estudar a adolescência como etapa privilegiada de intervenção psicopedagógica; analisar os efeitos da aplicação de um programa de intervenção psicopedagógica de educação para a paz na escola. A pesquisa combina métodos qualitativos e quantitativos ao usar o modelo experimental-estatístico, com um delineamento experimental multigrupo de medidas repetidas pré-teste/pós-teste, junto com o observacional-descritivo, privilegiando a observação participante. O primeiro capítulo é dedicado à fundamentação teológica da tese desde uma perspectiva pluralista e libertadora que privilegia o diálogo inter-religioso. O segundo capítulo é dedicado à fundamentação psicopedagógica da pesquisa e reflete sobre o binômio educação integral para a paz / comportamento pró-social. O terceiro capítulo descreve o percurso e a opção metodológica adotada na investigação. Finalmente o quarto analisa os dados coletados tomando como referência básica as quatro variáveis trabalhadas no programa de intervenção implementado com os adolescentes sujeitos da investigação e relacionadas todas elas com comportamentos pró-sociais: autoestima, expressão/compreensão de sentimentos, relações de cooperação e resolução de conflitos. A pesquisa constatou a efetiva diminuição dos comportamentos violentos dos adolescentes na sala de aula, especialmente nas escolas da rede pública participantes, junto com sinais de avanços na manifestação de comportamentos pró-sociais, mostrando que é possível e viável educar para a paz nas escolas através de programas de intervenção psicopedagógica específicos e de fácil implementação.
The central theme of theses is education for the peace at school. This theme is discussed based on the bibliography available and on investigation. The investigation was carried through the school year of 2009 with 151 adolescentes from four public schools in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. The fundamental and motivating question of the thesis is: Is it possible to educate for peace at school?With the focus on this central issue and from the initial hypothesis that the extent to educate pro-social behavior at school, inhibit violent behavior. A field research was conducted with the aim to investigate the factors that, in a proposal of education for the peace, favors the development of pro-social behaviors in the adolescents and prevents violent behavior at school. Our research was motivated by the following points: understanding education for the peace as a religious experience based on the commitment expressed in the different traditions and as a central element in a proposal for inter-religious dialogue and to study the adolescent stage as prime psychopedagogical intervention, analyze the implementation of a psychopedagogical intervention program of education for the peace at school. The research combines qualitative and quantitative methods to use the experimental-statistical model, with a multigroup experimental design with repeated measures pre-test/post-test, along with observational and descriptive, focusing on participant observation. The first chapter is related to the theological foundation of the research from a pluralistic and liberating perspective that focuses interreligious dialogue. The second chapter refers to the psychopedagogical fundamentals of the research and reflects on the dual integral education for peace / pro-social behavior. The third chapter describes the course and the methodological approach used to carry out this research. The fourth chapter is based on the analysis and comments of collected data. For that purpose reference was made to the four parameters worked in the program of intervention implemented with adolescent subjects of the investigation and all of them related to prosocial behaviors: self-esteem, expression / comprehension of feelings, cooperation relations and conflict resolution.The research showed the effective reduction of violent behaviors of adolescents in the classroom, especially in public schools participating, along with signs of progress in the demonstration of prosocial behaviors, showing that it is possible and feasible to educate for the peace at schools through psychopedagogical intervention programs which are easily implemented.

Si l'étude du regard de l'islam sur les autres religions fait l'objet d'un intérêt croissant, peu d'attention a été accordée au rapport des maîtres soufis tant au christianisme et au judaïsme qu'aux chrétiens et aux juifs. La première partie de cette étude présente une analyse de ce sujet tel qu'il a été perçu par les intellectuels occidentaux qui se sont convertis à l'islam ou qui ont consacré au soufisme des années de recherche. Dans sa deuxième partie, elle analyse les positions des maîtres soufis selon cinq aspects : leur rapport aux Écritures et doctrines des chrétiens et des juifs, leur regard sur leurs rites et coutumes, la conception de leur Salut, leur relation aux chrétiens et aux juifs en tant que personnes, et enfin leur conception du jihâd guerrier contre les pays chrétiens, ainsi que le lien que font ces maîtres entre le jihâd majeur, celui de la lutte contre l'égo, et le jihâd mineur, belliqueux. L'étude dégage la tolérance digne de la plus haute admiration de certains maîtres soufis, mais dévoile aussi des positions rigoristes, irrespectueuses des doctrines et coutumes chrétiennes et juives, et exigeant l'application stricte des règles de la dhimma. Si les maîtres soufis ont mis l'accent sur le jihâd majeur, ils ont souvent témoigné d'un soutien inconditionnel au jihâd guerrier, le percevant comme une forme extrême de sainteté, garantissant le Bonheur dans ce monde ci et dans celui à venir. La modération des dirigeants musulmans contraste fréquemment avec leur extrémisme
While research is devoted to the attitude of Sunni Islam toward other religions, little attention has been paid to the attitude of Sufi masters to Christianity and Judaism as well as to Christians and Jews. The first part of this study provides an analysis of this topic as perceived by western intellectuals who had converted to Islam or who had dedicated years of research to Sufism. In its second part, the attitude of Sufi masters is analyzed according to five perspectives: their position regarding the Christian and Jewish Scriptures and doctrines, their view of their rituals and customs, the understanding of their Salvation, their attitude toward Christian and Jews as human beings, and finally their position regarding jihâd warfare against Christian countries, and the link these masters made between the greater jihâd, the jihâd against one's desires, and the lesser jihâd, the warlike jihâd.This study shows tolerance worthy of the greatest admiration, but also reveals rigorous and disrespectful attitudes toward Christian and Jewish doctrines and customs, calling for the application of the dhimma harshest rules. While the Sufi masters have stressed the importance of the greater jihâd, they frequently gave unconditional support to the lesser jihâd, seeing it as a paroxysmal form of holiness, guaranteeing Happiness in this world and in the next one. The tolerance of Muslim leaders frequently contrasts with some Sufi masters' extremism

Den här studien presenterar, tolkar och analyserar Seyla Benhabibs kommunikativa etik samt undersöker vilka implikationer denna får för religionsdialog som praktisk diskurs. Med utgångspunkt från den kommunikativa etikens båda grundläggande principer om universell moralisk respekt och egalitär ömsesidighet samt idén om det radikalt situerade moraliska subjektet arbetar författaren fram ett förslag på normativa utgångspunkter för religionsdialog mellan kristna och muslimer i Sverige. Aspekter av genus och makt kommenteras särskilt. Studien visar på hur den kommunikativa etiken ställer långtgående krav på dialogens förutsättningar, förberedelser likväl som på dess deltagare. Samtidigt framträder en etik som inte väjer för kontroversiella frågor och obehagliga samtal. I studien framhålls dialogens upprätthållande och kontinuitet som det överordnade målet.
This study presents, interprets and analyzes Seyla Benhabib's discourse ethics, and investigates its implications for religious dialogue as practical discourse. On the basis of the fundamental principles of universal moral respect and egalitarian reciprocity, as well as the idea of ​​the situated moral self, the author proposes ten normative starting points for inter-religious dialogue between Christians and Muslims in Sweden. Aspects of gender and power are commented in particular. The study shows how discourse ethics impose far-reaching demands on the conditions of the dialogue, on the preparation of it as well as on its participants. The continuity of dialogue is emphasized as the overall goal.

The work examines the change involving the Church in Tunisia from the period of the Protectorate to the present through the fundamental moments of independence (1956) and the signing of the ‘Modus vivendi’ (1964). In the first structure of the “modern” Church, a fundamental role was played by the complex figure of the French Cardinal Charles-Allemand Lavigerie who, while giving strong impulse to setting up disinterested charitable social initiatives by the congregations (Pères Blancs, Soeurs Blanches and others), also represented the ideal of the ‘evangelizing’ (as well as colonial) Church which, despite its declared will to avoid proselytism, almost inevitably tended to slip into it. During the French Protectorate (1881-1956) the ecclesiastic institution concentrated strongly on itself, with little heed for the sensitivity of its host population, and developed its activities as if it were in a European country. From the social standpoint, the Church was mostly involved in teaching, which followed the French model, and health facilities. In the Church only the Pères Blancs missionaries were sincerely committed to promoting awareness of the local context and dialogue with the Muslims. The Catholic clergy in the country linked its religious activity close to the policy of the Protectorate, in the hope of succeeding in returning to the ancient “greatness of the African Church”, as the Eucharistic Congress in Carthage in 1930 made quite clear. The Congress itself planted the first seed in the twentyfive- year struggle that led the Tunisian population to independence in 1956 and the founding of the Republic in 1957. The conquest of independence and the ‘Modus vivendi’ marked a profound change in the situation and led to an inversion of roles: the Catholic community was given the right to exist only on the condition that it should not interfere in Tunisian society. The political project of Bourguiba, who led the Republic from 1957 to 1987, aimed to create a strongly egalitarian society, with a separation between political and religious powers. In particular, in referring to the Church, he appeared as a secularist with no hostility towards the Catholics who were, however, considered as “cooperators”, welcome so long as they were willing to place their skills at the service of the construction of the state. So, in the catholic Community was a tension between the will of being on the side of the country and that of conserving a certain distance from it and not being an integral part of it. In this process of reflection, the role of the Second Vatican Council was fundamental: it spread the idea of a Church open to the world and the other religions, in particular to Islam: the teaching of the Council led the congregations present in the country to accept the new condition. This new Church that emerged from the Council saw some important events in the process of “living together”, of “cultural mixing” and the search for a common ground between different realities. The almost contemporary arrival of Arab bishops raised awareness among the Tunisians of the existence of Christian Arabs and, at the same time, the Catholic community began considering their faith in a different way. In the last twenty years the situation has continued to change. Side by side with the priests present for decades or even those born there, some new congregations have begun to operate, albeit in small numbers: they have certainly revitalized the community of the faithful, but they sometimes appear more devoted to service “within” the Church, than to services for the population, and are thus characterized by exterior manifestations of their religion. This sort of presence has made it possible for Bourguiba's successor, Ben Ali (president from 1987 to 2011), to practice forms of tolerance even more clearly, but always limited to formal relations; the Tunisians are still far from having a real understanding of the Catholic reality, with certain exceptions connected to relations on a personal and not structured plane, as was the case in the previous period. The arrival of a good number of young people from sub-Saharan Africa, most of all students, belonging to the JCAT, and personnel of the BAD has “Africanized” the Church in Tunisia and has brought about an increase in Christians' exterior manifestations; but this is a visibility that is not blatant but discreet, with the implicit risk of the Church continuing to be perceived as a sort of exterior body, alien to the country; nor can we say, lacking proper documentation, how it will be possible to build a bridge between different cultures through the “accompaniment” of Christian wives of Tunisians. Today, the Church is living in a country that has less and less need of it; its presence, in the schools and in health facilities, is extremely reduced. And also in other sectors of social commitment, such as care for the disabled, the number of clergymen involved is quite small. The ‘revolution’ in 2011 and the later developments up to the present have brought about another socio-political change, characterized by a climate of greater freedom, but with as yet undefinable contours. This change in the political climate will inevitable have consequences in Tunisia’s approach to religious and cultural minorities, but it is far too soon to discuss this on the historical and scientific planes.

Orthodox Christianity came to the Banyore people of western Kenya in 1942. The Banyore are Bantu speaking people whose language belongs to the Luhya group of languages. The Banyore live near the Uganda border; they are thought to be related to the famous Uganda Kingdom of Bunyoro Kitara. The first Christian missionaries among the Banyore were Protestants who came from South Africa in 1905. . The Orthodox faith reached Bunyore in 1942, through a Kenyan missionary from central Kenya, Bishop George (Arthur) Gathuna, and Fr Obadiah from Uganda. The point of note here is that the first Orthodox Christian missionaries to introduce the Orthodox Christian faith to the Banyore people were Kenyans. I shall examine the relation between Orthodox Christianity and Banyore culture, and show how Orthodox Christianity, in dialogue with the Banyore people, became indigenised in Bunyore culture. Thus Orthodox Christians in Bunyore do not see Orthodoxy as something foreign, but as something that has become part of their own culture.
Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology
D.Th. (Missiology)

碩士
輔仁大學
宗教學系
93
There are two aims in this dissertation. One is that from the communicative theory of Jürgen Habermas to evidence that religious dialogue is able to do something. The other one is about the Truth in religious dialogue. A. Communicative theory and religious dialogue First, through the critical theory and communicative theory of Habermas want to point that 1. Human beings don’t know they were living under the ideology. 2. Using the common sense, which is from the reason, can know where is the ideology. 3. Only communication can absolutely solve the problem of ideology. This point also can be used in religion. There are many mistakes and different points when religions encounter. As time goes by, they will be formed into an ideology, which effects the though of human beings and makes the deeply trace between religions. In order to solve this problem, each religion must reasonable to critic itself first. By doing that, we can know that what is good and what need a future discourse in history. Finally solving the problem through the communication. Then all religions can peaceful together-exist in the world. B. Truth Truth points the religious essence directly, forms the doctrines and teaching the believers how to live. It also influences the points of believers how to see other religions even more the attitudes of religious dialogue. However, truth is only a religious experience between believers and Mystery. So the experience only can be participated but cannot be absolutized. If want to achieve a religious dialogue, which do not be influenced by ideology. We must discourse the Truth first. There is a serious problem in the past Truth, which is unchangeable and absolute. However, through the philosophers, religious scholars, Habermas can we know that 1.The past religious Truth is a personal religious experience. They are the descriptions and interpretations, which are between Mystery and believers, from the believers. It may be wrong. So we need to check it again under the reason. 2. Leaving the religious situation, we need another criterions to criticize, which is not from the religious education. 3. Whether the Truth in religion or not, it can be reached by religious dialogue.

博士
輔仁大學
宗教學系
105
This dissertation takes the meaning of life as the foundation of inter-religious dialogue and deals with the problem of unequal power in dialogue. The meaning of life is an inescapable problem for human beings and religion. It is the relationship between Myth and human being, because meaning of life concerns about truth, ultimate concern, and religion. The meaning of life could be composed of individual and public dimension. People get individual meaning of life by authentic or inauthentic choices in their daily life. However, no human beings can live without society, so how to live with others in harmony via public consensus in the world we live in is the purpose of the meaning of life in public dimension. Cognition differs in human beings because of the difference in cultural background. However, mistake or misunderstanding may occur and alienate each other by looking at one single dimension. People who are alienated can only reach the communicative capability as a subject, the intersubjective understanding and the meaning of life through communicative action in public dimension. This dissertation takes Asissi and Museum of World Religions as the meaning of life as the foundation of inter-religious dialogue's examples. John Paul II and Master Hsin-Tao both discover the meaning of life in their religions, share it to others to enrich each other’s life and reach a consensus of the meaning of life in public dimension through inter-religious dialogue. Finally, this dissertation will explore the issues provoked from unequal power in inter-religious dialogue. It states the willingness to enter inter-religious dialogue is the core foundation. Oppression of religious power is not the ultimate solution for the seeking the meaning of life. Human beings should first seek meaning of life from their religions, share it to others and wait for others’ willingness into a dialogue.

碩士
輔仁大學
宗教學系
95
To bring peace and hope to humankind, inter-religious dialogue among religions in the present days, has not only been a response to the globalization, but also a solution to help them liberate from various rigid ideologies. To make inter-religious dialogue possible, both “equality” and “diversity” play important roles. While establishing the platform of equality for inter-religious dialogue, we should not ignore the differences among the diverse religions in the world; if religions are identical, dialogue will be unnecessary. Conversely, while distinguishing the diversity of religions for inter-religious dialogue, we should not avoid the common ground among religions in the inter-dependent world; if religions are isolated, dialogue will be impossible. Therefore, we can see that religions cannot have dialogue on a common ground without equality, but without diversity religions will probably lose their uniqueness. Here is the question: How can Buddhism face such kind of paradoxes: convergence (diversity in equality) vs. divergence (equality in diversity). Buddhism, a religion practicing the philosophy of Middle-way, might be able to offer substantial opinions to the current studies of inter-religious dialogue. However, Buddhism has seldom studied this issue on the basis of its religious philosophies, though there have been a number of theoretical studies of inter-religious dialogue from the perspective of western philosophies. Western theoretical studies have approached inter-religious dialogue by focusing their studies on the three aspects “the theory of truth,” “epistemology,” and “anthropology.” Therefore, the Buddhist practitioners and researchers can respond to the inter-religious dialogue, within the frames mentioned by western philosophers. Moreover, this can manifest the flexibility of Buddhism and also initiate an inter-religious dialogue between the Buddhist and the western religious philosophies. This thesis intends to explore the non-dual consciousness of inter-religious dialogue within the philosophies of Chinese Tiān Tái Buddhism, by a comparative reading of different paradigms between the Buddhist and the western philosophies, especially in the third section of each chapter. Chapter one, regarding the theory of truth, compares Zhū-fă-shí-xiàng (諸法實相) with Raimon Panikkar’s (1918-) non-dual truth. Chapter two, regarding epistemology, compares Yuán-dùn-zhĭ-guān (圓頓止觀) with four possible models of inter-religious dialogue derived from different epistemological approaches. Chapter three, regarding anthropology, compares Xìng-jù (性具) with the Karl Rahner’s (1904-1984) transcendental theological anthropology. The first and second section of each chapter will illustrate Buddhist philosophies in detail, in order to better understand the comparisons in the third section. This thesis conclusively advocate: 1) Buddhists should self-reflexively take the inter-religious dialogue as an opportunity to enhance their faith and practice the Buddhist Middle-way, and 2) if inter-religious dialogue becomes another kind of rigid ideology, it should be condemned and avoided; thus the true spirit of inter-religious dialogue would flourish.

O seguinte trabalho, intitulado “Do Institucional ao Local: fazer um Território Intercultural”, é uma investigação no âmbito do mestrado de Gestão do Território e Urbanismo. Procura responder à sua questão central “Como é operacionalizada a interculturalidade a nível institucional e em iniciativas concretas no território?”, tendo como referência o município de Lisboa. Procura perceber o processo de materialização da interculturalidade e as complexidades ou facilidades de se fazer uma Lisboa intercultural. Tem como objetivo identificar virtudes ou falhas da operacionalização da interculturalidade em Lisboa, dentro dum enquadramento em que a realidade das cidades interculturais se constitui como um dos maiores desafios da política da União Europeia. A base empírica deste trabalho foi obtida por intermédio de um estágio curricular no Núcleo da Interculturalidade do Departamento dos Direitos Sociais da Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, que se realizou entre 31/10/2016 a 31/03/2017 e possibilitou ao investigador obter uma visão pormenorizada e holística do processamento da interculturalidade em Lisboa, e assim expor neste trabalho de que forma e que passos percorre a interculturalidade até chegar a iniciativas concretas no território municipal. Este relatório baseia-se na observação do diálogo intercultural tal como oficialmente defendido e trabalhado na autarquia municipal. Foi redigido com a intenção de contribuir para uma Lisboa melhor no que concerne a sua coesão social e territorial, bem como a integração social independentemente da etnia, cultura ou religião.
This dissertation is based on research undertaken as part of the Masters in Territorial Management and Urbanism. The research question it aims to answer is "How is interculturality operationalized at an institutional level and towards concrete initiatives in the Lisbon territory?” It seeks to understand the process of materialization of interculturality and the complexities of making an intercultural Lisbon. One of its objectives is to identify the merits or failures in the operationalization of interculturality within the municipality of Lisbon, which is an important diagnosis at a time when intercultural cities are among the main challenges of EU policy. A curricular internship was held at the Centre for Interculturality in Lisbon City Council’s Department of Social Rights between 10/31/2016 and 03/31/2017, enabling the researcher to obtain a detailed view of interculturality in action. This dissertation presents and explains the way the concept of interculturality is worked, and what steps does such work entail, until it arrives at concrete initiatives in the municipal territory. The dissertation is based on the observation of intercultural dialogue as officially supported by the municipal authority, and it was written with the intention to contribute to a just and intercultural Lisbon, where social and territorial cohesion as well as social integration are pursued regardless of ethnicity, culture or religion.

This study identifies a theological trajectory of first generation “believers” – those who allow the biblical text to speak authoritatively into their lives – within the Sindhi community of Pakistan. A passage from a contemporary translation of the New Testament in the Sindhi language – Luke 15:11-32, Jesus’ Parable of the Two Lost Sons – was presented in interview settings to discover how Sindhis express their faith as they consider the message of the parable. Culture texts generated by believers are compared to those generated by “traditional” Muslim Sindhis who do not accept the Bible as authoritative. Twenty–eight people identified as Sindhi believers were interviewed as well as twenty traditional Sindhi Muslims. Similarities and contrasts between the two groups are used to discover how the theological praxis of the believers is being impacted and how they are adjusting their view of God as they engage scripture. The description of theological trajectories that diverge from accepted traditional convictions is referred to as “mapping.” Six themes were identified from the interviews that are important for both groups while demonstrating distinct contrasts and similarities. The themes are (1) God is compassionate/kind/merciful/loving beyond our imagination, (2) God forgives his servants who repent, (3) Concepts of rewards, punishment and the fear of God, (4) The relationship of human beings with God (child versus servant), (5) Issues of justice, honor and status, and (6) The importance of obedience to God. An evaluation of the six themes revealed one overarching trajectory: a shift from a dominant master–servant view of the Divine–human relationship to a father–child paradigm. The research affirms that the shift to a biblically shaped view of God is not disconnected from previous beliefs, but is based on and shaped by a priori assumptions held by members of society. Commitment to the Bible as God’s word speaking authoritatively to believers creates a shift or trajectory of faith so that current perspectives, symbols and metaphors of God are being reformed and reconfirmed through the believers’ interaction with the Sindhi translation of scripture.
Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology
D. Th. (Missiology)

This dissertation explores the need for contextualization from a missiological perspective. It seeks to validate the needs for contextualization in the Epworth Community near Harare, Zimbabwe, where a number of cultures are represented. The subject of contextualisation is first explored in a general sense, i.e. relating to how it has been presented in key missiological publications and in different contexts, particularly in Africa and Zimbabwe. The dissertation explores the need for identification in intercultural communication, and also analyses the context of Epworth and the history of the Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe. A chapter on theological reflection surveys the issue of contextualisation in the Old and New Testaments. The study concludes with practical recommendations on how the issues raised in the study can be applied to a field wider than the Epworth Community.
Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
M.Th. (Missiology)

O diálogo inter-religioso é um dos desafios no campo do pluralismo religioso atual, necessário para uma boa convivência entre crentes de diferentes tradições. O Concílio Vaticano II, através da declaração Nostra Aetate foi determinante na relação da Igreja com as religiões não cristãs. Nesta linha, os cristãos católicos e os muçulmanos têm estreitado laços de colaboração e diálogo no respeito e na alteridade. É nesta dinâmica de abertura, diálogo e colaboração, que o Papa Francisco e o Grande Imame de Al-Azhar Aḥmad Al-Ṭayyib assinaram a declaração Fraternidade Humana em prol da paz mundial e convivência comum. Este documento veio reforçar a necessidade de colaboração entre as duas religiões, apontando pistas de ação pastoral comum, no campo da paz e defesa da dignidade humana, na educação e na saúde, na pastoral familiar e juvenil, na pastoral da hospitalidade e da migração, da proteção da criação e meio ambiente, e no campo dos mídias.
Inter-religious dialogue is one of the challenges in the field of religious pluralism today, necessary for a good co-existence between believers of different religious traditions. Vatican II Council, through the declaration Nostra Aetate, was decisive in the Church's relationship with non-Christian religions. In this line, Catholic Christians and Muslims have strengthened ties of collaboration and dialogue in respect and in otherness. It is in this dynamic of openness, dialogue, and collaboration that Pope Francis and the Great Imam of Al-Azhar Aḥmad Al-Ṭayyib signed the declaration Human Fraternity for World Peace and Common Co-existence. This document reinforced the need for collaboration between the two religions, pointing out paths for common pastoral action, in the field of peace and defense of human dignity, in education and health, in family and youth pastoral care, in pastoral hospitality and migration, in the protection of creation and the environment, and in the field of the media.

O presente trabalho é, na sua essência, uma reflexão crítica sobre os desafios e exigências colocados hoje à disciplina de Educação Moral e Religiosa Católica (EMRC) e, por conseguinte, ao seu programa e didática, pelo Perfil dos Alunos à Saída da Escolaridade Obrigatória2 e pela autonomia e flexibilidade curricular. Neste contexto, colocam-se inevitavelmente duas questões. O aluno implícito no Programa de EMRC de 2014 é o mesmo aluno cujo perfil o estado português agora define para doze anos de escolaridade obrigatória, em linha com a visão internacional da educação para 2030? Diante da autonomia curricular das escolas que oportunidades e limitações se colocam a uma disciplina como a EMRC? Sendo a escola raiz da cultura, e apontando o Perfil dos Alunos para a construção de uma cultura científica e artística de base humanista, este Relatório vem também salientar a imprescindibilidade do currículo escolar abranger, clara e inequivocamente, a área do fenómeno religioso como dimensão do ser humano, expressão e elo de ligação entre comunidades e culturas. Neste sentido e neste tempo, não residirá na escola a responsabilidade de ser um exemplo vivo de respeito e integração, assumindo-se como interlocutora e promotora de uma cultura de paz e tolerância? Para este fim, não se colocará hoje ao diálogo ecuménico e interreligioso o desafio de participar conjuntamente nesta educação humanista de todos, testemunhando o diálogo e a diversidade e contribuindo assim para o respeito, a inclusão, a interculturalidade e a inter-religiosidade? Porque o novo espírito que o mundo atual precisa é, antes de mais, um espírito de tolerância e paz.
This essay is, in its essence, a critical reflection on the challenges and demands placed today on Catholic Religious and Moral Education and, consequently, on its syllabus and didactics, by the document Perfil dos Alunos à Saída da Escolaridade Obrigatória and the curriculum´s autonomy and flexibility. In this context, two questions inevitably arise. Is the student implicit in the 2014 EMRC Program the same student whose profile the Portuguese state now defines for twelve years of compulsory education, in line with the international vision of education for 2030? Given the curricular autonomy of schools, what opportunities and limitations are placed on a subject such as EMRC? Being school a root of culture and pointing the Perfil dos Alunos to the construction of a humanistic, scientific and artistic culture, this essay also highlights the need for the school curriculum to clearly and unambiguously cover the area of the religious phenomenon as a human being dimension and expression and as a bond between communities and cultures. In this sense, isn’t it a school´s responsibility to be a living example of respect and integration, assuming itself as a promoter of a culture of peace and tolerance? In order to achieve that, isn´t there a challenge to the ecumenical and interreligious dialogue to jointly participate in this humanistic education for all, witnessing dialogue and diversity and thus contributing to respect, inclusion, interculturality and interfaith? The new spirit that today's world needs is, first and foremost, a spirit of tolerance and peace.

This Diploma Thesis deals with two universalistic conceptions, represented by the Swiss Catholic Theologist Hans Küng and his work Global Ethics, and the Civil Religion. In the first part of my text, I bring in the personality of Hans Küng, his work, ideas and the book Global Ethics which received great acclaim on international forum, Churches and society. Küng draws up three basic theses: No world peace without peace among religions. No peace among religions without dialogue between the religions. No dialogue between the religions without accurate knowledge of one another. These theses express the need for a dialogue, being able to formulate viable visions of the future. In the second part of my work, I introduce a less known notion of the Civil Religion with its transformations and development throughout the history. It is a concept exceeding the border of sociology, political science, philosophy and theology, examining the formative processes of the society and its religious reference speech. It penetrates the academic discourse especially in the period between the 1960s and 1980s, as represented e.g. by the American sociologist Robert Bellah. In the third part of my text, I compare both the universalistic conceptions and try to find out where they intersect and in which respect each of them has...

This study which is the product of library research and fieldwork seeks, on account of the persistent marginalisation of African Traditional Religion (ATR) in Sierra Leone by Islam and Christianity, to investigate the place of ATR in inter-religious encounters in the country since the advent of Islam and Christianity. As in most of sub-Saharan Africa, ATR is the indigenous religion of Sierra Leone. When the early forebears and later progenitors of Islam and Christianity arrived, they met Sierra Leone indigenes with a remarkable knowledge of God and a structured religious system. Successive Muslim clerics, traders, and missionaries were respectful of and sensitive to the culture and religion of the indigenes who accommodated them and offered them hospitality. This approach resulted in a syncretistic brand of Islam. In contrast, most Christian missionaries adopted an exclusive and insensitive approach to African culture and religiosity. Christianity, especially Protestantism, demanded a complete abandonment of African culture and religion, and a total dedication to Christianity. This attitude has continued by some indigenous clerics and religious leaders to the extent that Sierra Leone Indigenous Religion (SLIR) and it practitioners continue to be marginalised in Sierra Leone's inter-religious dialogue and cooperation. Although the indigenes of Sierra Leone were and continue to be hospitable to Islam and Christianity, and in spite of the fact that SLIR shares affinity with Islam and Christianity in many theological and practical issues, and even though there are many Muslims and Christians who still hold on to traditional spirituality and culture, Muslim and Christian leaders of these immigrant religions are reluctant to include Traditionalists in interfaith issues in the country. The formation and constitution of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) which has local and international recognition did not include ATR. These considerations, then beg the questions: * Why have Muslim and Christian leaders long marginalised ATR, its practices and practitioners from interfaith dialogue and cooperation in Sierra Leone? * What is lacking in ATR that continues to prevent practitioners of Christianity and Islam from officially involving Traditionalists in the socio-religious development of the country? Muslim and Christians have given several factors that are responsible for this exclusion: * The prejudices that they inherited from their forebears * ATR lacks the hallmarks of a true religion * ATR is primitive and economically weak * The fear that the accommodation of ATR will result in syncretism and nominalism * Muslims see no need to dialogue with ATR practitioners, most of whom they considered to be already Muslims Considering the commonalities ATR shares with Islam and Christianity, and the number of Muslims and Christians who still hold on to traditional spirituality, these factors are not justifiable. Although Islam and Christianity are finding it hard to recognise and include ATR in interfaith dialogue and cooperation in Sierra Leone, ATR continues to play a vital role in Sierra Leone's national politics, in the search and maintenance of employment, and in the judicial sector. ATR played a crucial part during and after the civil war. The national government in its Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report acknowledged the importance and contribution of traditional culture and spirituality during and after the war. Outside of Sierra Leone, the progress in the place and level of the recognition of ATR continues. At varying degrees, the Sociétié Africaine de Culture (SAC) in France, the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), the Vatican, and the World Council of Churches, have taken positive steps to recognise and find a place for ATR in their structures. Much about the necessity for dialogue and cooperation with ATR can be learnt in the works and efforts of these secular and religious bodies. If nothing else, there are two main reasons why Islam and Christianity in Sierra Leone must be in dialogue with ATR: * Dialogue of life or in community. People living side-by-side meet and interact personally and communally on a regular basis. They share common resources and communal benefits. These factors compel people to be in dialogue * Dual religiosity. As many Muslims and Christians in Sierra Leone are still holding on to ATR practices, it is crucial for Muslims and Christians to dialogue with ATR practitioners. If Muslims and Christians are serious about meeting and starting a process of dialogue with Traditionalists, certain practical issues have to be considered: * Islam and Christianity have to validate and accept ATR as a true religion and a viable partner in the socio-religious landscape of Sierra Leone * Muslims and Christians must educate themselves about ATR, and the scriptures and teachings of their respective religious traditions in order to relate well with Traditionalists These are starting points that can produce successful results. Although at present Muslims and Christians in Sierra Leone are finding it difficult to initiate dialogue and cooperation with Traditionalists, all hope is not lost. It is now the task of the established IRCSL to ensure the inclusion of ATR. Islam and Christianity must remember that when they came as strangers, ATR, played host to them and has played and continues to play a vital role in providing hospitality, and allowing them to blossom on African soil.
Religious Studies and Arabic
D.Litt. et Phil. (Religious Studies)