Dynamics of Religion
The research project Dynamics of Religion: Processes of Comprehension, Misapprehension, and Mutual Understanding gexplores the dynamic and often complex relationships between the three monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – in both historical and contemporary contexts. These traditions have always influenced each other through dialogue, coexistence, cultural exchange, as well as conflict and differentiation. We investigate how religious ideas, practices, and worldviews are shaped by these encounters, including concepts of God, humanity, law, morality, and ritual.
As a GREP Fellow, you will have the opportunity to contribute to this interdisciplinary field of study, connecting perspectives from theology, philosophy, history, and religious studies. Possible student projects may involve analyzing interreligious dialogues in specific historical periods, examining cultural or philosophical translations between traditions, or exploring the challenges of interreligious relations in modern secular societies.
Key Information
Study fields: Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, Philosophy, History, Anthropology, Social Sciences
Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Christian Wiese
Contact: c.wiese@uni-frankfurt.de
Academic Coordinator: Dr. Silvia Richter
Contact: si.richter@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Website:
Intake Availability: Spring, Summer and Fall
Capacity: not specified
Credits: 12-18 ECTS Credits
Research Overview
Students can propose their own GREP project within these focus areas:
Program Areas
- Interwoven Religious-Cultural Dynamics – Historical and contemporary interdependence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
- Coexistence in Plural Societies – Living together in multi-religious, multicultural, and multiethnic contexts
- Religion, Flight, and Migration – Challenges of displacement, migration, and refugee experiences.
- Religion and Politics – Processes of politicization and instrumentalization of religious differences.
- Education and Knowledge Transfer – Religion, pedagogy, and didactics in transnational and digital knowledge orders
Requirements
We welcome motivated students from diverse academic backgrounds (theology, history, philosophy, religious studies, Islamic studies, Jewish studies, and related fields) who are eager to engage in the study of religious diversity and mutual understanding.
German language skills would be an advantage, however are not mandatory.
Students should submit their project ideas through the Your Own Research Project page, where they will find instructions, the proposal form, and faculty requirements.
Dr. Silvia Richter will assist in matching approved proposals with suitable supervisors within the CPI network.
