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Learn how to encourage and benefit from respectful interfaith dialogue
This short course, led by the Faculty of Theology of Lugano in collaboration with USI, will develop your knowledge of what interfaith dialogue means from a philosophical and epistemological point of view, and teach how to enjoy productive interfaith dialogue.
Understand the value of a multi-faith society
Until a few decades ago, it seemed secularisation processes were inevitable and that religion would be confined to the private conscience. However, the new millennium saw religions return – both as places for spiritual reflection, as well as movements that could affect the public sphere.
This course will enhance your understanding of the relationship between different faiths and help you to explore why religions play such an active role in promoting peaceful coexistence among humans.
Learn how to create the right conditions for effective interfaith dialogue
From the perspective of a speaker representing each of the world’s five main religions – Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism – you’ll explore the core characteristics of each religion from a historical and conceptual perspective before discussing a principle of the religion which relates to interfaith dialogue and promotes peace.
You’ll discover how each religion offers similar lessons that encourage humans to relate, connect with each other, as opposed to withdrawing into themselves and sparking conflict.
By the end of the course, you’ll understand how to have a positive interfaith discussion that encourages mutual cooperation and understanding between different faiths and forms of faith.
You’ll even have the chance to put your new knowledge to the test as you join an online interfaith debate with your fellow learners.
This course is designed for anyone interested in religion and interreligious dialogue.
It will be of particular interest for bachelor and master’s students with a background in philosophy, theology or history.
Overview
Syllabus
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- Possibility and necessity of an interreligious dialogue
- Welcome to the course
- The world’s religions scenario and our project
- The world’s religions and the answer to the evil
- Practice of dialogue in an interreligious context
- Summary and conclusion - Week 1
- The interreligious dialogue in Hebraism
- An introduction to Hebraism
- Dialogical elements in the Jewish tradition
- The concept of trans-difference
- Summary and conclusion - Week 2
- The interreligious dialogue in Christianity
- An introduction to Christianity
- Christianity and interreligious dialogue
- Christianithy and the promoting peace
- Summary and conclusion
- The interreligious dialogue in Islam
- An introduction to Islam
- Fraternity and dialogue
- Dialogue between communities
- Summary and conclusion
- The interreligious dialogue in Buddhism
- An introduction to Buddhism
- Zen Buddhism
- Buddhism and dialogue
- Summary and conclusion
- The interreligious dialogue in Hinduism
- An introduction to Hinduism
- Hinduism and the promotion of peace
- Hinduism and interreligious dialogue
- Summary and conclusion
- The course wrap up
