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Research in the fields of Religious Studies and Theology

Research Focus

Critical analysis of religions and their respective theologies represents a significant enterprise for an increasingly diverse society. Despite common misconceptions, religions continue to exert a tremendous amount of influence in pluralistic societies, which among other things have been shaped by postsecular perspectives and living conditions. Religions remain, moreover, both a subject of manifold debate and controversy and an indispensable resource expected to provide relevant responses to current challenges in society, politics, and culture. Within this milieu theologians and scholars of religion have a duty to contribute to broader societal discourse about religion by drawing on their respective traditions while also remaining mindful of their biases and assumptions.

The Center for Religious Studies and Theology (RuTh) is devoted to research in the fields of Religious Studies and Theology, focusing in particular on the interreligious and intercultural implications of religious phenomena, as well as the ways in which religions negotiate secular contexts. Through critical reflection on their own theological traditions, early career researchers in RuTh make scholarly contributions both to interdisciplinary academic discourse and, if possible, to public debates about religion (e.g. through the wide-spread dissemination of publications, or in the context of public events).

Objective

As a part of the GRADE Academy Frankfurt RuTh encourages and supports early career researchers to pursue excellence in interdisciplinary research in the field of Religious Studies and Theology. A further desideratum of the program is to link these disciplines with Jewish Studies and Islamic Studies, as well as with other disciplines devoted to the study of religion.

The main task of the GRADE Center RuTh is to provide structural support for PhD and postdoctoral students in Religious Studies and Theology. Apart from encouraging interdisciplinary networks, the program seeks to support initiatives lead by early career researchers, such as providing initial funding for innovative projects, co-funding conferences, supporting visiting scholars, and supplementing travel expenses. RuTh aims to bridge the gap between the academy and general public by encouraging the dissemination of culturally-relevant research to as broad an audience as possible.