Abstract
This article explores the possibility of an alignment of (a) theology (understood as study concentrating on one faith from the faith suppositions of that faith) and (b) a study of world religions, open to all regardless of faith in the context of an encompassing theory. This article argues that far from undermining the dignity and value of any religion, (b) could add value to the theological study of any one religion. This article proceeds to develop a model for (b). Utilising a methodology revolving around the strategies of careful historical criticism, faithful intentional understanding and imaginative yet trustworthy tendentional interpretation, this article explores a model harmonising the key concepts of metaphysical mysticism (understood as the peak of religious aspiration), conditionality (emphasising the unique singularity of individual religions), totality (emphasising the religious landscape as one coherent whole) and horizon (emphasising the non-absoluteness of all religions, petering out on, and arising from, silence).
Highlights
May I extend my sincere appreciation to Professor Buitendag, the teaching and administrative staff of the faculty and its student body, as well as the university for taking the major step of consciously entering a new epoch in the history of the faculty
Open gates in the case of the faculty, leading in which direction, giving access to what? Where does the phrase ‘. . . and Religion’ in the name of the faculty as from 2018 lead to? I am not taking a position in the ‘Theology . . .’ part of the new faculty and not taking part in a perfectly legitimate Christian theologia religionum exercise, but engaging in an argument in the ‘. . . and Religion’ addition to the new faculty: An open forum out there where Christians, Jews, Muslims, non-theists and so on will meet and mingle as free, empowered, thinking equals and discuss issues concerning the meaning of human existence on planet Earth
Note: Article read at Faculty of Theology Centenary Conference, 5-6 April 2017, Conference Gateway to the Future from a Deconstructed Past
Summary
The study of theology and religion at the University of Pretoria: Two epochs of endeavor. Affiliation: 1Department of Dogmatics and Christian Ethics, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa. Dr Kobus Krüger is participating in the research project, ‘University, Education and Theology’, directed by Prof. Dr Johan Buitendag, Departement of Dogmatics and Christian Ethics, and Dean, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria. How to cite this article: Krüger, K.J.S., 2017, ‘The study of theology and religion at the University of Pretoria: Two epochs of endeavor’, HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 73(1), a4615. Utilising a methodology revolving around the strategies of careful historical criticism, faithful intentional understanding and imaginative yet trustworthy tendentional interpretation, this article explores a model harmonising the key concepts of metaphysical mysticism (understood as the peak of religious aspiration), conditionality (emphasising the unique singularity of individual religions), totality (emphasising the religious landscape as one coherent whole) and horizon (emphasising the non-absoluteness of all religions, petering out on, and arising from, silence)
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