MA Abrahamic Religions

What does the programme cover?

This course is distinguished by its focus on the contemporary religious thought of the three Abrahamic Religions especially their theological responses to the challenge of modernity and their engagement with each other. It examines the theoretical encounter with modernity and the various issues - political, philosophical and theological - which arise for these religions as a result of such an encounter. It will help students to understand the place of religions in the modern world and to provide them with a ‘religious literacy’ that enables them to read current events with the tools of a ‘religious grammar’ all too often absent in present discussions about religions. Among the issues that will be examined are: philosophical and theological discourses, contemporary interpretation of scripture & scriptural reasoning, morality and law,  contemporary spirituality, politics and secularisation, gender relations, fundamentalism, interfaith engagement & related documents (such as Nostra Aetate and the Common word) and religious pluralism. Thus, the programme will enable the participants to acquire a solid academic background in the contemporary trends within the three religions and will prepare them to engage in inter-faith dialogue.

The degree is taught by members of the three faiths thus giving an insider account of each faith. Academic rigour is central but this degree also fosters a sense of empathy and understanding of the traditions and the extent to which closer dialogue between them is possible.

The dissertation, completed at the end of the programme, is an opportunity for independent research, with support from a supervisor, on a topic selected by you and approved by your supervisor.