Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies (IT&IS)

Please note, from 2022-23 this course will be known as Contextual Theologies and Interfaith Relations.
Please visit the CTIR page for more information and to apply.

The M.Phil. in Intercultural Theology & Interreligious Studies (IT&IS) is an interdisciplinary course that explores some of the complex relationships within and between faith communities and their traditions. It pays close attention to the interplay of faith and society/politics and the conflicts generated by it while critically reflecting on the interrelationship between faith, and class, caste, race, ethnicity, nationhood, gender, sexuality, and ecology.

Interreligious Immersion Programme, Beirut, 2019

Interreligious Immersion Programme, New Delhi, 2017

The course focuses on the practical and theoretical possibilities of engaging in the challenging praxis of justice, peace and integrity of creation. By offering a wide range of critically reflective faith perspectives from the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, it blends together themes of liberation theologies, and ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. There are three main strands in the course:

Religions, ethics and pluralism with a particular focus on religion and secular; religion and human rights; religion, conflict and peace; religion and race, caste, gender, sexualities; and religion and postcolonial/decolonial critique.
Ecumenical dialogue with a particular focus on ecclesial communities and the ecumenical movements as historical locations of resistance to colonising impulses.
Interreligious dialogue and themes of justice, peace, reconciliation and integrity of creation involving Buddhist-Christian, Buddhist-Muslim, Hindu-Muslim, Christian-Muslim and Jewish-Christian and indigenous traditions.

Lecturers draw on a wide range of scholarly perspectives, including those of contextual, ecumenical and interreligious theologies; liberation/feminist/queer/peace theologies; historical theology and theological anthropology; Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Jewish studies; critical theories (postcolonial and postmodern); politics; sociology; and ethics.

Interreligious immersion programmes in the Middle East and South Asia as well as the internship module offer students the opportunities to engage with reflective practitioners in this field and draw connections between theory and practice in their chosen field of study.

A range of international conferences will be made available for students who wish to participate and become familiar with the established and emerging scholars in the field.

Students on this course may also apply to take a module from one of the School of Religion’s other taught master’s courses for assessment in both Dublin and Belfast.

Modules include: Research and Methods in Intercultural Theology & Interreligious Studies; Religions and Ethics in a Pluralist World; Authority, Tradition, Experience: Ecumenics as Intercultural Theology; Nature, Grace and the Triune God; World Christianity and Interreligious Dialogue; Issues in Buddhist-Christian Dialogue; Muslim God, Christian God: Islam and Muslim-Christian Comparative Theology; Engaging Religious Fundamentalism; Religions, Conflict and Peace in International Relations; Northern Ireland: Religion, Conflict and the Politics of Peace.

What Our Students Say

Alice Vignoles-Russell 2020-2021

Studying on the IT&IS course has been a profoundly enriching experience. The course draws from the intersection between faith, culture and politics in a broad variety of contexts, and is delivered with passion and the highest academic and ethical standards. During my time on the course each module was delivered in reference to the most pressing and up to date global issues, such as anti-racism work, gender equality, environmentalism and post-colonial issues. I was inspired throughout my studies by the ways in which spirituality can empower change.

Scholarships

The Irish School of Ecumenics Trust will make the following scholarship available:

Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies M.Phil. (IT&IS) - €2,000 (1 scholarship)

There is no separate application process. All incoming students who have accepted a firm offer by 25 July 2022 will be considered. For further details please contact srpostgrad@tcd.ie.

Find out more about Postgraduate Scholarships.