A Comparative Study of Religions (DM2011Y)

Content

The unit provides an empathetic understanding of the different religions practiced in Australia including the Aboriginal religions and the New Religious Movements (NRMs) in their historic settings. The unit will begin with a description of religions itself and will conclude with an emphasis on comparative theology and inter-religious dialogue.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

Weekly face-to-face lectures and tutorials or online forums with online learning materials.

Indicative Bibliography

• Antoun, Richard T. Understanding Fundamentalism: Christian, Islamic and Jewish Movements. Walnut Creek, CA: Altamira Press, 2001.
• Bagir, Zainal Abidin, ed. Science and Religion in a Post-Colonial World: Interfaith Perspectives. Adelaide: ATF Press, 2005.
• Charlesworth, Max, et al eds. Aboriginal Religions in Australia: an Anthology of Recent Writings. Aldershot, UK: Ashgate Publishing, 2005.
• Cherry, Stephen M., and Helen R. Ebaugh, eds. Global Religious Movements Across Borders: Sacred Service. Farnham, UK: Ashgate Publishing, 2014.
• Clooney, Francis, ed. The New Comparative Theology: Interreligious Insights from the Next Generation. London: T & T Clark, 2010.
• Hill, Brennan R. World Religions and Contemporary Issues: How Evolving Views on Ecology, Peace, and Women are Impacting Faith Today. New London, CT: Twenty Third Publications, 2013.
• Lassner, Jacob. Jews, Christians and The Abode of Islam: Modern Scholarship, Medieval Realities. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2012.
• Poceski, Mario. Introducing Chinese Religions. London: Routledge, 2009.
• Reynolds, Gabriel Said. The Emergence of Islam: Classical Traditions in Contemporary Perspective. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2012.
• Yandell, Keith, and Harold Netland. Buddhism: A Christian Exploration and Appraisal. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2009.

Assessment