Studies and research in the field of Interreligious Studies focus on the relation between different religions and world views – varying from conflict to dialogue – in the wider perspective of religion and society. The relational perspective is a defining feature of the approach processes of change in religiously pluralist societies an important part of the horizon. Research in the field include text-based as well as empirical approaches.
The field of study includes the relation between religion and secularity as well as Islamic theology - which is dealt with in an interreligious perspective.
The research group deals also with issues of religion, leadership and chaplancy.
For interreligious studies and research on interreligious relations, see additional entry in Norwegian.
Cf. horizon document (pdf) (from 2000).
About the group
The research group is led by includes senior researchers and research fellows working on themes like Islam in Norway; Islamic thought; Qur'anic Studies, Christian-Muslim relations; Christian-Buddhist dialogue; religion and secularity; religion and human rights; gender perspectives on religion and religious leadership and chaplaincy.
The group is lead by Professor Anne Hege Grung. It includes Associate Professor Safet Bektovic, Associate Professor Nina Hoel, Professor emeritus Oddbjørn Leirvik, Professor emeritus Notto R. Thelle Senior Lecturers Nora S. Eggen and Helge Svare, researcher Beret Bråten, Lecturer Markus Keller, PhD-fellows Farhan Shah, Tonje Baugerud , Serena Baldari and Naveed Baig. External members include Ingvild Flaskerud, Helge Årsheim, Sven Thore Kloster, Faruk Terzic, Kjersti Børsum and Steinar Ims.
Research Results
See Publikasjonar (publications in English and Norwegian).
Academic programmes and courses
Interreligious relations are an integral part of the Faculty’s study programs "Religion and Society" (bachelor and master), the master programs in "Religion and Diversity" and in "Leadership, Ethics and Dialogue", and of the joint first year courses for all programs at the Faculty. See full overview of interreligious courses.
See also information about the Faculty's courses for religious leaders.
Interfaculty cooperation
l group members took part in the University of Oslo's interfaculty research area PluRel (Religion in Pluralist Socities, 2008-2015). Interreligious studies was also an integral part of the interfaculty research program Culcom (Cultural Complexity in th New Norway (2004-2010).
International network
The Faculty has a special cooperation with Uppsala University in the field of Islamic Theology and Philosophy (coordinator in Oslo: Safet Bektovic). Through the members of the research group, the Faculty of Theology is linked with the European Society for Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies (ESITIS). ESITIS is closely related to the journal Interreligious Studies and Intercultural Theology. ESITIS is presently headed by Anne Hege Grung, a member of our research group.
See bibliography on interreligious studies internationally.