Project Details
Projekt
Topical Dialogic. Foundations of dialogue in a polarized Church: Perspectives of Catholic Theology
Applicant
Professor Dr. Martin Kirschner
Subject Area
Roman Catholic Theology
Term
from 2015 to 2016
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 289149249
The religious situation of late modernity is characterized by conflict and polarization between different cultures of belief within the world religions and denominations. These conflicts concern the relationship to the modern and pluralistic world as well as the conception of religious identity. In the Catholic Church, these conflicts are focused upon the debate on the reception of the Second Vatican Council and the renewal of the church. Currently, with Pope Francis, some key issues are up for debate: gender relations, issues of marriage and family (the Synod of Bishops in Rome); questions of church structure, of synodality and participation, the relationship between center and periphery, the reform of the Curia, the status of women in the church. In Germany, there the discussion process ends and the question rises what will follow. In this situation, the research project develops outlines of a conflict theory in the process of finding theological truth. For that purpose, topological and communicative approaches in fundamental theology will be further developed focusing on differences and debate. Therefore, there will be a workshop with theologians representing different theological approaches and options, who will work out the outline and criteria of such a theory of communication in a close connection between practices of dialogue, theoretical reflection and testing the results in concrete dispute. Starting with the different concepts of theology the participants present, reflect and compare the structures of argument, the main authorities and topoi in their approach. What are differences and convergences, criteria and limitations for a dialogue between the different approaches? The results will be tested in two disputations. First the question whether women may / should be ordained for sacramental deaconry; second disputing the sacramental understanding of Marriage in the tension between doctrine, law and pastoral care. The approach of serves as an open frame, which is to be further developed in the concrete dispute between representatives of different theological schools of thought. Theological criteria and conditions of constructive conflict resolution will be worked out, which allow to discover the plurality and diversity of theological approaches as a productive site in the process of finding theological truth. This is not only a requirement for scientific theology, but also of relevance to the pending disputes about the shape of the church and a present culture of faith. The results can be made fruitful for further research on ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, for theological education and public disputation.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
International Connection
Austria, United Kingdom
