Engaging the History of Religions - from an Islamic Studies Perspective
Author
Summary, in English
The future and relevance of the history of religions discipline in the
Swedish context has been discussed lately. This article is a response
to this debate from an Islamic studies perspective. The authors argue
that the history of religions discipline may become more relevant if a
more self-critical approach is adopted, an interdisciplinary attitude
upheld, and if there is an openness to learn from other disciplines
studying religion such as Islamic studies. Moreover, a reflection on
‘history’ in the history of religions is necessary if elitism and a too
narrow definition of the discipline are to be avoided. Furthermore, the
article addresses the question as to whether or not scholarly engagement in disseminating findings in public should be an intellectual and moral requirement.
Swedish context has been discussed lately. This article is a response
to this debate from an Islamic studies perspective. The authors argue
that the history of religions discipline may become more relevant if a
more self-critical approach is adopted, an interdisciplinary attitude
upheld, and if there is an openness to learn from other disciplines
studying religion such as Islamic studies. Moreover, a reflection on
‘history’ in the history of religions is necessary if elitism and a too
narrow definition of the discipline are to be avoided. Furthermore, the
article addresses the question as to whether or not scholarly engagement in disseminating findings in public should be an intellectual and moral requirement.
Department/s
Publishing year
2015
Language
English
Pages
201-225
Publication/Series
Temenos
Volume
51
Issue
2
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Finnish Society for the Study of Religion
Topic
- History of Religions
Keywords
- history of Religions
- Study of Religion
- Islamic Studies
- critical perspectives
- engaged research
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0497-1817