The study of interreligious dialogue has become an integral part of science and research: no theological faculty can avoid dealing with the various topics associated with interreligious dialogue. However, dialogue can be conducted in two different ways: in spite of faith or thanks to faith. The first approach presupposes that one's own faith identity takes a back seat, while the second allows us to explore the multicultural history of our own identity. If we go back to the roots of Christian theology, we find important traces of Judaism and Islam. Just think of the influence of Avicenna or Moses Maimonides on Christian theology. The importance of the Centre for Theology and Philosophy of Religions becomes clear against this background: it opens up access to all Abrahamic religions, precisely by remaining true to its own roots. In doing so, it also serves above all to promote thematic, interreligious and interdenominational networking and coordination between research, teaching and knowledge transfer. This can be achieved through the six selected professorships represented at the Faculty of Theology: the Professorship of Philosophy, the Professorship of Jewish Studies and Theology, the Professorship of Islamic Theology, the Professorship of Dogmatics, the Professorship of Fundamental Theology, and the Professorship of Ecumenical Theology.

Aims of the Centre

The objectives of the Centre are identical to those of the University of Lucerne: research, teaching, and cultural events for the general public. The Centre's areas of research cover the following topics in particular: Interreligious history of theology and philosophy, history of dogma, theology and philosophy of religions, mysticism of religions, interreligious dialogue, and interreligious conflict research. These areas are covered in close co-operation within and outside the university, and with other universities, research institutes, and institutions. This is supported by the funding of various research projects on interreligious dialogue; third-party funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and other national and international foundations is particularly noteworthy. The aim is always the following: To involve and promote young highly qualified researchers with expertise in Jewish, Christian and Islamic theology and philosophy. Our goal is very clear: research instead of stereotyping. 

This is achieved by organising innovative and international courses. Through the introduction of the English-speaking Masters programme ‘Philosophy, Theology and Religions (PhilTer)’ we have laid the foundation for this. We were guided by the following principle: internationalisation instead of provincialisation.

The cultural events, which are both the aim and purpose of the Centre, take place mainly through personal encounters. Important players in the field are networked with each other so that an authentic discourse can take place. Our guiding principle here is: Know about each other - talk to each other.