Comparative Theology and Hermeneutics: A Gadamerian Approach to Interreligious Interpretation

Religions

Paul Hedges¹ 

[1] Studies in Interreligious Relations Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Block S4, Level B4, 50, Nanyang Avenue, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore

关键词: hermeneutics;    Hans-Georg Gadamer;    Comparative Theology;    Francis X. Clooney;    Marianne Moyaert;    Interreligious Studies;   

DOI  :  10.3390/rel7010007

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

This paper employs the hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer as a tool to underpin the methodology of Comparative Theology. Acknowledging limitations in Gadamer’s framework, it argues these can either be overcome or bypassed in this context. The paper initially sets out Gadamer’s own understanding of the relationship of his hermeneutics to theology and its reception within theology. It then outlines Francis Clooney’s Comparative Theology using others theologians as needed to supplement this, notably Paul Knitter and Michelle Voss Roberts. The third part shows how Comparative Theology’s methodologically can be grounded in principles coming from Gadamer’s hermeneutics which provide a philosophical rationale for the discipline, making particular use of the concept of translation. It makes reference to Marianne Moyaert’s deployment of Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutical model for interreligious understanding. Various directions for further research are suggested at the end of the paper.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2016 by the author; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.