Self-Identity and Otherness: Shia Approaches to Religious Pluralism

The Self-Identity and Otherness: Shia Approaches to Religious Pluralism panel is an examination of the history of Shia views of other religious traditions as well as the contemporary legal-theological reflection about religious pluralism.

The aim is to discuss the theoretical and conceptual issues related to religious plurality from the perspective of Shia Jurisprudence (fiqh) and the theological implications of such a perspective in the construction of religious identity debates. Shias are the minority group within Islam, having broken with the majority Sunnis in a disagreement over the Prophet Mohammed’s successors and the role that his successors were to play.

With this panel, we intend to reflect on Shia self- perceptions and perceptions of others with respect to religion, covering both historical and contemporary approaches. The papers presented will reflect upon the investigation of the nature and dynamics of Shia normative responses to religious diversity and pluralism and the challenges they face. The aim of the panel is to bring together academics and researchers whose works are related to the topic and to discuss recent theoretical and conceptual achievements in the field.

Important Dates

Date: June 17-21, 2018

Venue: University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

Chair and Convenor: Dr. phil. Shirin Naef (University of Zurich)

Panel Website: European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR) 2018