Master of Arts in Comparative Theological Studies

The program can be studied both full time in two semesters, and part time in four semesters. It is grounded in a research-oriented and interdisciplinary framework.

Students acquire:

• Advanced Theological Expertise: The curriculum builds on deep foundational knowledge, focusing on current research questions and engaging with systematic, exegetical, historical, and practical theology.
• Methodological and Analytical Competencies: Learn to independently expand their academic insights through rigorous research strategies and methodologies, with a particular focus on the hermeneutics of interreligious engagement.
• Key Professional Skills: Develop the capacity for critical application of scholarly methods in professional practice and learn to responsibly address emerging challenges in an evolving religious and cultural landscape.

The program in Comparative Theological Studies provides foundational expertise in Christian, Islamic, and Jewish theology, covering key fields relevant to interfaith engagement. The program goes beyond theoretical learning, integrating systematic, exegetical, historical, and practical theology through the specialized methodology of Comparative Theology. Students gain the necessary tools to conduct comparative research, facilitating interreligious understanding.

What is Comparative Theology?

It is a new approach in theology, where the followers of a religion open themselves up to a systematic encounter with the theology of a different religion, in order to intensify, rectify, reinterpret, recover the teachings and practices of their own religion, or even appropriate certain parts of another theology to better understand or formulate their own theologies. Special care should be taken that this encounter and reconstruction is methodologically sound. Comparative Theology takes place within the confessional lines of a particular religion in openness toward the other.

Due to its special composition of students from different religions and cultures, the methodological competences, attitudes and forms of learning theoretically based on comparative theology are at the same time performatively implemented in the implementation of the acquisition of knowledge. In this way, attitudes and competencies such as vulnerability, awareness of fallibility and contingency, taking perspectives and empathy are practiced through the design of the courses.

The prospective diverse student body—representing various religious and cultural backgrounds—creates a collaborative learning environment where differences are valued. It targets students from Islamic contexts, as its focus on modern theological methods and interreligious dialogue appeals to them, offering new approaches to theology rooted in Western academic standards. The program also addresses the gaps in knowledge about Islamic and Jewish theology often found among Christian theologians, equipping graduates to thrive in today’s multireligious societies. The program is offered by the CTSI, which has strong international connections in corroborating and expanding theological learning.

Possibilities for Adapting to Special Situations

• In-person and Hybrid Options: The in-person learning environment fosters community and direct interaction, while hybrid and digital alternatives accommodate international students.
• Tailored Learning Paths: Courses accommodate diverse levels of prior theological expertise, offering opportunities for both introductory and advanced engagement.

The entire course lasts two semesters, but it can also be studied in four semesters. The curriculum combines core and elective modules, each emphasizing methodological rigor and practical engagement with Comparative Theology. The course is structured as follows:

Core Modules

• Focus: Methodological and hermeneutical foundations of Comparative Theology, including dialogical engagement and interfaith reflection.
  • Content:
    • Introduction to key approaches, such as Comparative Theology in Christian, Islamic, and Jewish contexts.
    • Case studies of theological doctrines like God, Christology, and Eschatology analyzed through comparative frameworks.
    • Outcomes: Students apply comparative methods, reflect on theological transformations across traditions, and develop interreligious perspectives.

• Focus: Understanding legal traditions in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
  • Content:
  • Canon Law, Islamic Law, and Halakha explored through specific applications, such as education, ethics, and religious violence.
  • Engagement with international debates on religion and law.
• Outcomes: Students analyze the interaction of legal and theological principles, evaluating their roles in addressing contemporary issues.

• Focus: Historical and theological relationships among Abrahamic faiths.
• Content:
  • Jewish-Christian relations, including the impact of antisemitism and theological reconciliation.
  • Islamic theological approaches to Judaism and Christianity.
  • Theologies of Abrahamic religions explored through interfaith dialogue.
• Outcomes: Students critically assess historical and theological dynamics, fostering deeper understanding of interreligious connections.

• Focus: Independent research on a chosen topic in Comparative Theology.
• Outcomes: Students demonstrate mastery in applying comparative methodologies, engage with current research debates, and produce an original scholarly contribution.

Elective Modules (Choose One)

• Focus: Textual and historical analysis of sacred texts in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
• Content:
  • Translation-critical readings of biblical and Qur’anic texts.
  • Study of patristic writings and rabbinic or hadith traditions.
• Outcomes: Students develop critical skills for historical-critical exegesis and examine transformative processes of scriptural traditions.

• Focus: Exploring ecumenical dialogue and theological engagement within Christian traditions.
• Content:
  • Case studies of Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Old Catholic approaches.
  • Educational frameworks for valuing diversity and fostering interfaith empathy.
  • Outcomes: Students analyze ecumenical opportunities and develop pedagogical tools for interreligious and intra-religious understanding.

The program offers unique benefits that set it apart from similar programs:

• A Focus on Interreligious Dialogue: Engage with students and faculty from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, fostering empathy, perspective-taking, and mutual understanding.
• A Global Reputation for Excellence: The CTSI has established strong international connections, enabling students to participate in cutting-edge research and facilitating entry into prestigious doctoral programs.
• Career Preparation for Multireligious Settings: Graduates are well-prepared to address the growing need for experts who can navigate the challenges of multicultural and multireligious societies.

Graduates of the Master’s in Comparative Theological Studies are highly sought after for their specialized training and interreligious expertise. Possible career paths include:

• Academia and Research: Conduct groundbreaking research in Comparative Theology or teach in universities worldwide.
• Religious and Cultural Organizations: Work as interfaith dialogue officers, cultural consultants, or leaders in NGOs addressing religious pluralism.
• Policy and Advisory Roles: Advise governments, businesses, and organizations on ethical and religious matters.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to 240 CPT) in Theology, Religious Studies, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in an ancient language (e.g., Latin, Greek, Hebrew, or Arabic), ensuring engagement with primary theological texts.
• Advanced English proficiency, under the terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for language (CEFR), with a minimum CEFR level B2 or comparable accomplishments in one of the following language tests: TOEFL (a minimum of 72 in iBT, and 533 in PBT), IELTS (5,5). (Applicants are exempt, if they can show that they have achieved the matriculation standard for a university from an English-speaking school and/or the completion of a university degree in a programme conducted at least partially in the English language. Exceptions are brought before the examination board.)

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