UCD explores development in comparative theology and world religions
Posted: 22 March 2007
The Governing Authority of UCD has discussed a proposal to make a significant investment in comparative theology and world religions, as part of a partnership with the Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy. UCD is now exploring how this proposal might be best realised.
“Theology is an important academic discipline and is well established in the best international universities” said Dr Hugh Brady, President of UCD. “UCD would be delighted to contribute to the development of an Irish world-class capacity in comparative theology and world religions.”
“A vital form of enquiry and scholarship, these disciplines also bring an important perspective to bear on contemporary national and global challenges such as migration, integration and trans-nationalism, conflict resolution and reconciliation, and social justice,” he continued.
Dialogue between belief systems and the other sciences is absolutely vital, according to Rev. John Dardis S.J. Provincial of the Irish Jesuit Province. ”Since 9/11 we are ever more conscious of the need to promote such dialogue where belief systems can challenge and inform the other sciences and vice versa.”
Related to this overall development, UCD and the Milltown Institute are exploring the possibility of relocating the Institute from Milltown Park in Ranelagh to a new site at Belfield, UCD.
The project mirrors the situation in top university campuses across the world including Harvard, Yale, University of Toronto, Innsbruck and Freiburg, where theology exists side by side with other disciplines.