“The twenty-first century will be spiritual, or it will not exist” (André Malraux). After a surge in atheism, the late twentieth century witnessed a renewed interest in spirituality, marked by a growing curiosity about Eastern spiritual traditions. Meanwhile, Islam continues to assert itself with vigor, standing as a “sign of contradiction” for the postmodern Western mindset.
This course aligns with the specific objectives of the HIRS, serving as a resource for pastoral workers who must engage with the renewed religious impulse evident in society. Its purpose is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of religions and the fundamental elements that define religion itself. With this foundation, students will be able to critically analyze various doctrinal systems and articulate the universal significance of religion for humanity.