Interreligious/Interfaith Studies: Defining a New Field

by Eboo Patel, Jennifer Howe Peace (Editor), NOAH SILVERMAN (Editor)

A groundbreaking academic anthology that explores the emerging field of interreligious/interfaith studies

As it is now backed by an impressive number of courses, academic programs and centers, faculty positions, journals and publications, funding, and professional partnerships, there is no longer a question as to whether the interreligious/interfaith field exists. But its meaning and import are still being debated. How is this field distinct from, yet similar to, other fields, such as religious or theological studies? What are its signature pedagogies and methodologies? What are its motivations and key questions? In other words, what is the shape of interfaith and interreligious studies, and what is its distinct contribution? These questions are the driving force behind this anthology.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 21, 2018

About the author

Named by US News & World Report as one of America’s Best Leaders of 2009, Eboo Patel is the Founder and President of Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), a Chicago-based organization building the global interfaith youth movement. Author of the award-winning book Acts of Faith, Eboo is also a regular contributor to the Washington Post, USA Today and CNN. He served on President Obama’s inaugural Advisory Council of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and holds a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University, where he studied on a Rhodes scholarship.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this groundbreaking edited volume, Eboo Patel--along with co-editors Jennifer Howe Peace and Noah Silverman--continues to shape a critical emerging field that has the potential to reenvision and transform the world in the 21st century. The book is organized into four main sections. The first, "Constructions: Mapping the Field" contains five well-authored pieces exploring the theoretical and academic boundaries and interdisciplinary intersections that define this new emerging field of interreligious/interfaith studies (I still prefer the term worldview studies because it inherently includes religious as well as secular worldviews). Another five articles in the second chapter provide excellent practical suggestions for "Pedagogy and Classroom Practices." In the third section on "Challenges and Choices" four authors offer critical views to problematize and challenge the new field. The final section, "Applications Beyond the Classroom," offers four real-life examples that demonstrate the value and power that this field can have in both obvious and not-so-obvious realms to change and improve the religiously diverse global society, of which we are all a part.
Throughout the sections, two themes occur repeatedly. First is the absolute necessity for educational institutions at all levels to take seriously the responsibility to provide interreligious/interfaith education for students if they want to prepare them for citizenship in the 21st century. Religious diversity is an incontrovertible fact in today's world and ignoring or neglecting this aspect of students' educational experience is gross neglect, at best, and dangerous, at worst (see Nord, et al.). The other theme is the tremendous professional benefits and advantages for students with greater comprehension of other worldviews, both religious and secular. As a teacher of a worldview literacy class who has witnessed the thoughtful and insightful work of students over the past year who have explored these in context of a wide variety of dozens of academic and professional fields, I can attest to the reality of this quickly growing need. These young students know more than perhaps their older academically enshrined counterparts how necessary the knowledge and skills in this field will be for their success in an increasingly religiously and secularly diverse world.
Although the battle continues on for the proper nomenclature for this field (religious studies, interreligious studies, interfaith studies, worldview studies, etc.--see Wielzen and ter Avest, et al.), the reality is that the world will continue to become more religiously diverse and every aspect of society--politics, business, health care, media, science, etc.--will be enmeshed in it. To ignore it would be irresponsible; to embrace it and learn to work effectively within it will lead us to a better and brighter future for all humanity.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The editors divided the academic field into four parts: Construction, Mapping the Field, Pedagogy, and Classroom Practices, Challenges and Choices, and Applications Beyond the Classroom. Each section has four to five articles that include a premise, support, and conclusion written by an academic. It would be a valuable read for those implementing and seeking accreditation for college major or minor in interreligious, interfaith studies. The book has contributor biographies, endnotes, and an index.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for those embarking on religious, interreligious, interfaith, multicultural, sociocultural studies, or related fields. The value and impact of this new field can only be immensely positive and uplifting. Greater understanding of one's neighbors begins with that first step: reaching out with a willingness to learn of others' perspectives. Although the subject matter can be challenging, this book is well written with a concise format.
Thank you for the ARC and for the opportunity to share my thoughts via this brief review.

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful anthology which lays out various approaches. 'Defining' may be a little strong, as it doesn't reach a single clear result, but it succeeds in mapping a complex territory as it has been evolving in the USA.

[Verne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!