Religion and Society

The profile area “Religion and Society” investigates the complex interaction between religions and societies throughout history and across various cultures. This profile area is characterised by a broad range of diverse perspectives which draw on theological, legal, social scientific, historical, philosophical, linguistic, philological and religious scientific approaches. Several epoch-based centres and one cross-epochal centre provide opportunities for interdisciplinary investigation, while close collaboration with the Center for Digital Humanities (CDH) will serve to energise classical humanities research with the innovative methods of Digital Humanities. A unique institutional feature of the University of Münster is the Faculty of Islamic Theology which has evolved from joint projects conducted in this context and is currently under development. Joined by the Faculties of Protestant and Catholic Theology, the Faculty of Islamic Theology will conduct research and offer instruction on a new campus unlike any other in Germany with the aim of promoting interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and interreligious exchange.

This Profile Area is home to the Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics”, established in 2007 (currently phasing out). As a nationally and internationally unique centre for interdisciplinary research on religion, it provides key impetus for the research conducted within the profile area.