08 Jul 08

The ‘Abrahamic Religions’ – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – all refer to the teachings of Abraham and his descendants

Relations between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam often hit the world’s headlines because of violent conflict. But research at Oxford University reveals stories of fruitful co-existence that point towards creative possibilities for future relations.

These links are to be explored in detail with the creation of a new Chair in the Study of the Abrahamic Religions at Oxford University, which will be filled for the start of the academic year 2009 to 2010. It has been created thanks to a generous benefaction of £2.5 million.

The term ‘Abrahamic Religions’ is increasingly used to refer to the three religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam – all of which refer to the teachings of Abraham and his descendants. As an academic subject, Abrahamic Religions focuses especially on relations between the three religions.

Research in the Abrahamic Religions involves studying the founding texts of each religion, through a range of philosophical, historical, artistic and political topics. Its field stretches in time from the ancient world through to the present and spreads out from the Middle Eastern origins of the three religions to span the globe.

The different approaches taken by the three religions to their own and to the others’ scriptures; the philosophy of the Middle Ages; contributions to the history and understanding of science; the writings of mystics and poets; and contemporary geo-politics are a small sample of topics that might be addressed in developing this field.

Professor George Pattison, of the Theology Faculty, said: “Jews, Christians, and Muslims all refer to Abraham as a friend of God, and I hope that the establishment of this important post will contribute to deepening friendship amongst these three great religions in their diverse quests to honour God rightly.”

In the last thirty years, Oxford University’s Faculty of Theology has increasingly built on its strengths in Christian Theology and been able to offer teaching and research opportunities relating to other religions and to the study of the nature of religion.

The faculty is committed to this aspect of its work and has established a new lectureship in the Study of Religion, and has close connections with various Oxford-based Centres dedicated to the study of the major world religions of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It is also in the process of establishing a new joint degree with the faculty of Oriental Studies.