SākumsTHE ROLE, TASKS, AND CHALLENGES OF THEOLOGY IN TODAY’S SITUATION

THE ROLE, TASKS, AND CHALLENGES OF THEOLOGY IN TODAY’S SITUATION

Duration of the project

20.06.2024. - 15.11.2024.

Countries and institutions involved in the project

flag-LV
University of Latvia, Faculty of Theology
flag-EE
University of Tartu, School of Theology and Religious Studies
flag-DE
Heidelberg University, Faculty of Theology

Project manager

Dr. theol. Ralfs Kokins

Short description of the achieved project aim(s)

  1. Highly interesting papers were presented, reflecting today’s situation, challenges, threats, as well as opportunities in each field:
    Prof. Dr. Anne Kull (Tartu): (Interdisciplinary) Storytelling: Communication for Change?
    Prof. Dr. Thorsten Moos (Heidelberg): Religious rationality for pluralistic societies. The contribution of theological ethics in the challenges of today.
    Prof. Dr. Dace Balode (Riga): Theology and Theological Education in Latvia: Foundations, Challenges, and Contemporary Perspectives.
    Prof. Dr. Manfred Oeming (Heidelberg): The task and challenges of historical-critical research on the Bible in today’s society.
    Prof. Dr. Ralfs Kokins (Riga): Theology in Times of Change. Prof. Dr. Riho Altnurme (Tartu): What do church historians study as times change? Doc. Dr. Linards Rozentāls (Riga): The Church between exnovation and innovation. A theology of Easter Saturday for an age in which God is not missing. The attendees had the opportunity to ask questions to well-known industry experts from around the world. Discussions among scientists from various countries and universities, which we all miss so much.
  2. An open discussion took place about today’s issues and various opportunities, including the ethics of the field, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scientific research, the organization and process of studies, teaching, and learning in today’s context, and more.
  3. Connections between universities that were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic were restored.
  4. Conversations and discussions identified areas and issues in modern society where theology and the study of religions could provide the most assistance
  5. The foundations were laid for further collaboration among three universities, with all involved partners committing to exploring ways to continue this cooperation productively.
  6. Students were engaged in current scientific research activities and international collaboration.The topics discussed in the papers and discussions were reviewed in several course lectures and seminars.There is an intention to find opportunities for students from Latvia and Estonia to participate in research led by German scientists, including expeditions, archaeology, and other projects.

Direct and indirect target group of the project and number of persons involved

Direct: 30-40

Indirect: ca. 200

Main activities of the project and venue(s) where the project activities were carried out

Scientific conference at the University of Latvia New Campus in Torņakalns, November 8, 2024, 11:00-16:00. Open discussion with representatives of academic institutions, churches, and society on November 8, 2024, 17:00-18:30.

Public events of the project and the date of the events within the framework of the project

November, the 8th:

  • Scientific conference at the University of Latvia;
  • Open discussion with representatives of academic institutions, churches, and society.