Qur’anic Studies between University Theology and the Humanities: A Field worth Cultivating?

TY - JOUR

T1 - Qur’anic Studies between University Theology and the Humanities: A Field worth Cultivating?

AU - Hoffmann, Thomas

PY - 2018/10/2

Y1 - 2018/10/2

N2 - This essay considers some of the past, present and possible future contexts and prospects of qur'anic studies in a Western academic context, particularly within the contested confines of so-called university theology and its sister disciplines of religion and cultural studies. It argues that qur'anic studies can and should cross – but not leave – its traditional borders within the humanities and re-engage with theological studies, and vice versa. This also includes a plea for a new recognition of committed and experimental readings, since scholarship inevitably implies an element of intervention and engagement, even when pursued with the strictest ideals of objectivity or fairness in mind. Therefore, a number of motivations for a renewed relevance of qur'anic studies within the orbit of university theology are adduced.

AB - This essay considers some of the past, present and possible future contexts and prospects of qur'anic studies in a Western academic context, particularly within the contested confines of so-called university theology and its sister disciplines of religion and cultural studies. It argues that qur'anic studies can and should cross – but not leave – its traditional borders within the humanities and re-engage with theological studies, and vice versa. This also includes a plea for a new recognition of committed and experimental readings, since scholarship inevitably implies an element of intervention and engagement, even when pursued with the strictest ideals of objectivity or fairness in mind. Therefore, a number of motivations for a renewed relevance of qur'anic studies within the orbit of university theology are adduced.

U2 - 10.1080/09596410.2018.1521562

DO - 10.1080/09596410.2018.1521562

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0959-6410

VL - 29

SP - 429

EP - 443

JO - Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations

JF - Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations

IS - 4

ER -