Conferences 2020

On the seventh day, God rested and thus completed his creation. Likewise, humans should rest on the seventh day and leave the fields fallow every seven years so that they can regenerate. If you will, what we have here is a divine economic and environmental programme. ‘Subdue the earth’ should not be misunderstood as a call to subjugate and exploit, but rather as a call to preserve God’s ‘very good’ creation. The current controversy highlights precisely this fundamental connection. Even in secular circles today, people speak of ‘preserving creation’ as a matter of course.

In Muslim countries, too, scholars and activists are preparing to initiate a ‘green Islam’ – based, of course, on Koranic principles. At the same time, religious communities and churches are coming into the public spotlight with their commitment to nature and a fair working world and are serious players in the current discourse. Reason enough, then, to take a closer look at the concept of ‘environment’ in the world’s religions: How do religions position themselves on ecological issues? What are the foundations of their decisions? And can they make a significant contribution to the current problems and questions faced by many people?

Published by Christoph Böttigheimer and Wenzel Maximilian Widenka.

This volume in the Key Concepts in Interreligious Discourses series offers a fascinating insight into the history, central ideas and current developments in economic thought from the perspective of the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Readers will encounter topics such as price controls in Rabbinic Judaism, Christian monks who developed the foundations of modern accounting, and the latest innovations in Islamic banking. Each article has been written by a renowned expert in the field and offers a historical overview of the development of the concept, the theological and philosophical principles in the sacred scriptures of the respective faith, an outline of the practical application of the concept in the present day, its significance for the future, and much more.

Published by Christoph Böttigheimer and Wenzel Maximilian Widenka.

This volume in the series Key Concepts in Interreligious Discourses examines various conceptions of evil in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including key concepts from their respective holy scriptures, significant theodicy discussions, and contemporary developments. Throughout history and to this day, religious scholars and believers have grappled with the question of the origin of evil and how a benevolent God can allow evil to exist in the world. Why does a merciful God not prevent deadly diseases or natural disasters? What do religions define as evil, and is God responsible for this evil or even its creator?

The articles, written by renowned scholars in their respective fields, offer a variety of answers to such existential questions. The contributions deal with topics such as the origin of evil, responses to evil in sacred texts and religious traditions, and the role of human action. Each author offers both a critical analysis of these topics and recommendations for future research. The volume also highlights similarities and differences between the three monotheistic religions.

Edited by Catharina Rachik and Georges Tamer.