This seminar puts existing forms of liturgical theology into dialogue with the “new comparative theology,” new theories of religion and religious plurality, and studies of multiple religious belonging and inter-rituality, in order to explore the questions: Is a comparative or inter-religious liturgical theology possible? If so, what forms would it take? And what might be gained by such a project?
Convener
Seminar Report 2022
Convener
James W. Farwell (jfarwell@vts.edu) is Professor of Theology and Liturgy, Virginia Theological Seminary.
Description of Work
In the light of public health conditions, for the safety of our contact, the seminar elected not to meet this year. We will be holding an interim meeting mid-year 2022 by digital means to check in on one another’s projects.
Other Work and Plans for the Future
We will gather for mutual critique around the comparative projects each member of the seminar has underway.
Seminar Report 2020
Convener
James Farwell, Professor of Theology and Liturgy, Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal)
Members in Attendance
Brian Butcher, Claudio Carvalhaes, James Farwell, Ruth Langer, Martha Moore-Keish, Andrew Wright
Visitors in Attendance
Saya Ojiri
Description of Work
After discussion of Emma O’Donnell’s Remembering the Future, we considered five projects:
- a comparative account of Byzantine and Jewish liturgies (Ruth Langer)
- a consideration of applying comparative theological methods to intra-Orthodox differences (Brian Butcher)
- a book chapter on inter-religious prayer (Claudio Carvalhaes)
- a reflection on directions for a comparative theology around experiences in India (Martha Moore-Keish)
- a discussion of comparative themes in a sacramental theology illuminated by Dōgen Zen (James Farwell)
Other Work and Plans for the Future
The seminar intends to re-engage the constructive projects that were discussed this year.