Practical Theology

Practical Theology

The Role of Religious Commonalities in Peacebuilding: A Critical Practical Theology

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Rasool Akbari 1
Mahdi Hsanzadeh 2
1 Assistant Professor, Comparative Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Comparative Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies، Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
10.22034/pt.2025.500987.1049
Abstract
This article critically examines the peacebuilding potential of religions within practical theology by focusing on shared religious principles. It begins by reviewing various perspectives and discourses on interreligious convergence, exploring common principles such as justice, love, innate spirituality, and human solidarity. It demonstrates how these elements can contribute to reducing tensions and fostering coexistence. Subsequently, adopting a critical and contextual approach, the article analyzes the challenges and shortcomings of approaches that solely emphasize commonalities among religions. This analysis reveals that an excessive focus on shared points may obscure or justify structural inequalities between religions and social groups or disregard the deep theological and cultural diversity of each religious tradition. Consequently, seemingly shared values may inadvertently reinforce unequal power relations and perpetuate structural or cultural violence. Finally, utilizing an "interreligious learning" model within the framework of critical practical theology, this article proposes a multi-layered approach to meaningful and constructive dialogue. This approach, while leveraging the valuable potential of shared religious principles, also carefully examines differences, historical contexts, and social inequalities. Accordingly, religious convergence and peacebuilding will be sustainable only when, while respecting the theological depth and breadth of various traditions, the hidden dimensions of power, hegemonic narratives, and structural issues are not neglected.
Keywords
Shared religious principles
peacebuilding
critical practical theology
interreligious dialogue
religious convergence
Subjects

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Practical Theology
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
February 2025
Pages 156-183