Intercultural Theology as an Interdisciplinary Science

This volume focuses on ‘Doing and Negotiating Intercultural Theology’. Specifically, it introduces a ‘third way’ of practising intercultural theology, which goes beyond two previous approaches: Firstly, until now, the term ‘intercultural theology’ has referred to a theological subject or discipline. Secondly, it characterised a certain cross-disciplinary dimension of theological reflection. As a ‘third way’, beyond these sub-concepts, ICT is broadened, critically reflected upon and explored in depth by everyone involved in interdisciplinary theological studies, including lecturers, students, researchers and readers. This is in reference to global religious and academic exchange processes.

The ten chapters of the volumes therefore offer specific access to the concept of intercultural theology. The authors — nine professors who taught at the University of Applied Sciences for Intercultural Theology (FIT) in Hermannsburg, Germany, and one former MA student who later became a lecturer — share their insights into ICT, which they developed and refined through their teaching and learning experience at FIT between 2012 and 2025. Each chapter reflects on personal and shared experiences of ICT. Thus, ICT brings together traditional fields of study, including Mission Studies, Intercultural Biblical Hermeneutics, History of Mission, Ecumenical Studies, Religious Studies, Religious Education, and Development Studies.