Abstract:
In exploring the future of theological reflection at a public university, the Irish Anglican
theologian David Ford considers the study of theology in university settings that are multireligious
and multi-secular. He discusses the responsibilities of such universities with regard
to the religions, and how they can be healthily diverse places with a pluralism of multiple
depths. He proposes an understanding of theological reflection as a wisdom-seeking inquiry
open to all as the preferable approach in such universities. Against the background of
appreciative remarks on contextual trends and developments within theological reflection
worldwide and other profound engagements such as between Christian thought and
philosophy, the human and natural sciences, but also with new voices such as women’s, postcolonial
and marginalised groups, Ford describes his viewpoint on the practice of Scriptural
Reasoning. In his description, Ford indicates how such a practice at a public university can
shape a better future in which the societal importance of religion in a healthily plural world is
respected. It entails the taking on of specific responsibilities by the public universities,
acknowledging their privileged spaces within our societies and fostering a healthy pluralism
of multiple depths.
INTRDISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : In exploring the future of theological
reflection at a public university, the article addresses the philosophical, theological and
educational fields of reflection within an integrated perspective developed from a wisdomseeking
practice, namely, Scriptural Reasoning to establish and justify the societal significance
of such reflection for ensuring a healthy pluralism with multiple depths in a plural world.
