Ecodomy as education in tertiary institutions. Teaching theology and religion in a globalized world : Western perspectives

Abstract

This paper investigates whether and how teaching theology and religion in institutions of higher learning can contribute positively to the development of human society. The positive character of such development in described by means of the idea of ecodomy, defined as constructive process. The inquiry assesses the constructive role theology and religion can have if taught in higher education institutions in an open and critical way. As such, the relationship between theology (including the idea of religion in general) and a wide spectrum of aspects (such as pluralism, hermeneutics, globalization, public engagement, oppression) are debated with the sole purpose of identifying ecodomic, constructive ways in which theology and religion can contribute to the development of society. The article focuses on specifically Western contributions to educational reform with the sole purpose of identifying viable arguments in favor of tertiary theological and religious education (which can be seen as valid and functional throughout the world in contemporary societies and have the potential to be applied in non-Western contexts). The actual investigation of these Western models is preceded by a concise description of the premise and method used for the current research. The study concludes with a critical assessment conducted from a predominantly Western angle. This focuses on the practical application of theology and religion in various local contexts based on the implementation of renewed university curricula aimed at the ecodomic development of society in general.