Comparative Theology
Comparative Theology
Between Text and Ritual
Until quite recently, the focal point of comparative theology has been the practice of inter-texting. This chapter inquires whether it is possible to broaden the scope of comparative theology by including rituality, and shared ritual practice (“cross-riting”) in particular. Such a step would seem to constitute an opportunity par excellence to engage with the material, palpable dimensions of religion. This inquiry raises questions about the nature of comparative theology, and its preference for texts above ritual, and considers the promise and pitfalls of a ritual turn in comparative theology. To this end, it addresses four questions: (i) What is comparative theology? (ii) Why do most comparative theologians work with religious texts? (iii) What would a ritual turn add to the project of comparative theology? (iv) What are some of the problems involved with such a ritual turn?
Keywords: ritual, liturgical theology, genealogy of religion, comparative theology, Francis Clooney, inter-textuality, “inter-riting,” deep learning
Oxford Scholarship Online requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books within the service. Public users can however freely search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter.
Please, subscribe or login to access full text content.
If you think you should have access to this title, please contact your librarian.
To troubleshoot, please check our FAQs , and if you can't find the answer there, please contact us .