SFB 1136: Education and Religion in Cultures of the Mediterranean and Its Environment from Ancient to Medieval Times and to the Classical Islam

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The Collaborative Research Centre investigates constellations of education and religion in Greco-Roman religion, Judaism, Christianity and Islam from the 5th century BCE to the 16th century CE. Research is guided by the supposition that investigating the relationship of education and religion will provide deeper insights into cultural, social, and religious dynamics which were fundamental in these cultures and religions; moreover, this research agenda will also be instrumental in uncovering the historical roots of contemporary debates about education and religion. ‘Education’ is conceptualized by differentiating processes of socialization (by participating in family life and society), education (by teachers and other authorities) and self-formation, i.e. the development of critical reflection on God, the world, and the self (‘Bildung’ in its German meaning). ‘Religion’ comprises discourses, practices, and institutions which are based on the presupposition of the relationship to a being beyond everyday human experience. These concepts allow for an analysis of phenomena and constellations in an interdisciplinary and comparative manner, thus employing typological as well as genealogical approaches. In the second funding period, the dynamics of education and religion are investigated within four project areas: (A) ‘Materiality’ focuses on object-based aspects and respective discourses; (B) ‘Interpretations’ deals with strategies of authorization of scriptures considered holy; (C) ‘Communications’ analyzes acts of religious speech with regard to cultic practice and the competency of teachers; and (E) ‘Contextualizations’ investigates ancient and medieval cities as spaces of encounter and interaction of different cultures of religions. The tableau of academic disciplines involves Classics and Jewish Studies as well as Christian exegesis and Church History, Religious Studies and Islamic Studies, Medieval History and Pedagogics of Religion; Jewish Studies is represented by two subprojects situated at the Hebrew University (Jerusalem). Thus, at Göttingen University, the CRC strengthens the focus on already existing research into religions; it deepens and intensifies the cooperation between academic disciplines beyond borders of epochs and religious cultures.