Theology was once known as the “Queen of the Sciences” as it addressed the ultimate human question: our relationship to God. Today theologians are still the best equipped people to answer the existential questions that really matter.

At Sankt Ignatios College students are able to study theology even if they do not intend to serve in the Church in a particular pastoral role. We offer the possibility to BTh and MTh degrees as well as PhD degrees.

Religious Studies and Theology  

Religious Studies and Theology are not separate fields at Sankt Ignatios. Both are a critical study of texts, behaviors, phenomena or the like that are either associated with a religious community, such as Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, or associated with other beliefs, as in the case of parts of Buddhism, atheism and agnosticism. Even political and ethical views or philosophical values not related to religion are often connected to questions in both Religious Studies as well as Theology, but are not in themselves part of the field.

Though Religious Studies and Theology at Sankt Ignatios cover a broad scope and by this want to contribute to the discussion of how to handle difficult religious aspects in relation to social development and democracy, the emphasis is on Eastern Christianity.

The field is divided into three subjects covering deferent aspects of Religious Studies and Theology. They are: Biblical Studies with History of Religion, Systematic Theology with History of Christianity and Practical Theology with Religious Behavioral Science. 

Biblical Studies with History of Religion 

The subject has two specialisations, biblical studies and history of religion. The phenomenon of religion is at the center of the subject. Emphasis is placed on Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and in particular how the dialectic between these religions has produced three sets of sacred texts. Another focus is how conflict and reconciliation, as a religious phenomenon,  contributes in various ways to unity and division, both on a macro and micro level. Because of this, the subject also work with aspects of sociology of religion, interpretation of sacred texts, other religions, and religious phenomenology.

Systematic Theology with History of Christianity 

The subject deals with the history of Christianity both from a societal perspective and a from a perspective of doctrine formation. From a societal perspective, the subject deals with the dialectical relationship between church and society, and from a doctrinal perspective, both the patristic heritage of the first millennium and the more contemporary issues of the second and third millennium are dealt with. The area also deals with the history and ethical issues of the Christian mission. The subject has two specialisations, the history of Christianity and systematic theology.

Practical Theology with Religious Behavioral Science 

The subject studies the practice of the churches reflected in their services, pastoral work, the community, aid and external relations, education and formation, rules and regulations, diaconal work and pastoral care. The subject also includes the function of religion in society and for the individual. The subject has two specializations: practical theology and behavioral science of religion.