From othering to the in-between.

Contours of the practice turn in the interreligious field

Abstract

The interreligious field is changing from the assumption of compact containers of religion to hybrid production processes of religious categories.  This gives rise to two ideal-typical patterns. An older, modern pattern of religious pluralism, which is defined on the basis of differences in doctrine different denominations and religions as clearly distinguishable group identities (Küng constellation / religionization) - and a newer model, which assumes practice- and discourse-theoretically interconnections and overlaps and is interested in how affiliations and demarcations are produced under diversity conditions (intertheology). These patterns will be traced through various research programs and theoretical approaches. With a look at the "practice turn" it becomes clear how stereotypical othering is reproduced or deconstructed.