Culture and religion as bridge builders

The author and Professor of Biblical Theology at RWTH Aachen University, Prof. Dr. Simone Paganini, will discuss ancient and modern anti-Semitism in a panel discussion with Mouhanad Khorchide, Professor of Islamic Religious Education and Director of the Center for Islamic Theology at the University of Münster, and Sylvia Löhrmann, Commissioner of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia for Combating Anti-Semitism, Jewish Life and the Culture of Remembrance.

The interdisciplinary conference Between Dialogue and Dogma examines the complex interactions between religion and politics in the 21st century with a special focus on the Middle East. The aim is to critically reflect on the role of religion in conflicts and peace processes and to work out its peace-building potential in social and political contexts.

The international conference Shared Roots, Common Future sheds light on the role of religion as a bridge-builder between cultures and societies in an increasingly polarized world. Experts from academia, politics and civil society will engage in an interdisciplinary and interreligious discussion about common roots, potential for conflict and ways to achieve a constructive dialog between the Middle East and Europe.

The Middle East war is polarizing society. It is destroying the binding power of culture and religion, of shared values and a vision of cohesion between people, societies and states. In the evening panel discussion, two outstanding intellectuals, Navid Kermani and Natan Sznaider, will come together to talk about precisely these hot topics.

How can Judaism, Christianity and Islam work together to promote dialog, mutual understanding and constructive coexistence in Germany and around the world?

The clash of different religions is often cited as the cause of violent conflicts (Huntington). In fact, armed and violent conflicts are usually triggered by political power struggles.