PhD in Theology - Comparative Theology in Chestnut Hill United States | Boston College

This academic discipline equips students to engage in thoughtful theological analysis, typically from a Christian viewpoint, regarding diverse world religions and their theological implications. Comparative Theology involves examining one or more faith traditions beyond one's own, while critically reevaluating one's primary tradition through this comparative lens. The curriculum requires students to develop substantial expertise in a major non-Christian religion along with mastering analytical approaches in religious studies, such as religious philosophy, comparative religion, or religious history.

Similar to other theological fields, Comparative Theology ultimately seeks understanding of the divine, transcendence, or fundamental reality, aspiring to contribute to constructive theology. While grounded in one tradition (usually Christianity within this program), scholars immerse themselves in the systematic study of other religious traditions, allowing these insights to shape their ongoing theological work. This meticulous examination of distinct traditions sets Comparative Theology apart from Theology of Religions, while simultaneously enriching potential contributions to that field through deeper, tradition-specific understanding.