Cultural Coexistence or Continuous Challenge? Jewish and Muslim Life in Contemporary Berlin

Course Description

Berlin is considered to be the European metropolis with the largest number of religious communities. In its strongly secular society, Judaism, Christianity and Islam in particular shape the city's multi-religious and cultural coexistence. Berlin is consequently characterized by its diversity and plurality, which is both its strength yet also a source of challenges and potential conflict.

Antisemitism in particular influences the lives of Jews in Berlin and Germany and their relationship to other religious communities. But what, for example, distinguishes antisemitism from (an also present) hostility towards Muslims?

To facilitate an understanding of the causes (and possible remedies) for such sentiments and their intergenerational challenges, this course is dedicated to exploring Jewish and Muslim life in Berlin. What makes it special is that you will not only talk about Jews and Muslims, but also with them in Berlin, and will thus be able to gain unique, first-hand insights into the subject matter. Your instructors will visit places of worship with you and share their experiences with their own faiths. They authentically describe everyday religious life as well as the associated rituals of their religion and its existing variations. Beyond these religious insights, related socio-political topics such as the effects of the Middle East conflict on Germany, antisemitism, islamophobia (or anti-Muslim sentiment), and feminism in the religions will then be dealt with in detail.

In the process, we will incorporate various theoretical, sociological and theological perspectives which shape the identity of religious minorities. We will deal with the theory of tolerance of ambiguity and contradiction and how it contributes to fostering empathy and respect for diverse interpretations of religious beliefs and practices within interreligious dialogue and societal dynamics. We also want to find out (among others):

• How does comparative theology contribute to understanding and enriching one's own religious beliefs and practices while engaging with religions different from one’s own?

• How do the interpretative frameworks provided by our sources facilitate interreligious dialogue, and what theological and social obstacles must be addressed in this endeavor?

• How do contemporary perspectives on the sacred texts of Judaism and Islam vary, particularly in terms of feminist interpretations and discussions on gender-specific roles, including access to religious leadership positions?

• And finally, how does the acquired awareness of cultural diversity in Berlin influence the everyday experiences of Jews and Muslims, including the challenges and opportunities encountered in coexisting with each other, as well as with Christians, adherents of other faiths, and non-religious people?

Our analysis will be conducted with the help of statistics, texts from the political, social and religious sciences, group discussions and visits to religious institutions. The result is a comprehensive understanding of the realities of the life and religious worlds of both communities in the context of Berlin (and beyond). Particular attention throughout the course will be paid to the tasks and opportunities of interreligious dialogue, which is also significantly shaped by Christianity in secular Berlin society