In cities, as well as in an increasing number of rural communities, many different people and groups live side by side. A mix of different religions and ethnicities encounter each other in the streets, at the grocery store and even at celebrations of different faith traditions. Mosques organise open days, Iftar meals are generously shared in community centres; the good intentions are there, but the conversations don’t always lead to mutual understanding. Does that sound like the discussions you experience on social media or in your local community? Do you want to learn how to discuss peace, conflict and trauma so that you can build bridges between different faith traditions and start conversations about faith? Do you want to learn how to shape a conversation so that diverse viewpoints are welcome and equality, openness and safety are paramount? If you choose interreligious dialogue at VU Amsterdam, you are choosing a study programme at a university where all faiths are welcome, and where many topics are openly discussed in order to get to know and understand each other better.
At VU Amsterdam, you will work on social issues that are at play in local communities, in healthcare centres or in prisons, for instance. Although many people have the idea that religion can stir up a lot of conflict, faith is also one of the sources from which people draw strength and support. And everyone does this in their own way.
If you want to learn how different people can come together around faith or how spiritual care can be provided, you can do that here. Or you could gain a deeper understanding of one or more faith traditions, or learn to interpret texts from the Koran or the Bible and use them in conversations. Or if you want to practice intercession or learn more about hermeneutics, then interreligious dialogue is a wonderful starting point for open and safe conversations. The world of religion and faith is fascinating, and you will never run out of things to analyse or discuss. Interreligious dialogue is necessary in today's world, and you can contribute to it. Whether it’s within a university, a primary school, a community centre, or another type of organisation—interreligious dialogue can take place anywhere.
Choose a programme in interreligious dialogue at VU Amsterdam
Find out which Bachelor's and Master's programmes include interreligious dialogue in their curriculum and come study at VU Amsterdam. Make sure to check out the ‘Future’ tab of the programme webpage if you want to know what you can do after your studies. We hope to see you at one of our online activities or at an education fair abroad!
