Hermeneutics of Change in the Abrahamic Religions

Religions today inhabit a world that has been described as one of accelerating social change, in which ongoing scientific and technological developments constantly alter the fabric of everyday life, the powerful tides of modernisation and secularisation erode traditional perspectives and practices, and the forces of globalisation push communities and cultures into ever greater proximity and potential conflict with one another. These conditions constitute a 'stress test' for the capacities of religious traditions to cope with rapid systemic change and raise a profound, yet under-explored question: What are the effective practices and resources available to religions, individually and collectively, to adapt to the challenge of changing times and to maintain their vitality and integrity?

     Indeed, the major religious traditions, such as the Abrahamic faiths, have long negotiated the delicate historical task of modifying their teachings and practices to adapt to new conditions, while preserving fundamental commitments and rituals. In a sense, this is the main function of any tradition worthy of the name. 

Rarely, however, have religious authorities made explicit the principles and mechanisms that inform this process. Consequently, what resources does their tradition have at its disposal to deal with the specific historical changes associated with (1) the mutual encounter of world religions, (2) secularisation and (3) scientific advances, new technologies and the ecological crisis? 

 The purpose of this research project, co-organised (with the support of the Raskob Foundation) by the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy and the Pontifical Gregorian University, is (1) to encourage systematic reflection on the mechanisms of adaptation within each of the Abrahamic traditions, (2) to promote dialogue and comparative analysis of the hermeneutics of change among these traditions, and (3) to help imagine constructive ways in which these traditions can transform themselves to maintain their vitality and viability in the face of future existential challenges.

The two-day conference will consist of a small scholarly seminar on the first day, followed the next day (12/12) by a series of presentations open to the public to (1) highlight the ways in which the 'sacred texts' of the respective traditions provide resources for adaptation, both historically and in the future (2) consider how epochal changes, processes of institutional development, and evolving political and legal cultures have shaped strategies for change; and (3) reflect in particular on the emerging capacities of traditions in resiliently addressing the great existential challenges of the contemporary world.