MOSAIK - Interreligious Dialogue

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MOSAIK is the name of the first interreligious dialog at the University of Kassel. It was founded in the summer semester in cooperation with the Institute for Protestant Theology and the Muslim University Community of the University of Kassel and is a university project. All students at the university should have the opportunity to participate in this dialog. Similar to an interreligious dialog, a MOSAIK consists of many smaller, individual elements that together create a completely new structure.

What is an interreligious dialog anyway?

In this dialog, students of different faiths, different courses of study and different backgrounds come together and benefit from each other through dialogue. Last semester, the dialog consisted of participants from all three world religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

"Even though I was very open to other religions and respected them before the seminar, I am now much more aware of people of other religions and stand up for them in discussions."  - Lena, grammar school teacher

What happens there?

In an interreligious dialog, topics such as "Religion in my family, in my circle of friends", "How do I meet the other?", "Me in my job in a multi-religious society" are discussed, allowing the individual participants to learn more about each other's actual faith. The excursions to the synagogue, the mosque and the church also helped to break down the "strangeness" more and more.

"The seminar made me realize once again that religion is something individual for everyone and that this only leads to a broadening of horizons, togetherness and tolerance through a personal conversation." - Lina, Psychology

What can you expect from us?

You can expect humanity, scientific reference, transparency, respect and politeness, both in agreeing and disagreeing situations that can arise in a dialog. You will find that interfaith helps you to get to know not only the other religion, but also your own religion better. You will notice that you strengthen your ability to empathize and reflect, your dialogue skills, your sensitivity and other skills through dialogue. The experiences of the last semester have shown: Participants became acquaintances, and seminar discussions turned into conversations that continued beyond the seminar.

"A sense of what the world religions have in common developed, particularly through learning together, in discussions and by visiting the monotheistic places of worship. It goes without saying that such commonalities need to be precisely explained theologically and differences should not be negated. Ultimately, however, it is what religious people have in common that can lead to genuine dialog and exchange."  - Klaus, teaching at vocational schools

Can I get credit for this seminar even if I am not studying Protestant Theology?

As students from different degree programs take part, you have to look individually. Students of Protestant and Catholic Theology can have the seminar credited according to the MPOs of the subject. In the other degree programs, it is possible to have the seminar credited as a key qualification and receive credits accordingly. Please ask your department head. Crediting is possible in many subjects! In case of complications, please contact the MHG management or Katharina Gaida. It is important to us to enable you to participate!

Would you like to find out more about interreligious work at the University of Kassel? Click here for further information: 

 

Children's Academy: World religions in dialog