Interreligious-dialogical exploration of Psalm

The Psalms are a shared part of the Jewish and Christian biblical heritage. Not only are they read, they are also prayed or recited daily in both Jewish and Christian liturgical and private contexts. At the same time, they convey biblical narratives that are interpreted from either a Jewish or Christian perspective, playing an important role in forming the respective religious identities. This research project uses the unique nature of the biblical Psalms to develop an innovative, interreligious, dialogue-based approach to religious education. It explores how Jewish and Christian perspectives can be incorporated into the study of psalms in denominational religious education and the ways in which this can contribute to diversity-sensitive education and the development of plurality competence among students. For this purpose, the fundamental aspects of the Jewish and Christian traditions of interpreting selected psalms, as well as the concepts of Jewish and Christian psalm pedagogy and interreligious learning, are analysed. Using insights from hermeneutics, reception history, discourse analysis, religious education, and didactic research, we develop, test, refine, and evaluate competency-oriented teaching concepts and materials for both Jewish and Christian religious education. The project`s interreligious-dialogical approach acknowledges the paradigm shift in the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. Rather than being described as a temporal succession, this relationship is now understood as a coexistence that develops alongside parallels and differences. This paradigm shift has so far received little attention in religious education. Taking the exploration of Psalms as an example, the research project aims to promote an historically and theologically accurate perception of Judaism and Christianity. It seeks to counteract stereotypes and anti-Semitism, while also opening up spaces for reflection on one`s own religious identity. Close collaboration between Jewish and Christian researchers and religious education teachers ensures cross-border perspectives as well as academically sound and practical outcomes.