11/07/2025 15:15
- 17:30
HALL: Lecture Hall 27
Proponent:
Armbruster A.
Chair:
Nau E.H.,
Richter C.
Speaker:
Alles T.,
Armbruster A.,
Grassi M.,
Opalka K.,
Richter C.,
Rossa D.
Being able to cope with ambivalent experiences and tolerating religious ambiguity can be regarded as a core competence in creating and maintaining social cohesion. Hence, the panel seeks to further the understanding of "ambivalence(s)" as a part of practicing social cohesion. The core assumptions is that the concept of ambivalence can only be understood on the basis of concrete, situational contexts and their narratives and practices.
To approach the topic of ambivalences, the panel will start with three papers on the theoretical framework 1) with considerations on multiperspectivity and polyvalence of Christian and non-Christian narrations and their impact on dealing with ambivalences within a community (Armbruster) and 2) addressing how the fictious, symbolic and poetic character of religious texts in contrast to non (self-)reflective or highly dogmatic texts may further practicing social cohesion by integrating ambivalence and multiperspectivity (Richter). 3) This hermeneutical perspective is accompanied by understanding agape as an ambivalent concept in creating social cohesion and justice while at the same time maintaining asymmetrical relationships (Grassi).
The topic is then explored in three papers that examine various interfaces between religious traditions and social practices reflecting the theoretical approach, using the context of German protestantism: 1) the inherently ambivalent narratives in religious tradition that may be applied to creating and maintaining social cohesion are regarded by a closer look at Dorothee Sölle's use of penance in her public speeches (Opalka). 2) An example will be given how the ability of religious traditions and their protagonists to create social cohesion (and social tension) is portrayed in works of fictions (Alles). 3) The role of the practices will be analysed by regarding meal-sharing, as for example in agape-meals, as a practice that transcends the borders of religious groups (Rossa).