Introduction

The current situation of theology in European third-level institutions is a matter of concern. Amidst the crisis of the role of the humanities, the status of theology in public universities is questioned, not least for economic and ideological reasons. Faculties are closing. At the same time a shared understanding of what a university is, is threatened and in danger of being eroded. There is growing pressure on universities to define themselves as educating highly skilled workers for an increasingly automated and technological society. In this view, the vocation of the humanities in general, and the role of theology in particular, has become decentred. The difficulties of this evolving context are addressed in this edited collection. That the marginalisation of theology has serious repercussions, not only for the integrity of the academic study of religion but also for the university as a whole, is a concern of the editors.