Jens Zimmermann

Former Canada Research Chair in Interpretation, Religion and Culture

Trinity Western University
Tier 2- Awarded in 2006, Renewed Oct, 2011
Social Sciences and Humanities

A Common Humanity: The One True Path?

The philosophical climate of our times is encouraging a return to religion as the ethical and spiritual foundation of human culture. And the return of religion is coinciding with an emerging interest in the idea of a common humanity.

This renewed public recognition of religion as an essential part of our humanity and socio-political activity promises a new direction and purpose for the humanities. It also, however, poses problems because, along with religion, comes the spectre of fundamentalism and religiously motivated violence. How can we reconcile religion's universal claims on human existence with the need for harmonious co-existence?

Former Canada Research Chair in Interpretation, Religion and Culture, Dr. Jens Zimmermann is tackling this question in his research by examining the philosophical, theological and cultural assumptions that are shaping recent "re-articulations" of Christianity within a global multi-faith and religious context. In the process, he is providing us with a better understanding of the conflicting tendencies in Western society: On the one hand, there is a resurgence of religion that is defining our humanity, spirituality and social ethic. And, on the other hand, there is a fear of religious fundamentalism and its destructive, dehumanizing tendencies.

Dr. Zimmermann’s multidisciplinary study and academic research at Trinity Western University, cuts across the disciplines of philosophy, theology and cultural theory. Dr. Zimmermann has also developing links with scholars in Germany, France, the United States and elsewhere in Canada.

For Dr. Jens Zimmermann's complete Former Canada Research Chair profile click here.