Darius Asghar-Zadeh

Dr. Darius Asghar-Zadeh is a PostDoc researcher at the Center for Comparative Theology and Cultural Studies (ZeKK) within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Paderborn, where he has been active since April 2021. Concurrently, he is pursuing his Habilitation in Interreligious Theology at the Institute for Catholic Theology since October 2016. His career includes significant research appointments at the University of Münster's Center for Islamic Theology (2017-2021) and teaching roles at Otto-Friedrich-University Bamberg.

His academic foundation:

• Magister Artium (M.A.) in Catholic Theology, Islamic Studies, and English Studies from Otto-Friedrich-University Bamberg (2011), achieved with grade 1.0
• PhD in Comparative Theology from the University of Paderborn (2016), awarded summa cum laude for dissertation 'Christentum und Islam in theologisch-anthropologischer Interreligiosität'

Dr. Asghar-Zadeh's research establishes him as a significant voice in Comparative Theology and Interreligious Theology, with specialized expertise in Christian-Muslim relations. His work innovatively bridges theological anthropology and hermeneutics to develop frameworks for authentic interfaith dialogue. Key contributions examine divine action through Islamic philosophical theology and Christian Open Theism, soteriological concepts across traditions, and Quranic interpretation as a site for mutual understanding. His methodology treats religious differences as resources rather than obstacles, particularly through his 'relational ontology' approach that emphasizes interconnectedness.

His publication trajectory (2016-2021) reveals evolving sophistication from foundational comparative analyses to theoretical framework development. Approximately 30% of his output addresses peacebuilding applications, while 40% engages deeply with Quranic studies and Christology. Recent work (2020-2021) shows increased international collaboration and focus on hermeneutical openness in interreligious contexts.

Research funding:

• German Research Foundation (DFG) project 'Jesus im Koran' at University of Münster (2017-2018)
• Institutional support for Habilitation project at University of Paderborn

As an educator, he has taught interreligious studies at Bamberg University and University of Münster, with potential for master's thesis supervision at ZeKK. His mentorship likely emphasizes primary text analysis and interdisciplinary methodology. The Center for Comparative Theology and Cultural Studies (ZeKK) provides his primary research environment - an interdisciplinary hub fostering dialogue between religious traditions through collaborative projects and academic exchange.