Comparative Theology: Between Text and Rite

Until quite recently, the focal point of comparative theology has been the practice of inter-texting. This chapter inquires whether it is possible to broaden the scope of comparative theology by including rituality, and shared ritual practice (“cross-riting”) in particular. Such a step would seem to constitute an opportunity par excellence to engage with the material, palpable dimensions of religion. This inquiry raises questions about the nature of comparative theology, and its preference for texts above ritual, and considers the promise and pitfalls of a ritual turn in comparative theology. To this end, it addresses four questions: (i) What is comparative theology? (ii) Why do most comparative theologians work with religious texts? (iii) What would a ritual turn add to the project of comparative theology? (iv) What are some of the problems involved with such a ritual turn?