Professor Axel M. Oaks Takacs, Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Molloy University and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Interreligious Studies, coedited a volume of essays in honor of Francis X. Clooney, SJ, a Harvard professor and scholar who is considered the founder of comparative theology. The volume is titled The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology: A Festschrift in Honor of Francis X. Clooney, SJ.
A Festschrift is a collection of writings published in tribute to a particular scholar. The inspiration for this particular Festschrift began back in July 2021 when Takacs began discussing it with his former classmate Joseph Kimmel. Both Takacs and Kimmel had been advised by Clooney while receiving their doctorates at Harvard and both men were eager to honor their mentor.
Regarding Clooney’s scholarship, Takacs said that it has impacted Catholic theology, Hindu Studies, South Asian Studies, and the study of religion broadly. “Clooney has mentored dozens of doctoral candidates between his time at Boston College and Harvard Divinity School, and even more masters students. His vision of comparative theology has formed countless scholars and insinuated its way into the American Academy of Religion, Catholic Theological Society of America, and the College Theology Society. While his scholarship alone is worthy of a Festschrift, his role as mentor equals, if not surpasses the significance of his scholarship.”
For all of these reasons, Takacs and Kimmel felt it was appropriate for Clooney to receive a Festschrift. The two men reached out to several different publishers with the idea and had the good fortune of connecting with Wiley-Blackwell. From there, Takacs and Kimmel sent out several rounds of invitations to dozens of scholars to see if they would like to participate and the answer was a resounding yes.
The scholars ranged from long-time tenured professors to advanced doctoral students—all of them eager to honor Clooney’s impact upon their lives and careers. The volume runs over 500 pages, featuring 44 chapters divided into seven major sections, all of which is preceded by an introductory chapter penned by Takacs and his coeditor.
Describing the process, Takacs said, “It was time consuming. Coordinating more than forty authors is complicated. But, since it was a volume to honor a mentor and major figure in the field, it was definitely a “labor of love.” The editorial and publishing team at Wiley-Blackwell were amazing, however. We managed to go from volume proposal to book-in-hand in just over two years, which is very impressive for such a massive volume. The volume also functions as a companion (hence the title). It is an excellent resource for students and scholars of comparative theology, offering an overview of the field along with its history, and more!”
“In looking to honor a beloved mentor and intellectual leader, Dr. Takacs has shown himself to be a generous colleague and an emergent leader in the field of comparative theology,” said Dr. Gina Florio, Dean of the Molloy University School of Arts and Sciences. “This festschrift is not only an honor for Rev. Clooney, but a gift for the generations of students who will have the opportunity to engage deeply in a disciple that helps us learn from various faith traditions, speak across difference, and see the value and dignity of one another. Dr. Takacs has only been at Molloy for a short time, but it is clear to me that he'll have a lasting impact on our community.”
According to the publisher: “The editors provide essays that reflect on the critical, theoretical, and methodological aspects of comparative theology, as well as constructive and critical appraisals of Francis Clooney’s scholarship. Over forty original contributions from internationally recognized scholars and insightful newcomers to the field are included within. Readers will also find:
- Insightful discussions of the larger implications of comparative theology beyond the discipline itself, especially as it relates to educational programs, institutions, and post-carceral life
- Robust promotion of the research methods and critical thinking present in Francis Clooney’s work
- Practical discussions of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing theological researchers today
- Papers from leading contributors located around the globe, including emerging voices from the global south
Perfect for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of theology and religious studies, The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology will also benefit scholars with an interest in comparative religion, interreligious studies, and interreligious theology.”
The publication was celebrated this year at the annual convention of the Catholic Theological Society of America (Clooney was president of the CTSA last year). Takacs and Kimmel surprised Clooney at the event—he’d had no idea about the volume in his honor. Takacs said, “The fact that we managed to keep this a secret is impressive! This year, at the Annual Conference of the American Academy of Religion, the current president (Amir Hussain) has invited me, my coeditor, the contributors, and Clooney to the Presidential Reception to once again celebrate Clooney and officially deliver the volume in his honor (though he already has a copy). We’re excited!”