Frans Wijsen: Discourse Analysis in Religious Studies. The Case of Interreligious Worship in Friesland

Abstract. − The aim of this article is to explore the use and usefulness of critical discourse analysis in religious and interreligious studies. In order to achieve this aim, the author makes a critical discourse analysis of data generated in a study on “Interreligious Worship” services in Friesland by combining three analytic perspectives and three analytic methods. The analysis is complemented by theoretical and methodical considerations. The author’s contention is that by using critical discourse analysis the gap between explanation and interpretation in religious and interreligious studies can be bridged. [The Netherlands, Friesland, interreligious studies, interreligious worship, discourse analysis]