On June 15, Roman Nazarenko, a lecturer at the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) and Director of the UCU Institute of Religion and Society, successfully defended his doctoral thesis at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. His research, titled “A Catholic Perspective on the Qur’an: In Search of a Method,” explores theological approaches to the Quran from a Catholic viewpoint.
Roman Nazarenko’s doctoral defence
Mr. Nazarenko has dedicated over a decade to the study of Islam. He is the author of Unexpected Islam: The Story of Aladdin—What We Don’t See and The Pandemic and the Renaissance of World Religions. His lectures are noted for illuminating the depth and diversity of Islamic culture, history, and contemporary realities for his students.
The completion of Mr. Nazarenko’s dissertation spanned a profoundly challenging period in Ukrainian history, encompassing the Revolution of Dignity, the occupation of his native Crimea, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
His supervisor, Professor Marcel Poorthuis—a leading scholar of interreligious dialogue in the Netherlands—remarked on the significance of the work: “This research was written during Ukraine’s most significant challenges. It is dedicated to the living and the fallen heroes who made this academic journey possible. We are proud that Tilburg University has served as an academic voice for Ukraine during this time.”
From left to right, Edward Alam, Roman Nazarenko, Marcel Poorthuis
Mr. Nazarenko’s dissertation addresses a central challenge of contemporary interreligious dialogue: how a Catholic theologian can interpret the Quran while remaining faithful to their own tradition, yet remain open to a meaningful encounter with Islam. The work seeks to move beyond polemics and simplistic comparisons, establishing a framework for responsible, theological dialogue.
The study suggests that engaging with the Quran offers Christian theology an opportunity to deepen its understanding of faith, Scripture, tradition, prophecy, and the action of the Holy Spirit. In his thesis, Mr. Nazarenko focused on biblical and Quranic narratives concerning the history of creation, the Annunciation, and the miracles of Jesus, exploring how Christianity and Islam can engage in honest and theologically responsible discourse.
“This work is about dialogue and communication with the ‘Other,’” says Mr. Nazarenko. “By studying both Islam and Christianity, I see both deep commonalities and distinct differences. My dissertation, now published as a book, argues that in researching the ‘Other,’ we ultimately gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and are prompted to ask more profound questions.”
The defense at Tilburg University followed long-standing academic traditions. Commission members appeared in ceremonial robes, accompanied by an official carrying a ceremonial baton, the sound of which marked the formal opening and closing of the 60-minute proceedings. Mr. Nazarenko was granted 10 minutes to present his research before facing a rigorous inquiry from the commission. He was also supported by “paranymphs”—academic attendants who, by tradition, stand behind the candidate to protect their academic honor and ensure decorum.
Roman Nazarenko, right after his doctoral defense
Upon the successful conclusion of the defense, Mr. Nazarenko was presented with a ceremonial scroll, inscribed in Latin, confirming the conferral of his doctoral degree.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Nazarenko and wish him continued success in his scholarly endeavors!
