In search of a common base for interreligious dialogue

In search of a common base for interreligious dialogue

Beyond “a common word” between Muslims and Christians

Religions are like musical instruments. To be played together in an orchestra, they must be tuned to the right tone or pitch. The first requirement is the desire to be in tune with the other instruments. The second one is to find a common reference or tone, usually given by the oboe that plays a fixed pitch (A = 440 Hz). Then all other instruments will be adjusted according to this common pitch using different methods because of the different ways in which sounds are produced. The task of interreligious dialogue, using this analogy, is to find that common reference or pitch that allow all religions to play together in peace and harmony. I found that the first requirement for tuning our religions is already present. Several important documents such as Nostra Aetate and A Common Word between Us and You are signs of a real desire for falling in the right pitch. However, religions are still searching for the second requirement, the pitch to which the whole orchestra will be tuned. This study hopes to contribute to this search by presenting a common pitch to which religions can tune themselves to build harmonious relations with each other, i.e., a common base for interreligious dialogue. 

  • Cover
  • Title page
  • Copyright page
  • Table of contents
  • Foreword
  • Introduction
  • Chapter 1: Muslim proposal for a common base for interreligious dialogue
    • 1. The muslim proposal
    • 2. A muslim consensus
    • 3. A common attitude
    • 4. Use of vocabulary
    • 5. Use of the bible
    • 6. Searching for a universal common base
  • Chapter 2: Catholic proposal for a common base for interreligious dialogue
    • 1. The catholic proposal
    • 2. The ontological element of natural law
    • 3. The epistemological element of natural law
    • 4. Natural law and human rights
    • 5. Natural law and interreligious dialogue
  • Chapter 3: Beyond “A Common Word” stands “A Common Work”
    • 1. The muslim approach towards “A Common Work”
    • 2. The catholic approach towards “A Common Work”
    • 3. “A Common Work” as “A Common Base”
  • Conclusion
  • Bibliography

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