Possibility of Interreligious Dialogue

Is dialogue between the major religions of the world possible? If it is possible, under what conditions? In this book, Michael H. Mitias argues that it is possible provided various conditions are met. These conditions include mutual respect, mutual understanding, and God-centeredness. First, how can a religion that is unusually complex­—composed of a doctrine founded in a unique divine revelation, a leadership class of theologians, teachers, clergy, and administrators, and a community across global cultures—show uniform respect to another religion? How can a complex institution like a religion truly understand another religion? Third, can the different religions worship the same God if their conceptions of God are based on their unique doctrines? Mitias addresses these questions and argues that it is possible for religions to respect and understand one another. Further, he argues that the different conceptions of God are necessarily founded in a belief in the existence of a transcendent, infinite, and wise being.

1. Introduction

2. General Framework of Analysis

3. Mutual Respect as a Condition of Interreligious Dialogue  

4. Mutual Understanding as Condition and Aim of Interreligious Dialogue

5.  Mysticism as a Basis of Interreligious Dialogue: God-Centeredness

6. Does Religious Self-Understanding Impede Interreligious Dialogue?

Michael H. Mitias is a retired Professor of Philosophy at Millsaps College, USA. He has published numerous articles and books in the area of aesthetics, philosophy of religions, political philosophy, and ethics. His most recent books are The Transformative Power of Love (2020), Death, Family and Love (2020), and The Philosopher Converses with God (2019).