South Asian Journal of Religion and Philosophy (SAJRP)

The Middle Way: Buddhist Approaches Towards Interreligious Dialogue

Miriswaththe Wimalagnan — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This article analyzes two important Buddhist sources (Sandaka-sutta and Apaṇṇaka-sutta) and argues that the Buddhist way of interreligious discourse is expressed most adequately by means of the Middle Way, which should be understood as the avoidance of every kind of extreme view. The Middle Way accepts both the religious effort of the missionary as well as pluralistic or relativistic views of religion because human beings have a right to promote their own religion provided they observe moral principles. This article argues that genuine conviction (saddhamma-saññatti) does not encourage self-aggrandizement by disparaging others. The author states that the pluralistic outlook of Buddhism is exclusivist with respect to its claim to truth but relative in relation to other religions. The canonical literature of Buddhism records numerous Buddhist encounters with the followers of other religions based on mutual respect, acceptance of the right for missionary endeavor and the preservation of an attitude of tolerance.

Religion and Politics: A Perspective on their Interdependence in Contemporary Society

Oswald B. Firth OMI — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The human origins of religion and politics and their development up to the present day is indeed mind boggling. Although we cannot possibly determine when exactly religion and politics began in historical terms, these two realities must have originated when humans started becoming aware of their relationship with ‘the Absolute’ and with their fellow human beings. Religion and politics have been a significant part of human life and social behaviour ever since. The resurgence of religion and politics in the institutional life of society across the globe requires a fresh discussion about that the role religion and politics play in human interaction today. This article attempts to dissect the compromises and anomalies of these two social institutions – religion and politics.

Religion, Conflict and Peacemaking

Uzma Naz — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores the reluctance or unwillingness of modern society to cross the boundaries that have been fixed for religion and politics. Many contemporary civilizations keep religion apart from politics and from all forms of government. A more primordial way of thinking, however, claims that a fundamental relationship between religion and politics remains in effect even in societies where there is no close connection between them. The primordial approach considers ethnicity and religious belonging to be the determining characteristics of communities and individuals. The new awareness of religious plurality evident in the contemporary world has enabled various methods of interreligious dialogue to become instruments of peacemaking.

Inter-Religious Dialogue in Australia: Achievements and Challenges

John Dupuche — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

With regard to cultures and faith traditions, Australia is one of the most diverse nations in the world. At the same time, it is remarkably if not perfectly harmonious. What lessons can be gleaned from its successes and failures? This article will consider aspects of interfaith dialogue in Australia within the three categories of exclusivism, pluralism and inclusivism, and with particular reference to the Catholic tradition which I know best. The Australian experience may be useful to compare and contrast with other contexts.

Questions About God: Overcoming Some Theological Barriers in Muslim Christian Dialogue

Philip Duncan Peters — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Belief in and worship of one God is the most basic tenet of both Muslim and Christian faith. This might be seen as a significant area of common ground, and yet there are theological barriers within sections of both communities that unnecessarily widen the gap between the two faiths.

Some Christian leaders and writers have asserted the view that Muslims and Christians do not worship the same God. This paper will argue that it is unhelpful to think in terms of Christians and Muslims worshipping two completely different entities. It will respond to the two main forms of argument, (1) theological differences in the attributes and character of God, and (2) Muslim denial of the doctrine of the trinity.

Among Muslims there is often suspicion that the monotheism of Christians is severely compromised by their belief in the trinity and the divinity of Christ. This paper will argue that ‘mainstream’ Christianity, is a truly monotheistic faith and will seek areas of common understanding in moving forward in dialogue, while recognising continued differences.