New Dialogue and Alliance (Vol. 17-1) | April 08, 2004

A new issue of Dialogue and Alliance is out. The Theme of the new issue is Interfaith Theological Dialogue.

Dialogue and Alliance Volume 17-1
Introduction

I am very excited about this issue of Dialogue and Alliance. Serendipity brings us six articles of superior quality, remarkably interwoven in theme, orientation, tenor, and progression. I never have to date felt a Dialogue and Alliance issue compares to a symphony, but I am tempted here. Articles move from purely theoretical (bordering on methodological) through inspired and imaginative inquiry and application on the avant garde of interreligious relations, all while retaining pressing and practical currency and relevance throughout. The progression of the articles moves the reader forward in the direction of application and implementation ultimately to be applied at disciplinary and even institutional levels.

Richard Schebera in his article “Comparative Theology: A New Method of Interreligious Dialogue,” takes up the great challenge as to whether Christianity can remain faithful to the centrality of Christ and the truthfulness of its revelatory claims, without sacrificing rigor in interfaith engagement. Schebera presents options on a spectrum using the categories Exclusivist, Pluralist, and Inclusivist. In the context of critiquing this history of Christian approaches to dialogue, Schebera recommends “comparative theology,” as a trajectory with promise and the potential to reconcile classical paradoxes in the Christian interfaith enterprise.

Philip H. Hwang tackles a similar interfaith problem by offering a genuinely innovative contribution to the challenges of interfaith encounter. Hwang’s “Addversion as Alternative” recommends an enticing solution to his correct view that genuine religious dialogue requires participants to risk the possibility of conversion. “Addversion” is presented by Hwang in response to a systematic inquiry into conversion, through four categories in his article, all interwoven through the illumination of East-West encounter. This is a valuable piece, especially coming as professor Hwang does from Korea, namely the Asian nation which has been more strongly Christianized than any other. Hwang’s article converses with interfaith thinkers such as William James, Tillich, Hick, Knittner and others.

Jon Phelan takes up a mammoth issue in the world of interreligion in his article “Unity in Trinity: Some Reflections on the Doctrine of the Trinity in Jewish-Christian Relations,” and further goes so far as to express the belief that “the theological formulation known as the Trinity provides fertile ground on which Jewish-Christian relations can develop”! Phelan argues his point in three essential arenas: 1. The historical context for the emergence of Trinitarianism, 2. His view that Trinitarianism underlies and strengthens Christian belief in the unity of God, and 3. Recommending that Trinitarian doctrine function as a model for dialogue itself. Phelan draws from A.R. Wainwright in arguing that Trinitarianism derives from roots tied more strongly to Judaism, than to Greek metaphysics. In many ways Phelan’s effort is a shining example precisely of the comparative theology enterprise introduced by Schebera in the first article.

Bede Bidlack, and his article “Qi in the Christian Tradition,” continues to explore creative and innovative frontiers for interfaith dialogue this time through the subjective, mystical experience of Qi. The most rugged and demanding parts of interfaith are often best highlighted on the challenging frontiers on which Christianity (treated rigorously and honestly) is central to the conversation. In this case we have the enormous benefit of Bidlack’s confessional insights derived from his life as a Catholic-Christian, and as a practitioner of Alchemical Taoism which affords him the ability to control and utilize his Qi. Using the foundation of his own internal and subjective dialogue, Bidlack writes outward from there, and insodoing provides for us valuable reflections in an under-recognized frontier in interfaith encounter, namely dialogue among monastics and mystics. His article provides the reader with a rare collection of insights and information, including among other things, good thoughts on the hesychast methods and Gregory Palamas, as well as insights into Eastern mystical spirituality.

Dr. Pan-chiu Lai continues the high standards of this issue with yet another, equally riveting context in which to ponder East West, spiritual relationality. In this case it is by choosing ecological theology as an arena in which we can pursue the dialogue between Christianity and Confucianism. The standard and extent of Lai’s research alone in “Ecological Theology in Dialogue with Confucianism,” proves a treasurable resource, giving the reader as it does a tour through eminent scholarship East and West! Further, so as to clarify and nuance the distinct contribution of Confucianism to the discourse, we are treated to a brief visit to Buddhism’s home along the way. Lai courageously ventures into a big world, marking serious steps toward a Confucian-Christian ecological theology, having summoned the energy and will to consider this vision through the far ranging prism of Creation Doctrine, Salvation Doctrine, the Doctrine of imago Dei , and Christology, all in dialogue with such pillars as McQuarrie, Moltmann, McFague, and Gordon Kaufmann among others. This article also blesses the reader because this grand tour occurs in the arousing atmosphere of relevance and urgency evoked by ecological concerns.

Finally, Imam Tariq Ansaar Aquil examines a relationship central to interfaith, but internal to each tradition. His article “The Scholar and the Cleric: Roles and Responsibilities for the Sake of Religion and Peace,” examines the complementarity and interdependence which must characterize professional relationships internal to religious institutions as faith traditions strive to function effectively in pursuit of peace. The article is straightforward, practical, and further benefits from confessional insights drawn from experience. Aquil creates a transcendent pull for collaboration and unification, not only through his insistence upon practical application for his thought, but further by means of the infused category of achieving peace which he insists upon in his reflections, rather than pursuing peace. This gives the article vitality and an inherent action mandate which charges and commissions the reader.

I trust this issue will prove an enduring resource for you. I thank you for your longstanding and continued support for Dialogue and Alliance seeking as it does to contribute substantially to a world truly transformed, and made substantially and recognizably better.

The Editor

See further issues of Dialogue and Alliance

Content of Dialogue and Alliance Vol. 17-1

Articles

Comparative Theology: A New Method of Interreligious Dialogue
Dr. Richard Schebera

Addversion as Alternative
Dr. Philip H. Hwang

Unity in Trinity: Some Reflections on the Doctrine of the Trinity in Jewish-Christian Relations
Mr. Jon Phelan

Qi in the Christian Tradition
Mr. Bede Bidlack

Ecological Theology in Dialogue with Confucianism
Dr. Pan-chiu Lai

The Scholar and the Cleric: Roles and Responsibilities for the Sake of Religion and Peace
Imam Tariq Ansaar Aquil, Sr.

Book Reviews

Her Voice Her Faith: Women Speak on World Religions
Edited by Arvind Sharma and Katherine K. Young
Reviewed by Dr. Jane Stier

Living Peace: A Spirituality of Contemplation and Action and Mary of Nazareth: Prophet of Peace
By John Dear
Reviewed by Dr. Anthony J. Tambasco

Sacred Choices: The Right to Contraception and Abortion in Ten World Religions
By Daniel C. Maguire
Reviewed by Dr. Gene G. James

The Sikh Way: A Pilgrim’s Progress
By I.J. Singh
Reviewed by Dr. Doris R. Jakobsh

Book Notices

Creation and Last Things: At the Intersection of Theology and Science
By Gregory S. Cootsona

I’d Rather Teach Peace
By Colman McCarthy

Plain Living: A Quaker Path to Simplicity
By Catherine Whitmire

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