Theology and the Dialogue of Religions

Michael Barnes SJ contributes to the debate about the place of inter-religious relations in the life of the Church.

S. J. Michael Barnes (Author)

9780521009089, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 March 2002

292 pages
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.7 cm, 0.41 kg

'… an important book. Barnes has developed a new approach within the field.' Reviews in Religion and Theology

Theology of religions is an area of theological reflection on inter-religious relations which raises fundamental questions for all people of faith in a pluralist, post-modern world. How to practise a religious faith with integrity while respecting other claims to ultimate truth? Must 'the other' always be regarded as a problematic complication on the fringes of a Christianity-centred world? Is there a 'third way' between an all-dominating exclusivism and a vapid relativism? This book contributes to the debate about the place of inter-religious relations in the life of the Church by developing a 'theology of dialogue'. In offering a critique of much current thinking in this area, Michael Barnes SJ proposes instead a theology rooted in the themes of welcome and hospitality. He argues for a vision of Christianity as a 'school of faith', a community called not just to teach others but to learn from them as well.

Part I. The Returning Other: 1. Rethinking theology of religions
2. Remembering the Covenant
3. Facing the Other
4. Learning something of God
Part II. Dialogue and God: 5. Telling the Christian story
6. Reflecting on 'an other' experience
7. Forming the school of faith
8. Contemplating the depths of God
9. Negotiating the middle.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Christian theology [HRCM]