Dialogue as a Continuing Christian Concern (1971)

by Stanley Samartha

'1. The basis of inter-religious dialogue is the commitment of all partners to their respective faiths and their openness to the insights of the others. The integrity of particular religions must be recognized.

2. The objective of dialogue is not a superficial consensus or the finding of the most acceptable common factor. It should not lead to the dilution of all convictions for the sake of false harmony. It must lead to the enrichment of all in the discovery of new dimensions of Truth.

3. Dialogue should not be limited to mere academic discussion on religious matters. I may begin among specially delegated people within a limited compass and later on spread into wider circles involving larger numbers of people. Living together in dialogue should help communities-particularly in multi-religious societies- to shed their fear and distrust of each other and to build up mutual trust and confidence.

4. It is important to emphasize that dialogue should be much wider than academic discussion of religious ideas. It is much more than verbal communication. Therefore other aspects of religion, the meaning of ritual, the significance of symbols and the experiences of devotion- should not be ignored. Respectful attendance at one another's worship may open up new and deeper levels of communication undreamed of before.

5. With reference to strengthening the efforts for peace the following points may be noted:

a) People of different religious persuasions should be brought together to consider common human concerns in which all are involved irrespective of their religious affiliations. These may be different in different countries and social situations.

b) In the interest of justice and peace it is necessary for world religions to come out more openly on the side of the poor, the powerless and the oppressed. Mere quoting of scriptures is not enough: it should be matched by deeds. Religious values that cannot be translated in to social virtues are worse than useless where human needs are urgent. Inter-religious dialogues should promote deliberation and action on such common concerns.

c) World religious organizations should manifest greater concern to work for peace in particular situations where there are conflicts. Statements on international situations may be of less value than some symbolic actions by inter-religious group in particular countries.

6. Inter-religious dialogues should also stress the need to study fundamental questions in the religious dimension of life. Religions are man's responses to the mystery of existence and quests for meaning in the midst of confusion. World religious organizations should support the long-range study of the deeper questions which today ought to be taken up not just separately by individuals of each religion, but also together in the larger interests of humanity.