Theology and the Dialogue of Religions

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.