Possibility of Interreligious Dialogue / Interreligious Studies in Theory and Practice (PDF)

Is dialogue between the major religions of the world possible? If it is possible, under what conditions? In this book, Michael H. Mitias argues that it is possible provided various conditions are met. These conditions include mutual respect, mutual understanding, and God-centeredness. First, how can a religion that is unusually complex­-composed of a doctrine founded in a unique divine revelation, a leadership class of theologians, teachers, clergy, and administrators, and a community across global cultures-show uniform respect to another religion? How can a complex institution like a religion truly understand another religion? Third, can the different religions worship the same God if their conceptions of God are based on their unique doctrines? Mitias addresses these questions and argues that it is possible for religions to respect and understand one another. Further, he argues that the different conceptions of God are necessarily founded in a belief in the existenceof a transcendent, infinite, and wise being.

Michael H. Mitias is a retired Professor of Philosophy at Millsaps College, USA. He has published numerous articles and books in the area of aesthetics, philosophy of religions, political philosophy, and ethics. His most recent books are The Transformative Power of Love (2020), Death, Family and Love (2020), and The Philosopher Converses with God (2019).