On the (Im)Possibility of Interreligious Dialogue
Ireneusz ZIEMIŃSKI
Department of Contemporary Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, University of Szczecin, ul. Krakowska 71/79, 71-017 Szczecin, Poland , PolandAbstract
The author attempts to justify the claim that an authentic interreligious dialogue, conceived of as the common pursuit of the truth, is impossible. As the main reason the author indicates the fact that, at the starting point of such a pursuit, it would be necessary for an authentic believer in a religion to suspend his or her faith in the truth of this religion. This condition, however, cannot be accepted by any of the involved parties. Thus interreligious dialogue is possible merely in the form of converting those who believe differently, opposing beliefs considered as false, confirming one’s religious identity, or expression of one’s beliefs. Similar difficulties apply also to the ecumenical dialogue within Christianity.
Translated by Patrycja Mikulska
Keywords:
religion, dialogue, faith, God, the ChurchDepartment of Contemporary Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, University of Szczecin, ul. Krakowska 71/79, 71-017 Szczecin, Poland
