| Christian theologians have explored the issue of religious pluralism for decades. There have been strides towards developing a Christian theology of religious pluralism. These theologies of religion have been on a largely theoretical level. The inadequacies of these approaches, I suggest, lay in a failure to understand that the theological explanation of interreligious/interfaith dialogue flows from practice and practical concerns. I posit that a practical theological framing of Christian interaction with differing religious traditions provides a more effective approach to Christian understandings of religious pluralism.;This dissertation focuses on interreligious/interfaith dialogue as an intentional Christian practice. It articulates a practical theology of religious pluralism through connecting the Christian practices and principles of hospitality and friendship with a theology of religions. Secondarily, it articulates a theology of interfaith community, i.e., a theology of contemporary pluralism, and dialogue as the fundamental practice that sustains such a community.;Linking Christian practices with Christian theologies of religion is a relatively new endeavor. The Christian tradition contains concepts and practices that are essential to Christian responses to religious pluralism. Hospitality and friendship are two such foundational concepts and practices. Hospitality is an expression of kindness, care, and entertaining of a stranger. Interreligious/interfaith dialogue is impossible a part from hospitality. Friendship provides a deeper connection between individuals and/or groups who do not share the same religious faith. In addition to the display of general concern for humanity, friendship carries the connotations of genuine love and involvement, i.e. the stranger can become like family in a profound sense. Within the context of friendship, interreligious/interfaith dialogue becomes concrete through life experiences and relationships. |
