Interfaith Dialogue: A Catholic View

by Michael Louis Fitzgerald and John Borelli

Book Overview

A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the Catholic approach to interreligious dialogue in our time.

When the Second Vatican Council published its teaching on Christianity in relation to other religious traditions (Nostra Aetate) everyone knew a threshold had been crossed. Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald and Dr. John Borelli have been participating in the crossing of that threshold for many years. This book tells the tale of what it has...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 157075652X
• ISBN13: 9781570756528
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Orbis Books
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Interfaith Dialogue: A Catholic View, by Michael L. Fitzgerald and John Borelli

Interfaith Dialogue: A Catholic View offers a comprehensive and in-depth treatment of all aspects pertaining to inter-religious dialogue from the perspective of the Catholic Church. It discusses the role of the laity and the parish in fostering inter-religious relations. The recent history of the Catholic Church's approach to dialogue, in particular Islam, is also expounded, as well as the history of the Vatican department in charge of inter-religious relations, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID). Key theological aspects of dialogue in all their complexity are clearly explained, such as: theological considerations on pluralism, the relation between dialogue and proclamation and how Jesus and Mary are seen in other religions. A more personal and intimate note is found at the beginning of the book, where the authors lay out their own personal involvement with dialogue. At the close of the work the efforts and accomplishments of three prophets of dialogue are recounted: Louis Massignon, Jules Monchanin, and Thomas Merton, and the dialogue with Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism respectively. Most of the book has been written by Michael L. Fitzgerald, who served in the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue for almost two decades, first as its Secretary, then as its President, now Apostolic Nuncio in Egypt. John Borelli, a consultor of the same Council, former staff member for interfaith relations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, now Special Assistant for Interfaith Relations to the President of Georgetown University, contributes several chapters giving a US perspective. Interfaith Dialogue: A Catholic View constitutes an indispensable reference for anyone with an interest in the recent history, and the key pastoral and theological aspects of dialogue between Christians and the Catholic Church and followers of other religions.

Interfaith Dialogue: A Catholic View

Interfaith Dialogue: A Catholic View reaches into the various arenas wherein interreligious dialogue is most important these days: in the institutional churches, the local parish, academics and the scio-political realms. The book's contents include the Roman Catholic Church's major documents that define its theological positions on interfaith dialogue and activity, its practical application in numerous dialogues and events, and, the importance of dialogue for political and social well-being. The authors, Fitzgerald and Borelli, both bring local and international expertise to the subject. The context includes, but is not limited to, the USA. It speaks of the true "catholicity" of interfaith dialogue and its grounding in the very mission of the Church.