INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE The Mission of Dialogue and Peace

INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE The Mission of Dialogue and Peace in the Light of the Beatitudes -Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME-

Peace, Where are you? This is a cry of many in the world today. Often the answer is : “We need more dialogue to achieve peace”. Guided by this hope many international, national and local efforts have been explored to find solutions through “dialogue” in different forms of assembly, gathering and researches. While we appreciate all efforts coming from “sincere intention”, we still far from the real peace in the world. Why?

This presentation on Interreligious Dialogue is: v. A new approach of formation based on spirituality v. A new challenge to follow the style of life where dialogue is based on love not only on strategies and calculations v. A new effort of Peace Education based on the “CULTURE OF DIALOGUE”

Chapter 8: Our Search of Peace Page 153 to Page 166 Our search is subdivided into: Culture Dialogue PEACE Religion Spirituality

What is Peace? • The word “Peace” comes from the Latin word “pax” • Peace concept evolves in the society

Some Major Changes in the Approach of Peace from the Second World War until now :

1 The Reform Approach v. Started at the stage of the 60’s after the Second World War. v. FOCUS: preventing war, controlling arm races and conflicts. v. Identify every possibilities to achieve peace using non – violent alternatives.

The 2 Reconstructiv e Approach v Seeking to reconstruct the international system in order to achieve total disarmament. v FOCUS: Structural and Institutional rather than Behavioral changes

3 The Transforming Approach v Stage of a LARGER GOAL (reaction to all violence) v. Challenge of PEACE EDUCATION v. The FOCUS is not just transformation of behaviors and institutions but also thinking and in the formation values.

4 The Global Peace Approach v In the world of “Globalization”, peace has to be Global. v. The global peace is possible when all help for the common good.

5 The Culture of Peace v. Includes elements of Peace Education and guides to people to live a new way of life. v. UNESCO had spread the education on Culture of Peace in the 90’s proposing this specific elements to build the Culture of Peace: Satisfaction of human necessities Feminization of culture Education for change Disobedience as virtue Freedom from myth Respect for cultural identity Demilitarization of defense Overcoming the logic of blocks Demystification of threats Empowerment of the small

6 Peace Education An effort to gather all the above approaches of peace and the culture of peace promoted by UNESCO and present them in more systematic way. Dr. Swee - Hin Tow popularized the 6 Pedals of Peace in the Philippines, they are: v. Dismantling the Culture of war v. Living with Justice and Compassion v. Building cultural respect, reconciliation, and solidarity v. Promoting human rights and responsibilities v. Living in harmony with earth v. Cultivating inner peace

7 Dialogue and Peace Education It is based on the belief that dialogue is “not only a means to achieve the goal, but it is a goal itself”, inspired by the deeper understanding of dialogue as an expression of Love.

7. 1 Dialogue and Peace Education v. Helps to rediscover the spirituality of life in dialogue that each one can experience based on each of our own culture and religion. v. Welcomes the Concept of Pluralism nurtured by respect and appreciation of differences in promoting of the common good.

7. 2 Dialogue and Peace Education Is sustained by a “Journey” of Personal Transformation guided by the 4 Pillars of Dialogue: ØDialogue with God ØDialogue with the Self ØDialogue with Others ØDialogue with Creation

7. 3 Dialogue and Peace Education It is a formation prepared to Educate people to embrace dialogue as an experience that has become the Style of Life 24 hours a day. NOTE : We respect each others religion and faiths as a “way of life”, but we believe that in the Plurality of Culture and Religions, we can have an experience on style of life guided by love.

7. 4 Dialogue and Peace Education v. Guides people to the “GOLDEN RULE” of love in respect expressed in different ways by all religions. v. Promotes the Personal and Social Transformation to sustain the different challenges of society in our mission to Dialogue and Peace. v. Inspires us to experience God’s dialogue in the world and spirituality as the foundation of peace.

What is Dialogue? The word dialogue comes from the Greek word “dia” (through) and “logos” (the word).

In this formation program, we go beyond our simple perceptive of dialogue and moving to the understanding that “Dialogue starts with God, and brings people back to God”.

What is Culture? v“colere” is a Latin word that means “to nurture” or “to care for”. One Definition is: v. Culture is the complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, costume and any other capacity and habits acquired by a man as a member of society (Edward B. Taylor, 1871).

v. Culture evolves among groups of people. Religions and Spirituality play an important roles in the stages of community and personalized culture. v. In addition, Culture is an influence by the self (the human and divine aspects of the self that guide people to the spirituality of life).

The Basic Stages of Culture PRIMARY SECONDARY PERSONALIZED Received in the 1 st years of Life (the basic hierarchy of needs) According to the place one lives, opportunities, study and more Synthesis that a person normally does and acquire in life or “chosen culture”

What is Religion? v. From a Latin word “religere” means observance (Romans), link/union or reconciliation (Christians) and Surrender to God (Islam). v. In general, all religion gives a specific meaning to what their faith is, but in accordance to their own understandings. v. There are 3 basic elements that people perceive and experience. We present these 3 elements giving specific attention to Faith/Spirituality to help us understand deeply the context of this topic.

THE THREE BASIC ELEMENTS OF RELIGION FAITH BELIEF In Judaism, Christianity, & Islam it is based on the Revelation of the Word of God, but all of them believe in one Personal God with different names and ways to understand the mystery of this Personal God. FAITH RITUAL An expression of faith introduced in different times of history and cultural traditions in different parts of the world. More on the COLOR aspect of religion that people see with their naked eye. FAITH SPIRITUALITY A movement of the spirit felt in each person and helps them to move guided by conscience and desire for happiness in Life, guided by the faith in our own religion.

What is Spirituality? v. From a Latin word “spirare” that means to breathe not only as a means of survival but Part of Life as well. v We have Spiritual Aspirations manifested in our search for meaning in life and their commitment to the common good and their respects for ethics and humanity that help them listen to the “voice of conscience”. v. Usually, spirituality is nurtured by an experience of faith.

SPIRITUALITY is above the teachings and practices of each religion, and at the same time respects and experiences the richness of religions. There are some specific examples by the Christians and Islamic mystics who have a converging understanding to spirituality such as: A Way of Love A Process of Transformation A Journey of Purification

Chapter 9: Culture of Dialogue (COD) Page 167 to Page 174

Definition: v The Culture of Dialogue(COD) is a holistic approach of dialogue that emphasizes the human and spiritual dimension of life – in – dialogue with God, with oneself, with others and with creation. It is a style of marked by deeper relations among people of different cultures and religions which challenges them to build together a society where God’s values and ethics are the guiding principles in moving together towards harmony, solidarity and peace.

The Why’s and How’s of COD: “Dialogue Starts from God and Brings People Back to God” WHY’s v. God is the center of the social and spiritual aspirations of all people. He starts dialogue with us and He dialogues with us constantly. v. A clear manifestation in the plan of God and in His love, compassion, and mercy.

v. God manifest His “presence” in the world through dialogue in different ways. He is present in all cultures, religions, people and the whole creation. v. INTER-RELIGIOUS Dialogue is one way to get to know each other’s faith better – that faith which guides the believer to God and trying to see Him in the positive way.

HOW’s v. Living a life – in – dialogue with God, with the Self, with Others, and with Creation is the FRAMEWORK of the Spirituality of Life in Dialogue. v. Living and promoting the Culture of Dialogue: Path to Peace is entering in a Personal and Social Transformation. This is:

CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE CULTURE OF DIALOGUE Figure 01 CURRENT REALITY Conflicts Misunderstanding Injustices Others CULTURE OF DIALOGUE can gradually make the vision of peace the new reality in the world. VISION OF PEACE Justice Love Unity Others

Figure 02 COD = Culture of Dialogue PR = Present Reality VP = Vision of Peace PT = Personal Transformation ST = Social Transformation NPR = New Present Reality

TEN ELEMENTS OF CULTURE AND DIALOGUE 1. The Culture of Dialogue is a vision inspired by God’s dialogue with Humanity 2. The Culture of Dialogue is a mission for peoples of sincere hearts 3. The Culture of Dialogue is as experience of life – in dialogue as a style of life. 4. The Culture of Dialogue is a commitment towards inter- and intra- cultural and religious dialogue 5. The Culture of Dialogue is a challenge rooted in the culture and faith of people.

TEN ELEMENTS OF CULTURE AND DIALOGUE 6. The Culture of Dialogue is a search for peace based on common ethics and values. 7. The Culture of Dialogue is a journey through education and formation. 8. The Culture of Dialogue is a habitat to nurture the vision of peace. 9. The Culture of Dialogue is a pathway to solidarity, especially with the less privileged. 10. The Culture of Dialogue is a hope to bring God to the center of society.

CULTURE OF DIALOGUE Chapter 10: Personal Transformation We are called to open up and commit ourselves to actively and creatively participate in any effort of dialogue and peace. Page 175 to Page 181

We have to reflect that before planning to change others. We have to look into changing ourselves.

THE FOUR PILLARS OF DIALOGUE Dialogue with God with Self with Others Creation Chapter IV Chapter VII

STAGE 1: STAGES OF SPIRITUALITY OF LIFE-IN-DIALOGUE God takes the Initiative of Dialogue v. It is GOD’s CALL v. Requires an attitude of “surrender to God” and “accepting the will of God”. v Usually becomes clearer through painful experiences in one’s life. v This is often gradually internalized and through Purification of the self.

STAGE 2: Our Response – Life – in Dialogue This stage often leads to: A. TEMPTATION BLOCKING (Dialogue within God) v. Not an easy task, for temptation hinders one’s willingness to enter into genuine dialogue. B. PURIFICATION (towards with the self) v. A way to enter dialogue with the self. C. LISTENING (Dialogue with Others) v Through listening with the heart one an see in the other the presence of God. D. SHARING (Dialogue with Creation) v. Rediscovering the care for the earth.

STAGE 3: Our Spirit and Mission – On the Path to Peace God is more interested than we are to start again with dialogue with all, including our enemies, because they are also His friends. NOTE: We are to reflect and share our experiences in the journey of spirituality, focusing on how each experiences has undergone three stages above.

Chapter 11: Dialogue with God The Search for God is the most fascinating Adventure of Humanity. We simply try to share the relationship with God and us regardless of our faiths without any effort to describe the points of difference. Page 183 to Page 193

As creatures of God, we have to understand experience a deeper dialogue with Him We do this as believers This chapter invites you to a deeper understanding that “Dialogue Starts from God and Brings People back to God”

The basic understanding of Dialogue that Muslims and Christians can be shared: v. Help us open our hearts and minds to the spiritual search of human being. v. The Bible and the Qur’an present Adam and Eve at the beginning of human history as the first man and woman. “The First Dialogue with God”. v. Sometimes we, Muslims and Christians find the two Holy Books some common points as such the story of Humanity in Dialogue with God.

Obstacles to Dialogue with God 1. FEAR v Thinking that one is not worthy of God’s Dialogue, but indeed God is the one who started dialogue with humanity where the message of love and mercy is clear. 2. IGNORANCE v When one ignores that God loves all either educated and uneducated. Overcoming this ignorance will let the person enter the a stage of light and wisdom and understanding the essential life.

3. HOPELESSNESS v This is where people feel that they are losing hope to enter dialogue with God. But God is waiting for us to respond to Him by sending us situations which we sometimes find it hard to solve in order for us to be more humble and trustful in God. 4. MISCALCULATION v We often think that entering dialogue with God hinders us from our activities that leads us to isolation from the world. We search for meanings in life and experience our dialogue with God we can have a more HOLISTIC and REALISTIC vision of life and helps us to choose what is essential and in accordance with God.

5. MYOPIA v We believe that God is only for those who belong to the same religion. But God is for all and searches the way to enter dialogue with all. 6. POSTPONTMENT v Temptation where the young people believe that dialogue with God is only for the old and matured people. This delays one’s spiritual growth and the possibilities to have a better vision of the present and future. 7. OCCASIONAL v That Dialogue with God is only important when in need and in special events. Dialogue with God is expressed when we serve and do our duty following our vocations life.

GUIDELINES TO DIALOGUE WITH GOD COOPERATION v. God needs Hands, Hearts, and Minds to manifest His love v. Gives us opportunity to remind all the centrality of God in Society. DIALOGUE & SILENCE v. We need internal silence that allows us to listen to the voice of God in dialogue with us. DIALOGUE & PRAYER v. We are called to review our commitment to pray to become closer with God.

DIALOGUE &MARTYDOM To strengthen our commitment for dialogue and peace convinced that God loves all and that we have to be instruments of God. DIALOGUE & VOCATION DIALOGUE & PLURALISM The basic elements of religion has the foundation in the love of God and neighbor. On these events can be and must be an occasion to rethink on the centrality of God. DIALOGUE & FORMATION Formation must be given importance along with knowledge in our dialogue with God and respectively approached by humility.

Chapter 12: Dialogue with Self The most difficult stage of dialogue in which often times taken for granted and ignored by many or some even afraid to discover the self and enter in dialogue with the self. Page 195 to Page 204

If we do not know how to enter in dialogue with the Self we cannot grow spiritually, we cannot appreciate the real meaning of life and we cannot grow in our dialogue with God, others and creation.

OBSTACLES TO THE DIALOGUE WITH THE SELF Alarms Bells in Ourselves Fear to Discover the Self Searching in the Wrong Direction

What to Do? Feelings often control our behavior and we need to be given proper attention and find reasons. v. Today there are many who offer help to control our stresses and our desire to be successful in life, but all of these efforts will become useless if we do not learn how to dialogue with ourselves. v. The first step is to accept ourselves as we are.

DIALOGUE WITH THE SELF REQUIRES FOUR BASIC ELEMENTS: 1. Authenticity ü v. We have to be sincere with ourselves v. To dialogue with self is not easy. Most often the most painful experiences and defeats come from us. v. This is the time for us to laugh at ourselves and accept who we are. v. Through this we may able to relate with other people with simplicity and not as actors.

2. Trust ü v. Internal Trust is important to relate with others, we may have our limitations but these limitations balance us make be more compassionate and open to help. v If not we become arrogant that paralyze us to what we are and become “Enslaved Actors” ourselves.

3. Silence ü v. Is a Spiritual Dimension that we have to experience and appreciate. v. Our attention is given internal silence that allows us to dialogue with the self and be touched by reality to accept either joyful and painful events. v. We must understand who we really are, listen to others and ourselves, and nurture this silence to be able to monitor feelings (positive /negative) to control and influence our personality.

4. Humility ü v. The experience to be defeated from outside to inside is common to all. Humility is the basic virtue to overcome difficulties in life. v. Without Humility anyone can be tempted to close the door to love/dialogue and open the door of darkness.

CHAPTER 13 Page 205 to Page 219 DIALOGUE WITH OTHERS

INTRODUCTION: “OTHERS” means: q. It is a person or groups different from us. q. Those who belong to the same Family, Culture, Nation or Religions. q. Those who do not belong to the same Family, Culture, Nation or Religions.

Specific Aspect of dialogue to build the “CULTURE OF DIALOGUE” with OTHERS. 1. 1 WE ARE BROTHERS AND SISTERS q. We belong to the same human family q. We are created as Human beings by the same God q. We have the same dignity, basic aspirations and needs as human persons.

1. 2 TAKE OFF OUR SHOES -Entering into the deeper level of Dialogue with others. “Our first task in approaching another people, another culture, another religion is to take off our shoes for the place we are approaching is holy… Else we may find ourselves treading on men’s dreams”. (K. GRAGG)

GOD DIALOGUE SELF/US OTHER S CREATIO N q. God is the one who made the first step towards us, others and creation inspiring us to be in dialogue.

q. Understanding of Dialogue with Others brings us beyond the concept of dialogue as a “strategy” and introduces us to the dimension of dialogue as a spirituality. CHALLENGE! - How to deepen this concept and be in dialogue with others?

1. 3 The WHYs and the HOWs of dialogue with OTHERS. • The WHYs- of dialogue have their roots in God, the foundation of love and Dialogue. • The HOWs of dialogue as on experience of life and not only as a strategy.

-This process of dialogue has to find REASONS: WHY ? We have to dialogue with OTHERS HOW ! We have to be in dialogue with others. Thus: Our priority and effort remains to help all UNDERSTAND MORE CONVINCE MORE

DIFFERENCES: ØBEFORE -often religion was in conflict ØNOW –we have to see the differences of religions to deepen the mystery of God’s presence in humanity and respect. LOVE AND RESPECT ALL AT THE SAME TIME PASSION AND DETERMINATIO N CAN BUILD A BETTER WORLD

CHALLENGES OF DIALOGUE WITH OTHERS: q. United Nation proposed “YEAR OF DIALOGUE AMONG CIVILIZATIONS” in the year 2000. BUT…

ALARMING CHALLENGES: A. SECULARISM B. FUNDAMENTALISM C. OTHERS

A. What is SECULARISM? -opposition to religion -categorized with worldly, civic, non-religious sphere of human life, not open for critic. - negative element that works against the common good of society and spirituality.

SECULARIS M: 1) ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLE -improvement of this life by material “means” -science is the available provider of each person

2) CHARACERISTIC -separation between the “Kingdom of God” and the “Kingdom of Caesar”. - morality is based on rational consideration. - no openness to dialogue - Religion is not seen necessary or useful

3) PHILOSOPHY • Nothing is absolute. No truth or morality is valid for all and for all time. -INDIVIDUALISM -RELATIVISM -MATERIALISM -AGNOSTICISM

B. Radicalism and Fundamentalism CHARACTERISTICS is found in all religion. -The word Fundamentalism was used first in 19 th century in the States by protestant groups. üExtreme conservatism in doctrine üIntolerance of others, coreligionists and others’ religions. üJustify political and geo-political strategies

C. ALARMING CHALLENGES • What do you think about other Alarming Challenges?

POSITIVE CHALLENGES: A. New Era of Dialogue among Christians B. The New Spirit of dialogue of the Muslim in the World C. Different Dialogue and Peace groups and Movements

A. NEW ERA OF DIALOGUE AMONG CHRISTIANS : • “ECUMENICAL DIALOGUE and “INTER RELIGION DIALOGUE” Christians are invited to be in dialogue even with the world, the nonbelievers. Also Dialogue with the world with all its realities and differences.

B. THE NEW SPIRIT OF DIALOGUE OF THE MUSLIM IN THE WORLD • The “Common Word between Us and You” was written by the 138 Muslim scholar. It is a open letter addressed to Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders. • Focus on the importance of Muslims and Christians of the world to be united to build peace.

C. DIFFERENT DIALOGUE AND PEACE GROUPS AND MOVEMENTS Toward a new spirit that we call CULTURE OF DIALOGUE: path to peace.

1) 2) “Non-Violent Approach” of Mahatma Gandhi “SATYAGRAHA”(Devotion to truth) a method of resistance without violence. The “Global Ethic”- Hans Küng 1. Help the religious leaders about world peace around a common ethic. 2. Rediscover the spiritual aspect of each religion 3. Seek to work out what is common to the religions 4. Global Ethic does not reduce the religions to an ethical minimalism.

HANS KÜNG says: -no survival of democracy without a coalition between believers in mutual respect. -no peace among the nations and civilizations without peace between religions. -no peace among religions without dialogue between religions. -there will no New World order without a world, a global, or planetary ethic.

BUT WE ADD: “There will be no global or planetary ethic without a spirituality that leads to the Culture of Dialogue, Path to Peace”

3) The Culture of Dialogue: Path to Peace Requires: SINCERITY SENSITIVIT Y 3 BASIC ELEMENTS DIALOGUE WITH OTHERS SOLIDARIT Y

A List of “Attitude” as point of reflection on Sensitivity • FROM SUPSPICION TO TRUST • FROM CALCULATION TO ACCEPTANCE • FROM SUPERIORITY TO PARITY • FROM INDIFFERENCE TO EMPATHY • FROM MANIPULATION TO SPONTANEITY • FROM INFLEXIBILITY TO FLEXIBILITY

Note: • Share more on the “SSS” of dialogue especially on Muslim. Christian relation facing prejudices, biases, etc.

CHAPTER 14 Page 221 to Page 238 DIALOGUE WITH CREATION

1) DIALOGUE WITH CREATION ØOne of the pillars to build the Culture of Dialogue: Path to Peace. 4 PARTS OF THE PRESENTATION 1. God’s creation and ecology today. 2. The voice of Christianity on creation and ecology. 3. The voice of Islam on creation and ecology 4. Our Voices: Inspired by those who have believed and witnessed Dialogue with Creation.

2) God’s Creation and Ecology Today Is ETYMOLOGICALLY -The logic of living creatures in their homes. RELATED “ECUMENICAL” Common word “oikos” (the inhabited world).

2. 1 MAJOR THREATS TO ECOLOGY • GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE • LOST OF TOPSOIL • CRISIS OF BIO-DIVERSITY • LOSS OF WILDERNESS • DEVASTATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES • UNDERSTANDABLE PATTERNS AND QUANTITIES OF CONSUMPTION • GENETIC ENGINEERING

2. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE POPULATION DEVELOPMENT 4 CRITICAL ITEMS PEACE ENVIRONMEN T

2. 3 RELIGION AND ECOLOGY RELIGION CONTRIBUTE TO GIVE ATTENTION TO ECOLOGY CHALLENGE -Not to change the faith , but to deepen it and rediscover the precious points. -Understand better the importance of our life in dialogue with God, the self, others and with creations.

2. 4 SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF CREATION: ØAll in nature is interconnected. ØCreation is an expression of God’s love. ØWhat we can say about creation? ØWhat the Holy Bible and Holy Qur’an tell us?

The Voice of Christianity on Creation and Ecology CHRISTIANITY ENVIRONMEN T Contributes to preserve Promote dialogue with creation ECOLOGY

THE OLD and NEW TESTAMENT • Collection of God’s teachings • Shaped religious thoughts • Reading the Bible we are inspired to praise creation.

CREATION IS GOOD People tend to forget that creation is part of God’s love. Jesus said: “For where your treasure is, there also will be your heart”(Mt. 6, 21)

ADAM AND EVE: ORIGIN, MISSION Ø“Adamah” means “earth”, and thus Adam is “earth man”. ØHUMAN after death return to the soil. Ø“breath of life” will live forever.

TEMPTATION • Temptation of Humanity like the temptation of Eve. • Human are “abusing” the earth as new temptation. CHALLENGES • Bring us to a deeper meaning of “dialogue with creation” • Understanding of our spirituality of life-indialogue.

EMERGENCE OF CREATION THEOLOGY “CREATION THEOLOGY” New revisitation of the importance of dialogue with creation. Immediate counteract the “crisis of the world”. ECOLOGICAL CRISIS Part of insecurity and served as a seedbed for SELFISHNE SS DISREGARD OF OTHERS DISHONEST Y

MORAL OBLIGATIONS: ØBishops of the Philippines remind us: ”What is happening to our beautiful land! And they say: “ We have sin against God and His Creation”

The Voice of Islam on Creation and Ecology “ISLAMIC ENVIRONMENTALISM” “ MUSLIM ENVIRONMENTALIST” • Proves from the textual sources of Islam. • Inspirations from a variety of sources of Islam for the Muslim.

BASIC QUR’ANIC CONCEPT OF STEWARDSHIP: “I am setting you on the earth and a vice-regent (KHALIFA) (Surah 2, 30).

OUR VOICES: INSPIRED BY THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED AND WITNESSED DIALOGUE ON INTERNTIONAL and NATIONAL LEVEL ON NATIONAL and LOCAL LEVEL example : FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS including religions AYALA WATERSHED in Zamboanga City promoted by the Silsilah Dialogue Movement

- Protect, offer skills and services sustain the watershed. The Friends of Zamboanga watershed Movement commit to: Educate our people on the importance of WATER. Encourage and help them to protect the watershed. Inspire leaders, youth in building an ecoharmonious society. Share our commitment with others and promote new friendship as one biggest priorities of the world today.

Conclusion: LOVE OF GOD LOVE OF NEIGHBOR WE HAVE TO EMPHASIZE LOVE FOR CREATION

CHAPTER 6 (Page 111 to Page 132) INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE: AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

• Focus on the deeper reason why a Christian has to be in dialogue with people of other cultures and religions. -We divide the presentation in 3 parts. 3 PART OF THIS MODULE 1) Holy Bible and history of Salvation for the Christians. 2) Teaching of the Church in the spirit of Vatican II Council 3) Praxis of Christians in dialogue and the new challenges of dialogue

1) The Holy Bible and the History of Salvation for the Christians DIALOGUE IN THE BIBLE • Inviting Christian to read • Understand the work of God • See the continuity of God’s dialogue. • Gradual revelation of God’s dialogue centered in Jesus Christ’s teaching, life, death and resurrection.

OLD TESTAMENT (OT) NEW TESTAMENT (NT) • All are created by God (Gen. 1: 27) • Book of Wisdom, chapter 1 to 19, represent many messages of dialogue and wisdom. • Story of Joseph and his brothers (Gen. 37 -50) Helps to promote interreligious dialogue • Jesus admired the faith of the Roman Officer (Mt. 8, 5 -13) • Jesus pointed out the faith of the Canaanite woman. (Mt. 15, 21 -28) • Jesus presented the parable of the Good Samaritan. (Lk. 10, 25 -37)

REDISCOVERING GOD’S DIALOGUE IN THE BIBLE CHALLENGE: • See the manifestation of God in the Holy Bible • Understand more the “style of God as a God of Dialogue” Different names and expression of “God is love” • EMMANUEL- God is with us. • COMPASSIONATEmeans that God loves us and “God is a loving God”

CHRISTIAN FAITH IN DIFFERENT STAGES TRINITY CREATION REVELATION

INCARNATIO N CROSS AND RESURRECTION

2) THE TEACHING OF THE CHURCH IN THE SPIRIT OF VATICAN II COUNCIL POPE JONH XXIII • “opened the doors” of interreligious dialogue • “We are bothers and sisters” POPE JONH PAUL VI • “We do not have to meet only as tourist, but as pilgrims that start a journey searching for God, not in building stones, but in the hearts of humankind. ” • “purification of the memory”

ECCLECIAM SUAM NOSTRA AETATE • From the Encyclical word colloquim. • Present basic principle of dialogue for Christians. • Introducing the basic elements of dialogue with people of different religions • Basic document of Vat. II for interreligious dialogue.

LUMEN GENTIUM “PASTORAL ATTENTION TO THE TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS” • Document about the mission of the Church in the world. • Specifically says the plan of salvation. • Special attention to dialogue with indigenous people who have “TRADITIONALRELIGIONS” -localized matrix -clear belief in the Divinity

DIALOGUE AND PROCALMATION DIALOGUE -reciprocal communication -taken as an attitude Positive and constructive interreligious relation DIALOGUE OF LIFE Gospel message -invitation to a commitment of faith in Jesus Christ. DIALGOUE OF THEOLOGICAL EXCHANGE FORMS OF INTERRELIGOUS DIALOGUE OF ACTION PROCLAMATION -communication of DIALOGUE OF RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE

SYNOD ECCLESIA IN ASIA (EA) • Document of the Catholic Church in Asia. recognized the ancient traditions and civilizations. - profound philosophy and the wisdom which have made what is Asia today.

COMMUNION AND DIALOGUE FOR MISSION. Four Major statement of ECCLESIA IN ASIA: Ø Sincere Examination of conscience Ø Grounded in the logic of incarnation Ø Origin of the Father’s Loving Dialogue Ø Clear Christian Identity

EVANGELII GAUDIUM EXHORTATION OF POPE FRANCIS • Is a “good news” , simple and deep, that touches the hearts and helps us to rethink the mission of Christians who are searching for new signs of hope. • Gives concrete answers for the world; as Saint Paul quoted: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”(Rm. 12: 21). This is to promote to overcome negative elements that have deteriorated the “real praxis” of the Church based on love, hope, and charity.

EVANGELII GAUDIUM challenges us to build the praxis based on: EVANGELIZATION OPTION TO THE POOR MUSLIMCHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

(3) THE PRAXIS OF CHRISTIAN IN DIALOGUE • Often the unwritten teaching of faith rooted in the lives of people • A need to share the practice with the teaching to see how the teaching can help the praxis and vice versa. • To move from the stage of interreligious dialogue to the culture of dialogue as style of life.

Focusing on Praxis: • We are challenge to see the experience of people inspired by a specific faith and by God’s presence in each person beyond a specific culture as religion. • We are invited to look for “models” and to believe that we can start or continue a good praxis with our style of life.

CHAPTER 7 (Pages 133 to Page 149) ISLAM IN DIALOGUE

ISLAMIC FOUNDATION OF DIALOGUE • Muslims find guidelines of dialogue in Islamic teachings. • Word “dialogue” considered new for some in the context of Islam. Says the Qur’an: “We have honored the children of Adam. ” 1)

• “tolerance” the traditional position to find leaders in relation to people with other religions. • People of the Book (Judaism and Christianity) more open to the new language of dialogue.

2) FOUR ISLAMIC SOURCES: QUR’AN QUYAS “recite” “measure”/ “analogy” HADITH IJMAAN “narrative”/ ”tradition” “converge”/ “consensus”

3) ENTRY POINTS OF DIALOGUE IN THE HOLY QUR’AN -closer to the concept of “Tolerance. ” Beautiful quotations in the Qur’an help to develop the spirit of dialogue among Muslims. 3. 1 DIALOGICAL QUOTATION • Will help develop the spirit of dialogue among the Muslims.

3. 2 SPECIFIC QUOTATION 3. 2. 1 3. 2. 2 3. 2. 3 3. 2. 4 3. 2. 5 3. 2. 6 3. 2. 7 3. 2. 8 3. 2. 9 Creation Revelation Angels Relation/Dialogue Among People Encounter with Allah in the Heart Humility: A Condition to Dialogue Repentance and Forgiveness Paradise The Qur’an Inspiration to Dialogue

4) ENTRY POINTS OF DIALOGUE IN THE HADITH • Inspiring message for all: God says: If he gets nearer to me by one arm-length, I get nearer to him by the span of both arms. The best man is the most useful to men. The hand that is on top is better than the hand that is under. The real happy man is the one who avoids all riots. Unity is a blessing, division is a punishment.

5) IN ENTRY POINTS OF DIALOGUE THE IJMAA • Consensus on local, national and international level • Help the Muslim Ummah to move on dialogue. • Concrete example is the open letter entitled; “A Common Word Between Us and You. ” ØDevelop the common foundation of love of God and love of neighbor. ØPromoted under the auspices of the King of Jordan and the Aal al-Bayt (Family of the Prophet of Islam)

Love of Neighbor Love of God Invitation to come to the common word The letter is divided into three parts: • The letter will help to change Christians’ perspective about Muslims • Open the eyes of the Muslim to a new dimension of dialogue.

CONCLUSION • It is urgent that Muslim recall their mission of mercy and compassion in the world and the others to respect more the way of life of the Muslims. • Great challenge to invite Muslim to revisit their religion and to the others to know more the concept of compassion and love of Islam.

• Muslim today have a great mission to recall to the world the centrality of God. • Accept the difference in faith and not to debate. • Move with those who are more prepared to recognized the universal brotherhood and sisterhood. • Invite others who are not yet ready for dialogue to respect all.

CHAPTER 5 Page 91 to Page 110 MOVING TOWARDS INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

• Part of the Culture of Dialogue and not only an answer to problems and divisions among religions. • A challenge to reflect more and not to reduce the need for peace more than the need to promote interreligious dialogue.

THIS PRESENTATION IS: • Additional challenge to refocus our understanding of interreligious dialogue. • Understand that this specific aspect of dialogue is part of the spirituality of life-indialogue. • Help us to put in context : Interreligious Dialogue. ”

1) WRONG PERCEPTIONS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOAGUE 2) RIGHT PERCEPTIONS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE Interreligious dialogue is not: Interreligious dialogue is: • A study of comparative religion • An effort to form a superbody of religions. • A debate among people of different religions • An occasion to convert others to one’s own religion. • Encounter, sharing, listening • Following God’s style of dialogue • Collaboration, • Solidarity

3) OBSTACLE TO INNTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE Ø PREJUDICE Ø INTOLERANCE Ø FEAR 4) ATTITUDES THAT PROMOTE INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE Ø SINCERITY Ø SENSIVITY Ø SOLIDARITY

NEW ERA OF DIALOGUE IN THE CHURCH • The Church must become a place of dialogue. Some important and new perspectives of new understanding of dialogue: üAs children of God all Christian in the Church have the same dignity, with different vocations and ministry.

üAll receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and some have charism for the common good (1 Cor, 12, 7) üAll are called to unity üFollowing the teaching of the Church üThe Church has to be a bridge of communion with all.

PLURALISM IN THE CHURCH • The Church is aware of these realities of our time, and is ready to give clear guidelines to Catholic on the concept of pluralism after a long history of contradictions and darkness. CALL TO DIALOGUE • Called to undergo a process of spiritual growth by continually discovering God’s presence in the plurality of religions and culture. • Call to live the spirituality of dialogue as the basic experience that leads to dialogue and peace.

NEW ERA OF DIALOGUE IN ISLAM • Difficult today to identify an “ERA of Dialogue” in Islam because there is not a central authority. • Identify very good signs of this new era of dialogue in the midst of many contradictions linked with conflicts which advocate violence. • Islam suffers some difficulties in relation to pluralism and dialogue as it happened centuries ago in the history of Christianity. • Open letter “A Common Word Between Us and You” is one of the positive signs on Muslim in Dialogue

CHAPTER 16 (Page 257 to Page 268) ACTIVE – HARMONY APPROACH From Conflict to Sustainable Dialogue and Peace

1) INTRODUCTION “re-active” approach - preventive approach - after done without a deeper motivation - another way to face problem, without a proper effort to eliminate the cause of problems.

“ACTIVE –HARMONY PARADIGM” -New approach - based on a spiritual approach -sustainable answer, if it comes from a person or group that go beyond a simple process of reconciliation guided by the laws of the country, especially by the internal law of God. -it helps to reflect and move toward a new style of life experience the spiritual aspect of life. - goes beyond the understanding of “Pro-active”

GREAT CHALLENGE! -is how to purify the “spirit” which is after a prisoner of cultural and traditional element that often do not offer the real message of the love of God and love of neighbor.

In this presentation: -We try to understand the internal dynamics of the role of the peacemakers through dialogue. -The focus will be on the spirituality of lifein-dialogue as a key element to build a culture of dialogue, a path to peace.

NOTE: GLOBALIZATION AS A NEW CHALLENGE: NEGATIVE: GLOBALIZATION “FROM ABOVE” Ø Negative when there is no care for the common good. Like: • Unlimited growth • Competitiveness • Liberation • Consumerism • And others

POSITIVE: GLOBALIZATION “FROM BELOW” v. Promoted by Active Harmony Approach v. Means that are planned for the Common Good. Some of them are: -Sustainability -Global democracy -Human rights -Simple quality of life -Justice -And others -People-centered development

3) SPECTRUM OF CONFLICT-HANDLING MECHANISM Spectrum Of Conflict Handling Mechanism Level Of Mutual Participation In Search For Solution LOW HIGH I -----------------------------------------------------------------------------I Force Adjudication Arbitration Negotiation Meditation Reconciliation Spirituality CONFLICT SUPPRESSION CONFLICT MANAGEMENT RE-ACTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION CONFLICT PREVENTION & TRANSFORMATION PRO-ACTIVE CULTURE OF DIALOGUE ACTIVE HARMONY

Conflicthandling mechanism divided into three levels: 1) REACTIVE an action or reaction to a conflict that surfaces 2) PROACTIVE an action that anticipates and so prevents or avoids conflict situation. 3) ACTIVE HARMONY an action that sustain the harmonious relationship.

-CONFLICT HAS ITS DYNAMICS AND PARTICIPATION IN SEARCHING FOR SOLUTION. FOUR MAJOR STEPS: CONFLICT PREVENTION & TRANSFORMATION CONFLICT SUPPRESSION CONFLICT RESOLUTION CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

The presentation of Active –Harmony Approach responds to the following challenges: What brings people from a re -active to proactive stage of a conflict? How can this pro-active approach can be sustained?

CHAPTER 17 (Page 269 to Page 281) RESOLUTION OF CONFLICTS THROUGH ACTIVE HARMONY

INTRODUCTION • importance of “active harmony ” paradigm on personal and group level. ACTIVE-HARMONY PARADIGM IS: Øcentered on the spiritual aspect of life that gives value to the dignity of each person.

Ørequires sincere intention in those who help in the process and proper disposition in those who are involved in the conflict. Øcan invite many to live and promote the culture of dialogue. Øintroduce different positive stories to inspire the parties in conflict. Øgives attention to the religions, cultural, psychological and spiritual elements involved in the conflict.

NOTE: 1. “RESOLUTION OF CONFLICT” Ø Expression we adopt. use in the Active- Harmony Approach because 2. “RESOLUTIONS” Ø mnemonic is word in memorizing the different stages of this active-harmony paradigm applied to overcome conflicts. 3. CONDITIONS: 3 RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION Ø HARMONIOUS LISTENING Ø INTERNAL HARMONY Ø WITNESSING HARMONY

4) APPLICATION OF THE METHODOLOGY OF THE APPROACH ØRESOLUTION – those persons and groups involved in the conflict. ØCOMPASSION – those person, leaders and groups helping in the process of solving conflicts as part of their duty and responsibility.

STEPS AND SKILLS: R. E. S. O. L. U. T. I. O. N. S R REMEMBER • Past • Present E EMPATHY • Understanding feelings S SINCERITY • Looking for win – win solutions

O OPENNESS • Open faith and ethics reflections. L LISTEN • Open to faith and ethics reflections U UNITY • Unity in Harmony, through creative solutions T THERAPHY • Spiritual and psychological therapeutic approach

I INTERRELATIONS • “Dialogue starts from God and brings people back to God” O OFFER • Offer to others a variety of options, mapping the conflict N NEGOTIATION S • Sincere negotiation/counseling/meditation SOLIDARITY • From conflict to solidarity

STEPS AND SKILLS: C. O. M. P. A. S. S. I. O. N C COOPERATION • Cooperation in the spirit of service O OBJECTIVITY • Objectivity in the spirit of justice M MONITORING • Proper monitoring system

P PATIENCE • Conflicts often require time and wisdom A ACTION • Action with spirit of responsibility S SINCERITY • Sincerity builds honesty in society S SENSITIVITY • Handling cases with sensitivity

I INTERRELATION • Conflicts are often interrelated O OPENNESS • Open to signs of the times N NETWORKING • Need of networking for appropriate solutions

DEEPENING • Resolution and Compassion suggested a steps to help us to become more familiar with different steps to be used. • Challenge is how to apply this paradigm in our society with the existence of many conflicts. • evaluate the situations in the different stages of conflict suppression, conflict management, conflict resolution and conflict prevention and transformation.

• The Approach is holistic in the sense that is requires a holistic understanding of the conflict. Always on the centrality of God’s dialogue. • To build an internal spirit of nonviolence and consolidate the extend and internal harmony moving towards an active/ dynamic stage of witnessing harmony. • The great challenge in promoting the activeharmony paradigm is not only to change other but to change ourselves.

GANDHI’S MESSAGE: “Man’s intimate aim is his relationship to God, and all his activities- social, political, religious- have to be guided by the intimate aim of God’s vision. the immediate service of all human beings becomes a necessary part of the endeavor, simply because the only way to find God is to see him in his creation and be one with it. I am part and parcel of the whole and I cannot find them apart from the rest of humanity. ”