Theology of religions: Models for interreligious dialogue in South Africa

Abstract

A model for the theology of religions within the South African context is presented in this chapter. The problem which is addressed is the reluctance of Christians to engage with fellow South Africans from other traditions. South African Christians seem to be struggling to find a comfortable standpoint about religious plurality and how to engage with people from other religions. The viewpoints on how to go about living and working (co-existing) with people from different religions in South Africa seem to extend from exclusivism and particularities to inclusivism and pluralism. For this study, it is also important that a distinction be made between having knowledge of other religious groups, and having exposure to other religious groups. There is a difference between being knowledgeable about religions other than your own and having been exposed to different religions. The problem for interreligious relations and dialogue arises when one is exposed to various religions without having any knowledge of the histories, traditions and principles of these religions. It is possible that this exposure without knowledge can create a problem when people from different religions are forced to live and work together. This problem can possibly be cleared up, or at the very least be unravelled, by an openness to dialogue. This chapter argues in favour of an openness towards dialogue between religions in South Africa.