Epistemic Confidence, Humility, and Kenosis in Interfaith Dialogue

Abstract

This chapter advances the need for humility and a kenotic approach in interfaith dialogue. Interfaith dialogue entails the sharing of truth claims. Oftentimes, these are proclaimed with a certain epistemic confidence. Most of these claims are absolute in nature and are not empirically verifiable and so risk being dismissed altogether. The chapter investigates the nature of truth claims as commonly found in religious traditions. It does this in the context of a globalized and hybridized world characterized by a scientific and historical mentality. Its thesis is that the seed of epistemic confidence has to die in view of embracing a kenotic approach to religious truths and in the service of a more fruitful interfaith dialogue.