Dialogue among Religions: For Harmonious and Meaningful Future

This article takes up some scattered thoughts on interreligious dialogue. At the outset the article rushes through various stand-positions of the Catholic Church with regard to other religions pointing to the paradigm shift taken place with Vatican II. The different basic dispositions in the pluri-religious context such as exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism and ‘perichoresis’ are critically evaluated. It reminds all that dialogue is a method of apostolate and emphasizes the importance of dialogue, especially in the Indian situation. It is pointed out that the dialogues among the religions are possible at different levels such as at ‘official dais’, at ‘everyday life’, at ‘prayer services’ and at ‘cooperation for justice and peace’ and the criteria cannot be the same at all levels. The article is wound up with certain concluding remarks, above all underscoring the apophatic dimension of the divine which leads all to humility and openness