Ecumenical and Interreligious Identities in Nigeria: Transformation through Dialogue

This book explores how Christian denominations committed to ecumenical dialogue can bring additional assets and transformed views to interreligious dialogue, particularly with Muslims. It examines the impact of dialogue on communal identity, the Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue in Nigeria, and the benefits of a transformative model of dialogue. It also highlights the role of theological reflection in promoting transformation through dialogue.

Format: Hardback
Length: 422 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Dialogue holds the power to bring about transformative change. Ikenna Paschal Okpalekes' argument emphasizes the significance of dialogue between groups, particularly in the context of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. In this book, we delve into the core question: What unique contributions and transformed perspectives can Christian denominations engaged in ecumenical dialogue bring to the interreligious dialogue table? By altering their perception of one another, moving from antagonism to friendship, division to unity, Christian dialogue partners, particularly in Nigeria (in this case, Anglicans and Roman Catholics), can enhance their engagement in fruitful and transformative dialogue with the religious other, particularly Muslims. This book explores several key aspects:

a) The constituents of communal identity and the impact of dialogue on such identity.
b) The examination of how the Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue has (or has not) transformed the communal identities of the dialogue partners, particularly in the local context of Nigeria.
c) The exploration of how the perceived advantages of a transformative model of dialogue, shaped by ecumenical encounter and dialogue, can be applied to interreligious encounter and dialogue.
d) The investigation of how theological reflection interacts with praxis in promoting transformation through dialogue.

Through these chapters, we aim to shed light on the transformative potential of dialogue and its role in fostering understanding, respect, and cooperation among diverse religious communities.

Weight: 862g
Dimension: 229 x 157 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978712812