Facing Up to Mortality: Interfaith/Interreligious Explorations

This collection explores a new approach to interfaith/interreligious communication, focusing on the universal human experience of death and mortality. It argues for the integrity and efficacy of this approach for pursuing intercultural and interdisciplinary communication.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

This collection of essays explores a novel approach to interfaith and interreligious communication, seeking to engage with Ernest Becker's theory on the relationship between religion, culture, and human awareness of death and mortality. While much interfaith and interreligious dialogue revolves around beliefs and practices, identifying areas of disagreement as a starting point, these chapters promote interactive communication based on shared human experiences. By showcasing these authors' arguments, the collection demonstrates the integrity and effectiveness of this approach in fostering intercultural and interdisciplinary communication.

Introduction:
Interfaith and interreligious communication play a crucial role in promoting understanding and harmony among diverse communities. However, traditional approaches often focus on differences and disagreements, leading to barriers and divisions. In this collection of essays, we explore a novel approach to interfaith and interreligious communication that aims to transcend these barriers and foster interactive communication rooted in shared human experiences.

Ernest Becker's Theory:
Ernest Becker, a renowned sociologist, argued that religion, culture, and the human awareness of death and mortality are interconnected and shape each other's development. He posited that religion provides individuals with a sense of meaning and purpose, while culture shapes the way individuals perceive and interpret the world. Moreover, the fear of death and mortality drives human behavior and shapes cultural beliefs and practices.

Interactive Communication:
The contributors to this collection seek to engage with Becker's theory from the perspective of their own tradition or academic discipline. They aim to interact with others from a common ground, focusing on areas of the universal human experience that transcend religious and cultural differences. By doing so, they argue, interfaith and interreligious communication can be more effective in promoting understanding and empathy.

Shared Human Experiences:
The essays in this collection highlight shared human experiences such as love, loss, fear, hope, and resilience. These experiences are universal and relatable to individuals from all backgrounds. By acknowledging and discussing these common experiences, interfaith and interreligious communication can break down barriers and foster a sense of common humanity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this collection of essays offers a fresh perspective on interfaith and interreligious communication. By engaging with Ernest Becker's theory and focusing on shared human experiences, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic world. Interfaith and interreligious dialogue can be a powerful tool for promoting understanding, tolerance, and peace, and this collection provides valuable insights into how we can achieve this goal.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 238 x 161 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793655424