The Abrahamic Vernacular

Contemporary thought emphasizes the exclusive and competitive nature of Abrahamic monotheisms, but there is also an exchange of ideas and rituals between Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Scholarship describes these interactions as metaphors of exchange, but there are deeper forms of entanglement at work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 76 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Contemporary thought often emphasizes the exclusive and competitive nature of Abrahamic monotheisms, as evidenced by the histories of religious wars, theological polemic, and social exclusion involving Jews, Christians, and Muslims. However, there is another side to the Abrahamic coin. Despite communal rivalry, Jews, Christians, and Muslim practitioners have frequently turned to each other to think through religious concepts, elucidate sacred history, and enrich their ritual practices. Scholarship often describes these interactions between the Abrahamic monotheisms using metaphors of exchange between individuals, as if one tradition might borrow a theological idea from another in the same way that a neighbor might borrow a recipe. This Element proposes that there are deeper forms of entanglement at work in these historical moments.

Jews, Christians, and Muslim practitioners have frequently engaged in intellectual and spiritual exchanges, despite their communal rivalries. This interaction has taken various forms, including theological debates, historical interpretations, and the sharing of ritual practices. For instance, Jews, Christians, and Muslims have collaborated to understand the Bible and its teachings, to clarify the history of their respective religions, and to enrich their worship ceremonies.

One notable example of this interfaith dialogue is the work of the Interfaith Dialogue Society, which was founded in 1967 by Rabbi Arthur Waskow and Father John Maher, a Catholic priest. The society's mission is to promote understanding and respect between Jews, Christians, and Muslims and to address common challenges facing humanity. Through its various programs and initiatives, the society has facilitated interfaith conversations, workshops, and conferences that bring together people from different religious backgrounds to explore their shared values and beliefs.

Another example is the work of the Council on Interfaith Relations, which is a non-profit organization based in New York City. The council works to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation among religious communities in the United States and around the world. It organizes events, workshops, and programs that bring together religious leaders, scholars, and community members to discuss issues of common concern, such as poverty, climate change, and human rights.

In addition to these formal interfaith organizations, there are also many informal interfaith encounters that take place between individuals and communities. These encounters can be sparked by personal relationships, cultural exchanges, or travel experiences. For example, a Muslim woman might meet a Jewish man through a shared interest in music or literature, and they may begin to exchange ideas and learn from each other about their respective religions.

Despite these positive examples of interfaith dialogue, there are also challenges and obstacles to promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation. One of the biggest challenges is the historical and cultural divisions that have existed between Jews, Christians, and Muslims. These divisions have been fueled by political, social, and economic factors and have led to tensions and conflicts throughout history.

Another challenge is the tendency of some religious communities to view other religions as threats or competitors rather than as partners in seeking truth and enlightenment. This mindset can lead to religious intolerance, discrimination, and violence, which undermines the potential for interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

To address these challenges, it is important to promote interfaith education and awareness. This can include teaching about the history, beliefs, and practices of different religions in schools and universities, as well as providing opportunities for interfaith dialogue and cooperation. It can also involve promoting religious tolerance and respect, and working to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to religious divisions.

In conclusion, the exclusive and competitive nature of Abrahamic monotheisms is often emphasized in contemporary thought, as evidenced by the histories of religious wars, theological polemic, and social exclusion. However, there is also another side to the Abrahamic coin, as Jews, Christians, and Muslim practitioners have frequently turned to each other to think through religious concepts, elucidate sacred history, and enrich their ritual practices. Interfaith dialogue and cooperation can play a crucial role in promoting understanding and respect between different religious communities, and can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world. By promoting interfaith education and awareness, and working to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to religious divisions, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society that values the diversity of religious traditions and beliefs.

ISBN-13: 9781009286756