Interfaith Dialogue for Peaceful Coexistence

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE Dialogue, in contrast, is based on the principle of live-and-letlive, of mutual respect. Therefore, one has to acknowledge the other party’s point of view fully and, simultaneously, present one’s view in a manner understandable to the former. In this way, dialogue conduces to peace and harmony, whereas debate produces hatred and distrust. Given this, we have no viable option before us but peaceful dialogue. In the present situation, this kind of dialogue is essential because human beings have experimented unsuccessfully with the culture of war for a very long time, and now they are left with no other recourse but to experiment with the culture of peace. Religion has two fundamental aspects—theology and moral values or ethical principles. As far as theology is concerned, there are obvious differences in the beliefs of different religions. However, moral values cut across religions and are a common ground for achieving the goal of peaceful existence. The Quran refers to the common ground between religious communities in these words: “Say, ‘People of the Book, let us come to a word common to us that we shall worship none but God and that we shall associate no partner with Him and that none of us shall take others, besides God, for lords.’” (3:64) The ethical principles of all religions can serve as a common ground to initiate inter-religious dialogue. However, the present age is an age of global interaction. Now, the whole world has become a global village, and all the boundaries have been merged. In such a scenario, the formula of peaceful coexistence between adherents of different religions, which