Dialogue for Mutual Learning

DIALOGUE FOR MUTUAL LEARNING This third model of inter-religious dialogue is based on positive discussions between people who believe in different religions, leading to mutual learning. This indicates that the purpose of inter-religious dialogue should be neither to discover any supposed complete uniformity among religions nor to establish the claim of the supposed superiority of one religion over other religions. Instead, according to the third model, the major purpose of inter-religious dialogue should be for people from different religious backgrounds to learn about each other and their religions together in a spirit of mutual respect, a process that enriches all dialogue participants. This formula is not specifically religious. It can be said to be a universal formula. In every walk of life and discipline, we use the same formula—of mutual learning based on mutual respect. We try to learn from others everywhere in education, industry, business, or social life. Mutual learning is the basic formula of life. So, why not apply it to the sphere of religion as well? If we apply this universal formula to inter-religious dialogue, such dialogue becomes part of a universal process based on mutual learning, leading to mutual progress.