中欧社会论坛 - China Europa Forum

Zhuo, Xinping

Studies in World Religions, 2004, a supplementary issue, the “modern civilisation and religious dialogue” in the Chinese and Japanese academic conference papers, pp.54-62

“Religious dialogue” is the world’s most popular slogan of religious circles in the second half of the 20th century. Its purpose also matches the stream of thought and the development of “dialogue” in the whole of modern society. In the atmosphere of modern civilisation, communications between different political parties, mutual adaptation between different civilisations, and mutual dialogues on religion and beyond, reflect the mainstream development of contemporary society. The aim of “religious dialogue” is that even if we mutually cannot reach “common grounds” and “common consensus”, we must strive for the maximum possibility of “coexistence”. Therefore, the “religious dialogue” is an important bridge which facilitates cultural integration and the sustainable development of mankind, and avoids social conflicts in the modern civilised world which have a strong religious content. It embodies the truth of religious belief, and also reflects the wisdom and farsightedness of human civilisation. However, it must be noted that “religious dialogue” and the purpose it hopes to achieve is still to a great extent an ideal rather than a reality. In modern society, we have to face economic competition, political conflict, consciousness contradiction, faith contention, racial discrimination and cognitive misunderstanding. “Religious dialogue” still needs to work hard in overcoming numerous difficulties in order to make beautiful dreams a reality.

1) Ideas and ways of religious dialogue

Religious dialogue is based on ideas relating to religious beliefs. Once this kind of belief is established, it will form the relevant traditional beliefs and system of principles. It will also guide followers of the various religions, making them aware of the constraints. The ideas of religious dialogue are: “absolute reality” exists beyond various religions. The god(s) that each religion believes in hold different cultural understanding and expressions of “absolute reality”. Such connections have provided the foundation and possibilities for coexistence and dialogues of different religions.

No matter whether it is coming from the perspective of the meaning of faith or political significance, religious dialogue is the way for peace. In general, such religious dialogues should in fact include both the levels of faith and politics. Religious dialogue intends to achieve mutual understanding among different beliefs, cultures and ethnic groups. This means the intention to understand that they coexist in the real world. Since religion has close connections with human civilisation and social politics, religious dialogue has at least three levels of significance: within religion, among religion and beyond religion.

2) The plights faced by religious dialogue

First of all, due to different belief systems, all religions have their own upholding principles and they adopt their own historical traditions. These principles and traditions often result in various misunderstandings or misinterpretations in the process of mutual acknowledgement and recognition of each other’s differences.

Secondly, the dialogue among the different religions is often set on a corresponding mode and these modes can become obstructions that in various ways restrict the development of religious dialogues.

Finally, among currently ongoing religious dialogues, the “dialogues” are often just one’s attitude, one’s intention, but no substantive or deep-level progress is achieved.

3) The realistic hope of religious dialogue

The development of modern civilisation marks a new turning point in religious dialogue for us today, enabling people to see new hope.

On the other hand, because it has been sourced from different cultures and ethnic groups, disagreements and conflicts among these groups, in the deep or core level, are often associated with religious differences.

With regard to the development of religion itself, the communication and dialogue among different religions has also gradually developed into the mainstream of the times. Related religions and trends of thought have experienced cross-regional and inter-national development, as well as having shown great efforts and their intention of “globalisation”.

Upon the acknowledgment of the religious thoughts and theories, there is hope that religious dialogue will proceed in depth. In modern civilisation, the acknowledgement of religion has become more enlightening and open.

Finally, it is necessary to note that the real hope of religious dialogue is to explore and re-interpret the spiritual resources of traditional religions, in order to lay foundations that are stronger and longer lasting for dialogues nowadays.

• 现代社会中宗教对话的困境与希望