Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to promote an openness to the spiritualities of other faith traditions as a way of encouraging positive interreligious attitudes and dialogue. Frequently one can more readily enter into a constructive conversation with members of other faiths on a level of their spiritual practice, whereas a focus on metanarratives implied in systems of belief can hinder an appreciation for the other. This chapter argues that Christians may explicitly explore the spiritual practices of other religions as a way of stimulating and deepening their own faith and discusses why and how this should occur.
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Notes
- 1.
Christians are and have been doing this for decades. In fact, many Christians define themselves as dual belongers. But it is not always clear in terms of explicit Christian teaching why this might be encouraged or how it is possible in current understandings of Christian identity and ecclesial spirituality. It is this inner logic that I am addressing here.
- 2.
Edward Schillebeeckx, O.P., Church: The Human Story of God (New York: Crossroad, 1990), 166.
- 3.
Ibid.
- 4.
Ibid., 167.
- 5.
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae I, Q. 47, A. 1.
- 6.
I draw this formula, “one reality in two distinct languages,” from Edward Schillebeeckx, O.P., The Understanding of Faith: Interpretation and Criticism (New York: Seabury, 1974), 98–9.
- 7.
I draw this use of the metaphor of a border from Roberto S. Goizueta, “‘There You will See Him:’ Christianity beyond the Frontier Myth,” The Church as Counterculture, ed. Michael L. Budde and Robert W. Brimlow (Albany: State University of New York Press, 2000), 171–93.
- 8.
Pema Chödrön, The Wisdom of No Escape: And the Path of Loving-Kindness (Boston: Shambhala, 1991). Citations in parentheses refer to pages in this edition.
- 9.
On the terms “meditation” and “contemplation” in the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola see Ignatius Loyola, The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, commentary by George E. Ganss, S.J. (Chicago: Loyola Press, 1992), 154, 162–65, 186. See also Roger Haight, S.J., Christian Spirituality for Seekers: Reflections on the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola (Maryknoll: Orbis, 2012), 91–96.
- 10.
Ruben Habito, Zen and the Spiritual Exercises (Maryknoll: Orbis, 2013), 14, 36–37, and passim.
- 11.
R. Scott Appleby, “Beyond Extremism: Reclaiming Religion’s Peace-building Capacity in an Unstable World,” Fordham University Lincoln Center (April 15, 2015).
- 12.
Ibid.
- 13.
“Campus Ministry supports Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox Christian, Jewish and Muslim chaplaincies, Hindu and Buddhist student groups, a variety of affiliated ministries and numerous interreligious events and services. Students… are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to explore the religious traditions and experiences of other members of the Georgetown community.” http://campusministry.georgetown.edu/interfaith.
- 14.
“Interfaith and Ecumenical Services: Campus Ministry, in partnership with the Office of Student Diversity Programs, the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, and Residence Life, initiates and conducts a variety of religious experiences. Candlelight vigils and prayer services have been developed during significant religious holidays and for major annual campus-wide events, such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, National AIDS Awareness Day, and Earth Day. Jewish observances include a Passover Seder experience and an annual Holocaust Remembrance Service, among others.” http://www.fairfield.edu/lifeatfairfield/faithservice/campusministry/interfaithecumenicalservices/.
- 15.
- 16.
“Our interfaith education and theological dialogue programs help congregations and individuals deepen their own commitments and better understand their neighbors. Each year we offer workshops, discussions, lectures, presentations, celebrations and vigils to celebrate Christian unity, foster interfaith relations, and explore ethical and moral issues.” http://www.emoregon.org/theological_dialogue.php.
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Haight S.J., R. (2018). Ecclesial Spirituality and Other Faith Traditions. In: Latinovic, V., Mannion, G., Welle, O.F.M., J. (eds) Catholicism Engaging Other Faiths. Pathways for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98584-8_12
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