Dialogue Between Faiths

Inter-faith dialogue — the structured conversation between representatives of different religious traditions — is one of the most significant developments in modern religion. It raises profound theological questions about truth, salvation, and the nature of God, as well as practical questions about how diverse religious communities can live together peacefully. The AQA specification requires you to understand the key theological positions (exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism), the contributions of major thinkers, and the practice and significance of inter-faith dialogue.

Key Definition: Inter-faith dialogue — the intentional, structured encounter and conversation between members of different religious traditions, aimed at increasing mutual understanding, reducing prejudice, and exploring shared and distinctive beliefs.

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Three Theological Positions

The central theological question in inter-faith dialogue is: Can people of other faiths be saved? Or, more broadly: Do other religions contain truth? Three main positions have been identified: