In Dialogue With Shinto: Challenges to Interreligious Communication.

Abstract

A major challenge for the contemporary world is how to best approach inter-religious dialogue, especially between faiths that have very different perspectives. Whilst much work has been done in the field of major world religions in regards to dialogue, the consistencies that can be used as a bridging point between these faiths do not resonate with primal religious traditions. This study examines the relationship between primal religious traditions, as represented by Shinto, and the western traditions, specifically, Christianity.

The study begins by examining key themes and concepts of Shinto, before proceeding to discuss its historical development, and its relationship with Christianity. With an understanding of its relationship with Christianity in place, the next step explores the process by which Christianity has interacted with other major faiths to assist in a greater understanding of the processes by which Christianity engages in inter-religious dialogue. Finally, an exploration of the challenges that Shinto has faced in attempting to interact with Christianity, suggests a framework from which to explore how to engage in interreligious dialogue between the two faiths.

This is done through developing a concept of thematic dialogue, which builds a framework based upon theme and symbol, and that allows for different faith traditions to better understand and appreciate key concepts found within their respective perspectives.