Buddhism and Interfaith Dialogue: Part one of a two-volume sequel to Zen and Western Thought
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Writen byMasao Abe (auth.), Steven Heine (eds.) - PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
- Year1995
Buddhism and Interfaith Dialogue is highly relevant in the contemporary era of religious pluralism, globalization, and interfaith interaction, offering a deep philosophical framework for promoting understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among diverse communities. By analyzing the Buddhist concept of Sunyata (Emptiness) and its dynamic role in fostering openness and mutual respect, the book provides practical insights into how individuals and communities can engage in meaningful dialogue across religious boundaries. Its examination of interactions between Buddhism and contemporary Christian theology illustrates methods for finding common ground while respecting differences, highlighting the potential for mutual enrichment rather than mere tolerance. In practical terms, the book’s ideas can guide community engagement initiatives by fostering empathy and reducing social tensions, support extremism rehabilitation programs through moral reflection and compassionate understanding, and strengthen structured interfaith dialogue efforts, ultimately contributing to social cohesion, inclusive coexistence, and the transformation of societal attitudes toward religious diversity.

