Edward Schillebeeckx and interreligious dialogue

By Edmund Chia

Book Description

In an era where spiritual seekers increasingly encounter diverse religious traditions, this thoughtful exploration examines how Christian theology might evolve through meaningful dialogue with other faiths. Edmund Chia presents a compelling investigation into the work of influential theologian Edward Schillebeeckx, asking a provocative question: how might Western Christian thought transform if approached from an Asian perspective, where religious plurality is a lived reality?

Drawing on Schillebeeckx's hermeneutical-critical methodology, Chia demonstrates that divine revelation requires active interpretation rather than passive acceptance. This approach opens new pathways for understanding how Christianity can engage authentically with other religious traditions without compromising its core identity. The book challenges readers to envision the church as a "sacrament of dialogue," where genuine spiritual exchange becomes a vehicle for mutual growth and understanding.

Through careful analysis of contemporary theological debates, including responses to Vatican declarations on religious pluralism, Chia shows how dialogue can enrich rather than diminish faith. He argues that when Christianity engages openly with other religions, both challenging and being challenged in return, it discovers its proper place in the global spiritual landscape.

This scholarly yet accessible work offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand how traditional Christian theology can respond constructively to our religiously diverse world, providing a framework for respectful interfaith engagement that honors both difference and common ground.