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Engaging Beyond Differences
Steel, Anthony Butcher, Jude
Steel, Anthony
Butcher, Jude
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JGfCG_S2009_Steel.pdf
Adobe PDF, 238.18 KB
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Abstract
Misunderstanding, fear and mistrust have characterized relations between Islam and the West in the post-September 11 era, not only regionally and globally, but also locally. These attitudes are often based upon ignorance of differing religious and cultural backgrounds, and a lack of personal engagement with members of these cultures and religious communities. This is true, even in societies proud of their multicultural character, such as Australia. In this environment, human rights have often come under challenge, and the normal legal processes suspended, by-passed or legislated on in the name of fighting terrorism and protecting the common good. Governments, educational authorities, religious and local communities have worked at fostering and facilitating interfaith/intercultural dialogue. The emphasis, however, is often on exchange of information and perspectives in large presentations, sometimes with much talking but limited opportunity for reflection, and limited engagement between the participants. This paper presents a number of case studies of engagement beyond differences between Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. These cases have been structured upon an alternative model of interfaith/intercultural engagement. This model involves the creation of safe, welcoming spaces where conversation and reflection make real respect for human dignity, empathetic listening with mind and heart, and a willingness to work towards the common good. It is timely that in this year of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the paper shows how genuine engagement across faith and cultural borders can offer a solid foundation for promoting human dignity and well-being, and furthering the common good.
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2009
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With permission of the license/copyright holder