Interfaith Encounter: The Twin Tracks of Theology and Dialogue

by Alan Race

Theology and dialogue represent the twin tracks for Christian engagement with the rich religious diversity of the world. Tension arises due to the largely negative history of Christian approaches to other religions.

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Robert Heckner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Alan Race introduces the reader to many of the key issues in interfaith dialogue and the theology of religions. However, his own arguments are almost entirely unpersuasive.
He defends a reductionist topology of theology of religions, in which only three positions exist. He defends the pluralist theory, but does so in a way that seems blunt, uninteresting, and unpersuasive.

Furthermore, makes certain claims in Christian theology that are poorly argued and almost incoherent (such as the assertion that reading the New Testament through the interpretation of the Church Fathers is “anachronistic,” while he is deploying an extremely modern critical reading of the New Testament as though it is simply the most correct and accurate and not (if the CFs reading is) also “anachronistic” {p67}).

The book is many ways falls entirely flat, is weakly argued, and is thoroughly unconvincing. The best thing about it is the extensive citations, but it lacks a full bibliography.

[Melanie Stand · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was interesting and really helped with my flow of thought when researching the issues around Interfaith Encounters. My issue with it was Race's emphasis on people having to fit-in with his labels, I do not feel I can fit comfortably in any of his labels - as a guide they are helpful yes but please I do not want to be pushed into a theological box.