In inter faith relations, the Trinity is often seen as an embarrassing or irrelevant problem. This study proposes a different approach, seeing Trinitarian thought as a resource for dialogue. Drawing on the suggestions of Paul Tillich and Raimundo Panikkar, the author identifies six key issues to be addressed in Trinitarian dialogue. These are traced in two historical examples: the encounters of patristic Christianity with Greek philosophical religion, and of medieval Christianity with Islam. The final chapter draws lessons from these experiences to suggest a reshaping of Christian dialogue with Hindus, Muslims and other people of faith.
Contents: Trinity in a multi-faith context - Plenitude as a language for divine plurality - Patristic Christianity and Greek philosophical religion - Plotinus and Origen - Medieval Christianity and Islam - Divine Word and divine attributes - Trinity as a pattern of dialogue - Trinity as a theme of dialogue - Christians, Hindus and Muslims in Trinitarian dialogue.
«Wer in der Gegenwart mit dem Islam in einen interreligiösen Dialog hinsichtlich des Gottesverständnisses eintreten will, findet in I.s Studie eine nahezu unentbehrliche Vorbereitung.» (Markus Mühling, Theologische Literaturzeitung) «Que ce soit dans les vastes enquźtes d"histoire doctrinale ou dans les réflexions qu"il propose pour aujourd"hui, l"A. excelle ą dégager les enjeux essentiels avec clarté et bričveté.» (J. Scheuer, Nouvelle Revue Théologique) «The book contains a number of helpful and insightful perspectives on the Christian Trinity, on plenitude and plurality in general, and on inter-faith dialogue and encounter.» (Frank Whaling, Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations)
The Author: Michael Ipgrave is Inter Faith Relations Adviser to the Archbishops" Council of the Church of England and Executive Secretary of the ecumenical Churches" Commission for Inter Faith Relations. He is an Anglican priest in Leicester.
