Introduction

The concept of religious pluralism, in particular the notion that no single religion can claim a monopoly of the truth, has gained wide currency during the last two decades as people have become increasingly aware of the need to break down barriers of mutual prejudice by engaging in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Now, however, as a result of recent political events, this concept – and the interpretation of religion and culture that it presupposes – is increasingly under assault. The language of dialogue is being eroded by the self-fulfilling prophecy of a “clash of civilisations” and the nightmare of “total war”. ¹ This is a book of essays by Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scholars who believe in the ecumenical imperative and who respond to the challenge of religious diversity by exploring the interfaith principles and ethical resources of their own spiritual traditions. What unites them is a commitment to the vision of a just, peaceful, and multi-religious society – a vision to which all human beings can respond, whether or not they believe in the existence of God. More space is here given to Islam than any other religion because the ecumenical message of the Qur’an is not well understood.