Evangelicals and Interfaith Dialogue: A New Paradigm

Interfaith dialogue is experiencing a significant methodological shift in which participants represent not only the liberal side of the faith spectrum, but also include conservatives committed to their respective religious traditions. This gradual movement from an “old” to a “new” paradigm is only beginning to take root, but it provides evangelical Christians an opportunity to engage in a field where encountering adherents of other religions is the primary objective. The shift has implications both for interfaith dialogue and for Christian witness among adherents of the world’s religions.

The Old Paradigm of Dialogue

The language of “old paradigm” is not meant to imply that the approach has been completely replaced. To the contrary, it remains active in dialogue circles. The old paradigm of interfaith dialogue seeks the lowest common denominator between partners—the theological points on which participants agree, even when reaching consensus means slightly altering beliefs or leaving other truths unspoken.

An example is soteriology in Pure Land Buddhism and Christianity, both of which speak of salvation by grace through faith—through Amida Buddha or Jesus Christ, respectively.¹ The similar language could provide a positive starting place for conversation.

It is misleading to leave the conversation there, however, because “salvation” and “faith” carry very different connotations in the two traditions. On the surface the traditions appear to have much in common, but ignoring their irreconcilable theological differences does an injustice to each. Seeking the lowest common denominator can therefore provide only a minimal understanding of a tradition.

In the old model, it is argued that truly engaging “the other” requires particular claims to truth and conviction to be surrendered in favor of a relativistic, universalized faith.² Modern society is often marked by religiously diverse cultures, but that does not automatically suggest that religiously faithful participants must become pluralists in conversation. Supporters of this view have argued that no single culture, model, ideology, or religion can claim to be the unique or absolute system.³

Exclusive claims concerning faith and absolute truth are consequently viewed with disfavor. The old paradigm also assumes that conversation is most valuable when all parties agree, rather than when they represent alternative or contrasting perspectives.

It is problematic for adherents of the world’s religions to ignore differences and focus only on commonalities. Many religions do not have the same ultimate goals—for example, reconciliation with a creator God in Christianity and release from samsara, the cycle of life and death, in Buddhism. If successful dialogue requires agreement, even basic beliefs must be set aside, undermining the purpose of dialogue.

As a consequence, liberal forms of Christianity have been over-represented in interfaith dialogue.⁴ Christians comfortable in pluralistic environments have often embraced dialogue as a way to add to their theology while leaving little room for exclusive voices. From an evangelical perspective, non-Christian partners have then encountered only a partial Christian message rather than the full scope of biblical conviction.

The New Paradigm of Dialogue

The new, or “emerging,” paradigm takes a different approach. Partners no longer seek only the lowest common denominator between traditions; instead, they acknowledge and explore differences. This move away from relativism encourages a more robust dialogue in which each party brings what they believe to be binding truth, whether or not those truths are shared by other traditions. In this model, exclusive views are heard rather than discouraged.

A major theme is that participants are not required to agree. Because dialogue involves learning about others and exposing stereotypes, differing views on the nature and practice of religion are natural and acceptable. This opens the conversation to conservatives, evangelical Christians, and other traditions with strong commitments.

Dialogue also requires commitment. If individuals leave their convictions behind when approaching discussion, others cannot encounter an authentic expression of their faith. The new paradigm seeks adherents who embody the character of their traditions; there is therefore a need for evangelical Christians to participate thoughtfully.

Embracing this approach offers evangelicals an opportunity to refine their views toward other religions while retaining traditional beliefs. Many evangelicals have been hesitant about suggestions that God works through other religions because they fear diminishing the revelation and authority of Jesus Christ.

This is a biblical and spiritual concern as well as a logical one. At the dialogue table, however, evangelical attitudes have often received more criticism than evangelical theology.⁵ Harold Netland argues that an epistemologically sound and accurate account of the values and beliefs of different religions makes something like traditional Christian exclusivism unavoidable.⁶

The emerging paradigm does not advocate leaving such claims behind. Instead, it creates an environment in which they can be stated plainly. Greater respect for other religions can open venues for conversation and allow relationships to form through trust, love, and compassion. To engage appropriately, evangelicals benefit from a deep understanding of their own religious identity and theological positions.

The Importance of Interfaith Dialogue

Although this discussion largely concerns formal settings, there is also much to be said for evangelical engagement in the informal, continual dialogue people have with neighbors of other faiths.⁷ In religiously diverse societies, many evangelical Christians encounter such opportunities in ordinary life.

Some evangelicals view dialogue only as the first step in evangelization; elsewhere, the word itself can be treated with suspicion.⁸ Concern persists that the broader evangelical community could lose conviction about humanity’s need for the gospel and consequently lose motivation for world mission.⁹

Used effectively, interfaith dialogue can serve as a specific missionary activity.¹⁰ The body of Christ is diverse in its gifts, and not everyone will be equipped or called to study the world’s religions or engage in formal dialogue. Nevertheless, more evangelicals can prayerfully reflect on their attitudes toward other religions and consider whether they are called to offer evangelical voices in a field where such voices remain limited.