Bridging the gap between Christians and Muslims

The successful visit of the Pope to Turkey, a country with an Islamic majority, has fuelled hopes that fruitful dialogue between Muslims and Christians may be possible in the not-too-distant future.

The ecumenical meeting with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I on November 30 opened new horizons for apostolic cooperation. Besides, by his words and gestures, Pope Benedict took a giant stride towards religious harmony and committed himself to promote friendly and respectful relations between the followers of Christ and those of Muhammad.

However, in order to start interfaith dialogue, and keep it going on smoothly, a few conditions have to be observed: Mutual respect, an atmosphere that is conducive to free and sincere discussion and, above all, some form of common ground - which is the foundation for everything.

It cannot be denied that there are elements in the Christian and Islamic faiths that are almost identical. For example, both religions believe in the existence of God. Several centuries ago, Pope Gregory VII drove home the point in his correspondence with Anzir, Muslim King of Mauritania, saying: "for we believe, and confess, one God, although in different ways, and praise and worship Him daily, as the creator of all ages, and the ruler of this world". Other truths professed by both religions include the sacred character of individuals, the human rights of every person as coming from God, judgement and everlasting life after death, and the sanctions for man's deeds during his earthly existence.

The ethical code of Islam also bears a striking similarity to Christianity, such as the duty of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, participation in the struggle for justice and peace, and so on. We cannot but admire the simplicity of life of most Islamic followers, their respect for human life and its inviolability, their sense of the sacred, their trust in God, and unfailing gratitude towards Him.

It is preferable to reflect on what we have in common rather than focus on the points that keep us apart. Yet, there is no doubting that the two religions differ widely on many issues. And, as a result, caution is necessary; because there are dangers inherent in any attempt to find a common substratum beneath different denominational convictions.

Some people have succumbed to the temptation of underlining the common elements while suppressing the differences. This is a dangerous approach as, although it is valuable and necessary to embark on this task, the exercise must be carried out with full regard for justice and truth.

There have been periods in history in which extensive dialogue followed contact between representatives of the two religions. Evidence of such attempts can be found in various writings, including the work of Thomas Aquinas, Summa contra gentiles. Besides, some Islamic philosophers were admitted as lecturers in Catholic universities.

This dialogue, however, was to cease, with the wars against the Turks and the downfall of the Ottoman Empire. Contacts between Christians and Mohammedans were not resumed until post-Vatican II. The intervening period is not one either side should be proud of, since there was much cruelty, violence, hatred and suffering in the name of religion.

Dialogue would surely be out of the question if we only looked backwards, poring over shameful pages of history. A clear and humble admission of our guilt is more profitable to pave the way for constructive discussion, because mutual accusations can only be a bar to friendly relations. Instead, each side must be given a chance to bring out what is best and deepest-rooted in its own traditions, and invited to undertake self-criticism and purification.

All the reasons of mind and heart must be employed in order to curtail the distances between the two cultures and try to meet half way. It is very desirable that we join hands to promote and defend common ideals, such as religious liberty and human brotherhood.

Above all, we must entertain deep trust in the possibility of human reason to speak about God - to all people - for this is the basis of inter-religious dialogue. In the name of God and for the welfare of all humanity, a joint effort between Christians and Muslims must be forthcoming in order to rebuild, preserve and promote peace, social justice and moral values.

Humanity is in conflict and heading for destruction, unless a better understanding is reached between the two religions.