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Dialogue on Religion: A Postliberal Perspective

Dialogue on Religion: A Postliberal Perspective

Wai-tung CHO

Christians across the world are learning more and more about other world religions and cultures. A broader theological basis for intercultural knowledge is inevitable for Christians to meet the basic demands of being a functional citizen in today's interdependent world. In fact, Christians are now increasingly interacting with people from other cultures. To be ignorant of these traditions is to lack the “language” necessary to talk to one's neighbors right across the street.

Having had a first-hand experience of teaching History of Religions and Comparative Theologies in the United States and China, the author observes that Christians respond to other religions in many different ways. One typical response to the appearance of the other is an attempt to reduce what is alien to what is familiar. Another response is to highlight the elements of differences in other religions as alien and odd, while at the same time downplaying elements of similarity. There are others who are attracted to other religions by their desires to seek alternatives to their own faiths. In reflecting on this experience of dealing with cultural-religious differences, the author is in general agreement with the so-called postliberal understanding of religion (such as George Lindbeck's “cultural-linguistic” perspective) and believes that such an approach is useful for promoting real conversation among religions.

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Message from the Editor of Issue 48

Editor's Note: Wu Guojie Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, the number of people infected worldwide has exceeded 250 million, and the number of deaths has exceeded 5 million. This number does not include poor third-world countries with weak testing capabilities and inability to determine the cause of death. Due to the epidemic, the lives, economy, and travel of people around the world have been affected to varying degrees; for example, people have to wear masks when going out, maintain social distance, the number of gatherings is limited, quarantine is required when entering the country, travel has been greatly reduced, related industries have laid off employees, and unemployment has Rates thus increase and so on. In this environment, church gatherings have also been affected to a considerable extent. During the period when the epidemic was severe and gatherings were restricted, physical church gatherings were suspended, and online live broadcasts and video conversations became necessary alternative modes; even if the epidemic eased and physical gatherings reopened, online Synchronization has also become the new normal. In the face of this disaster, which is called the "pandemic of the century," what resources does the Christian faith have that can help the church respond and turn the crisis into an opportunity? This issue of "Sandow Journal" takes "Epidemics and Disasters" as the theme, and brings together different scholars to discuss it from the perspectives of the two Testaments, doctrinal theology, and practical theology, hoping to enlighten modern Christians on how to deal with the challenges of this era. ...