Religion has been a force for peace and human welfare; yet too much of the violence afoot in our world today is associated with—if not inspired by—religion. Unless the world religions can achieve greater mutuality and a common commitment to the life of the planet, they will continue to contribute to the divisiveness that threatens global civilization. Christian churches have engaged in ecumenical dialogue for almost a century now. Can this experience of inter-church encounter help Christians to meet members of the world’s religions with greater understanding and hospitality? And might inter-faith encounter bring new insight and courage to the Christian ecumenical movement?
Douglas John Hall, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Christian Theology at McGill University, Douglas John Hall is the author of some 30 books, including a widely-read three-volume systematic theology, Thinking the Faith (1988), Professing the Faith (1993), and Confessing the Faith (1996). His other books include The Steward: A Biblical Symbol Come of Age (1990) and Why Christian? For Those on the Edge of Faith (1998). His latest book is The Cross in Our Context: Jesus and the Suffering World (Fortress 2003). A member of the Order of Canada, Dr. Hall holds honourary doctorates from four universities.