Ecumenism and interreligious dialogue in biblical perspective

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue from biblical examples that can help promote unity among faithful Christians and in respect for the faith of non-Christians. However, it will not be made an approach of the history of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. There are already several published works about this theme, in particular in this year, in which the five hundred years of the Reform are remembered. The reflection will be developed from three issues. In the first section, brief considerations will be presented about the meaning, understanding and the scope of the concepts of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. In the second, two examples of the Old Testament will be taken, considering the major forms of religion experienced by ancient Israel (Jahwism and Judaism) and internal and external tensions. In the third, two examples of the New Testament will be taken considering the forms of early Christianity and the internal and external tensions. Introduction and final considerations frame the development.