Interfaith dialogue theory and Native/non-Native relations
Date
2011
Authors
Napier, Jonathan
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Volume Title
Publisher
Illumine
Abstract
Interfaith dialogue allows for an understanding of power relationships, a means of perceiving the Other, and a method of acquiring new knowledge. I will discuss the benefits and limitations of interfaith dialogue theory to Native/non-Native relations. Through interfaith dialogue, benefits such as relationship building and improved understanding provide opportunities to forge new communities within Canadian contexts. However, as is, the framework of interfaith dialogue also surfaces notions that prove problematic if applied directly to Native/non-Native relations. The framework of interfaith dialogue needs to be adjusted in order to be applied successfully in this area. Issues such as diverging worldviews, understandings of religion, misconceptions of the Other, political structures, and power discrepancies will all off er challenges and insights into how one applies aspects of interfaith dialogue. Furthermore, The non-Native community has a responsibility to reach out and change prevailing discrepancies in power structures.
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Citation
Napier, J. (2011). Interfaith dialogue theory and Native/non-Native relations. Illumine, 10(1), 77–90. https://doi.org/10.18357/illumine101201110738