Mutual Respect as a Condition of Interreligious Dialogue

Abstract

In this chapter, I discuss in some detail the concept of mutual respect in interreligious dialogue. I argue that the subject of the conversation in this kind of dialogue is a collective subject composed of three elements: the revealed truth, the interpreters of the truth, and the religious community. Toward the realization of this purpose, I advance a concept of respect in general and respect for human beings in particular. The basis of respect is possession of human value. The kind and significance of respect is commensurate with the kind and significance of the value it embodies. Humanity is absolutely valuable; therefore, human beings should be respected as ends in themselves even when they are used as means to ends. I conclude this discussion with an analysis of the following question: Why is humanity absolute valuable? I argue that human beings should be respected always as ends in themselves not only because they are capable of self-determination, as many philosophers have argued, but primarily because humanity is sacred, and it is sacred because it emanates from the divine essence.