Abstract:

Dialogue has theological basis on the history of salvation, and the Church is called to participate in and extend this dialogue in and with the world. In its dynamic, there are three interrelated dimensions involved: an interreligious dimension (relationship), a dialogical dimension (communication, and a confessional dimension (faith). Yet, in relation to Muslims, there is a tendency of reluctance to learn together (communication and faith), lest they be misunderstood as compromising the principles of faith. This study explores those three interrelated dimensions and uses them to analyse Madigan’s theological reflection on dialogue with Muslims that he calls a “Lenten Journey”, a time of gradual expansiveness and fuller life. In his “Lenten Journey”, he reflects on three important aspects: a) the condition to construct the deeper relationship (mutual hospitality), b) the way to communicate more effectively (the Word of God as hermeneutical key), and c) the goal to re-confess own faith and to resonate the Word in the world. The major question is “How can the three interrelated dimensions of interreligious dialogue explain the theological reflection of Daniel Madigan for doing theology together with Muslims?”. Through detailed analysis, this thesis concludes that the three interrelated dimensions of interreligious dialogue (interreligious, dialogical, and confessional dimensions) explain the holistic view of the theological concern and reflection of Daniel Madigan. He does not give consideration only to the theological dialogue, but he sees clearly that the theological dialogue will be effective and fruitful if there is a strong friendly foundation in relationships, “a culture of encounter” and in that encounter, the theological dialogue should be a way to reflect together about the presence of the Word and God’s will in the world.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Hartono Budi, S.J., Th.D. (Principal Examiner), Fr. Jojo Fung, S.J., Ph.D., and Fr. James Kroeger, M.M., D.Miss.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Greg Soetomo, S.J. (Adviser), Ph.D., Fr. Jojo Fung, S.J., Ph.D., Fr. James Kroeger, M.M., D.Miss.