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CATHOLIC-SHI‘A DIALOGUE: STUDIES
IN THEOLOGY AND SPIRITUALITY Edited
by Anthony O’Mahony, Wulstan Peterburs and Muhammad Ali Shomali The
aim of this unique study is to reflect on how the Catholic tradition
and Shi‘a Islam bring their spiritual and theological resources to
bear on some of the most critical contemporary issues. The dialogue
between Catholicism and Shi‘a Islam is based on the conviction
that the high regard in which both traditions hold prayer and
contemplation forms a strong unifying element between the two
traditions and is thus a suitable context for a consideration of
both shared mutualities and differences, allowing Catholics and
Shi‘a jointly to strengthen their response to contemporary
challenges.
The main theme of the book is the question of how a
person’s spirituality should inform the way in which he lives his
life, and how contemporary challenges to faith are best met.
Consideration is given to the remembrance of God in our respective
spiritual traditions, the challenges of living a life of faith
today, and how Catholics and Shi‘a understand the eternal
questions about life and death. Drawing on our joint monotheistic
heritage further reflection is given to the Catholic and Shi‘a
understandings of God’s presence and action in the world,
including a discussion of differences arising over the Qur’anic
principle of the Word of God and the Catholic belief in Christ’s
sacramental presence among us. This context of God’s presence in
the world is developed around Abraham, scared in both traditions, as
a model of faith for both Catholics and Shi‘a, with particular
reference to mankind’s free response to God’s offer of
salvation. Turning to practical themes, the book also examines the
ideal of faith in the family, the school and the university, as
places where the challenge of modernity is sharply encountered.
Overall, the book is an attempt to draw upon the deep
reservoir of shared Catholic and Shi‘a spiritual resources, so as
to engage with the world and to challenge our contemporary culture
and society. Today we are witnessing a worldwide religious revival
and a pressing question for religious traditions is how best to
resource and channel this thirst for God. The book provides a rare
opportunity for Catholic pastors and theologians to come together
with Shi‘a scholars and religious leaders to consider the way
ahead, to recognise the challenge, but also to challenge and to
lead. Contributors: Archbishop
Michael Fitzgerald MAfr, President of the Pontifical council for
Inter-religious Dialogue, Revd
John McDade SJ, Principal of Rt
Revd Timothy Wright OSB, Abbot of Ampleforth Abbey Bro.
Dr Wulstan Peterburs OSB, Master of Studies, Ampleforth Abbey Anthony
O’Mahony, Director of Research, Centre for Christianity and
Inter-religious Dialogue, Sr
Dr Catherine Cowley RA, Sr
Dr Mary Mills SHCJ, Revd
Dr Michael Kirwan SJ, Revd
Ian Lathham LBJ Ayatollah
Misbah Yazdi, President of Imam Khomeini Education and Research
Institute, Ayatollah
Muhsin Araki, Director of Islamic Centre of Imam
Dr Saeid Reza Ameli, Lecturer at Dr
Mohammad Jafar Elmi, Principal of the Islamic College for Advanced
Studies, Dr
Mohammad Fanaee, Lecturer at Imam Khomeini Education and Research
Institute, Mrs
Mahnaz Heydarpoor, Lecturer at Jami‘at al-Zahra (the leading
Islamic seminary for women), Mr
Abbas Jaffer, the Principal of the Shi‘a Ithna-‘asheri Madrasa
(1995 to 2000), Dr
Reza Shah Kazemi, Research Associate at the Dr
Muhsin Javadi, Lecturer and Director of Centre for International
Relations of the Mr
Morteza Sanei and Mr Mohammad Soori, Imam Khomeini Education and
Research Institute, Dr
Mohammad Ali Shomali, Head of Dept. of Religious Studies at Imam
Khomeini Education and Research Institute, Dr
Mahmood Taghizadeh Davari, Head of Dept. of Sociology at Imam
Khomeini Education and Research Institute and the founding director
of the Institute of Shi‘ite Studies, Qum
216 x 135 mm; approx. 360 pages,
hardback; ISBN
1 901764 37 0 Spring 2004 £25.00 |
