Abstract
The experience of respect and love for Muslims by confrères (amongst others: Robert Bütler and Paolo Dall’Oglio) initiated the Jesuit, Madigan, into Christian-Muslim relations during his first exposure in India and Pakistan. The author cites the inspiration of St Ignatius “to put the best possible interpretation on what one’s partner says” leading to an awareness that dialogue is fundamentally an act of love. He calls for taking the Muslim critique of Christianity seriously and contrasts the Word in written scriptures and the Word spoken in “body-language.” In the chapter it is argued that theology in the context of dialogue is mutually beneficial. He prompts reflection on a message of guidance and command expressed in a Book compared with a message of self-sacrificing love expressed in the incarnation and crucifixion. He touches on the need to be attentive to God in exploring together a shared but contested history and issues arising from explaining Christian faith to Muslims. Finally he calls for an expansion of vision and focus and sees the need for repentance not self-righteousness.
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