Nostra Aetate and Thomas F. Michel’s Approach to Interreligious Dialogue

Abstract

Globalization has made interactions between Christians and Muslims not only inevitable but also very urgent. As Francis Arinze notes, “we are living in a world in which contacts between peoples, cultures, and religions are happily increasing.” Therefore, the need for healthy interaction has necessitated understanding the religious traditions of others. Nostra Aetate was the bedrock for the relationship between Catholics and non-Catholics. One of the fruits of Nostra Aetate was the institution of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID). As the Director of PCID, Thomas F. Michel SJ promoted programs that fostered conversations between Catholics and non-Catholics. According to Michel, three phrases from Nostra Aetate shaped his concept of interreligious dialogue: "The Church regards with esteem also the Moslems. They adore the One, God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all-powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth "Since in centuries, not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Moslems. This sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom." According to Michel, these phrases from Nostra Aetate challenge Christians and Muslims to work together in four essential areas: 1) to build peace 2), to work for justice 3), to defend moral values, and 4), to work for freedom. Michel asserts that to respond to Nostra Aetate’s challenge, dialogue must go beyond theories and ideas; it must be institutionalized. Michel proposes practical dialogue as a key to an effective interfaith interaction that would transform society. This article analyzes Michel's approach to dialogue and contends that Nigeria should consider practical dialogue a significant component of interreligious dialogue between Christians and Muslims.