Download Religious Dialogue

The role of Religious Dialogue and
Cooperation in Rebuilding a New Asia
Chen, Yu-Hsi
Professor Emeritus
Fo Guang University
Religious Conflict or Dialogue?


Professor Samuel Huntington’s theory of
clash of civilizations: Future conflicts
between East and West will be based on
religious culture, not on political ideology or
economic interests.
Response from Muslim scholars: This is a
Western conspiracy against Islam. It can
become self-fulfilling prophecy.
Religious Conflict or Dialogue?

Professor Harvey Cox of Harvard U:
Huntington’s view is not only erroneous, but
will cause needless fear and anxiety. This era
of globalization will not see clash of
civilizations, but offers the best opportunity
for religious dialogue and cooperation.
Dialogue among Civilizations



“Dialogue among Civilizations” was first
proposed at UN in 1998 by Iran’s President
Khatami as a response to Huntington’s “clash”
theory.
UN proclaimed the year 2001 to be the UN’s
Year of Dialogue among Civilizations.
Islam supports religious dialogue on the
basis of “unity in diversity.”
Asia echoes call for global ethic



Religious dialogue in the form of conferences
has taken place in past decades. Parliament
of the World’s Religions in 1993 proclaimed
the Declaration on a Global Ethic.
Religions in Asia echo the call for a global
ethic, expressing common concerns over
ecological issues. They share core values of
love, peace, ecological protection, etc.
Active in charity work across national borders.
Clash theory not applicable in Asia


In Asian history, inter-religious relationships
were based on a model of mutual
integration and peaceful coexistence
rather than “clash” or conflict. Hindsm,Budsm
and Jainism had assimilated each other.
India’s King Asoka was converted to
Buddhism in third century BC, and he
proclaimed Buddhism to be national religion.
Clash theory not applicable in Asia


India’s Kushan Dynasty in 1st century
espoused Buddhism and disseminated
Buddhist faith and art to Central Asia. In 4th
century,Kita Dynasty reverted to Brahmanism,
but allowed Buddhism to flourish.
During Kushan and Kita Dynasties, Buddhist
rituals and art received a strong impact from
Hindu esoteric practice, giving rise to
Esoteric Buddhism of Tibet today.
Clash theory not applicable in Asia

Islam spread to SE Asia through a
gradual and peaceful process of
integration, not by force. Sufi
practitioners and Arab merchants
played a vital role in persuading local
people to accept Islam.
Question of Religious Conflicts

Case studies from Indonesia and
Malaysia show that seemingly religious
conflicts in Asia involve political,
socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural
interests. They are not rooted in
differences in religious tenets and
values.
Religious Charity across Nat’l Borders

Since the tsunami catastrophe in 2004,
Taiwan-based Buddhist Compassionate
Relief Asso. (Tzu Chi) have been
working with Muslims and Christians in
disaster areas to engage in relief aid
and reconstruction of homes and
schools.
Religious Charity across Nat’l Borders

Tzu Chi volunteer teams from Taiwan
inspired Muslim and Christian victims to
become volunteers to help others and
join in praying and thanks-giving rituals
that transcend religious boundary.
Religious Charity across Nat’l Borders

Tzu Chi’s relief work covers many
provinces of China that suffered from
natural disasters, building and
rebuilding homes, villages, schools and
hospitals that benefit millions of
disaster victims and disadvantaged
people.
Religious Charity across Nat’l Borders

Buddhist Global Relief (BGR) works
with Red Cross, Save the Children etc.
to help poor children and peasants in
Cambodia and other poor communities
in Asia. It provides education on
farming tech and creates alternative job
opportunities for peasants.
Concluding Remarks

Insofar as our contemporary problems
of wars, crimes, violence and ecological
destruction are all rooted in human
greed and hatred, religion plays a vital
role in tackling these problems, and
religious dialogue and cooperation are
thus imperative in the rebuilding of a
new Asia.