An analysis of the catholic magisterium’s theology of interreligious dialogue and its influence on catholic-muslim dialogue in the archdiocese of Lusaka–Zambia since vatican II.

Abstract

This thesis focuses on analyzing the documents of the Magisterium on interreligious dialogue and Catholic-Muslim dialogue since Vatican II within the kenosis, and peaceful coexistence and friendship frameworks and their influence on Catholic-Muslim dialogue (dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and Muslims). From the Church Fathers, kenosis or incarnational theology underscores the kenotic nature of the Catholic Church. Thus, the Church must be humble and faithful to its identity – to its singularity. In being humble, she must be open to religious otherness. The growth of Islam in Lusaka, Zambia, provokes a theological reflection on the relevance and influence of the documents of the Magisterium on Catholic-Muslim dialogue in the Lusaka Archdiocese. Through a qualitative research methodology inquiry, this thesis brings to the fore that the documents of the Magisterium on interreligious dialogue and Catholic-Muslim dialogue still need to be brought down to the grassroots. Many Catholic lay faithful are unaware of the different Magisterial documents that promote the coexistence of different religions and hence, unaware of the theological stances of the Magisterium on religious alterity. Therefore, the research proposes a theological shift in document communication from parish-centered to Small Christian Communities (ifitente) centered. This shift highlights three essential elements for a kenotic Church: (I) Interreligious-oriented Small Christian Communities will narrow the gap between the documents of the Magisterium and their knowledge by the Catholic faithful and consequently their translation into the action plan; (II) it will underpin the authentic synodality of the Catholic Church. There is no Synodality of the Church without the involvement of the grassroots in the mission of interreligious dialogue or Catholic-Muslim dialogue; and (III) Small Christian Communities will integrate the teachings of the Magisterium on interreligious dialogue or Catholic-Muslim dialogue and the epistemology of the local people on religious otherness, which provides a framework for Catholic-Muslim dialogue in the Lusaka Archdiocese.