Abstract

Deciding to participate in formal interreligious dialogues may be a source of dilemma for newer religions inexperienced with interfaith communications. Providing reasoned justifications to engage in the enterprise is one method of encouraging participation. The literature was reviewed and three pro-dialogue justificatory tactics were identified and explicated. Namely: an appeal to religious duty, an appeal to religious self-interest, and an appeal to four types of dialoguing intent. That is: to reform and/or protect against the Other, for the faith, as a declaration of personal commitment to the faith, and for basic curiosity, discovery and intellectual growth reasons. Further research into grassroots dialogue praxis was recommended