A critical study of the role of personal encounter in the development of Christian-Muslim relations

Abstract

The thesis is divided into five chapters. The bibliography at the end of the study is divided into primary and secondary source material. The introduction indicates the limits and scope of the thesis. Chapter 1 presents a conceptual framework for personal encounter using ideas from the work of Martin Buber and Michael Polanyi. Chapter 2 is a case study of the international conference on "Christian Mission and Islamic Da(^c)wah" held at Chambésy in June 1976, The report on the conference is summarised and analysed in the light of the principles outlined in Chapter 1. This analysis evidences certain historico-cultural and religious pre-suppositions operative within the encounter. Chapters 3 and 4 take up a detailed exposition of these presuppositions. The method adopted is that of describing and analysing Christian and Muslim contemporary missionary writings which are founded upon the pre-suppositions in question. Assessment is made of the effect of such pre-suppositions on the past development of Christian-Muslim relations, and on the ideal of personal encounter as it might be practised in the present. Chapter 5 is a concluding chapter which serves a dual purpose: firstly, it summarises the findings of the study, and secondly, it indicates the role of personal encounter in the development of Muslim-Christian relations in Britain, both for the present and the future. Three areas of encounter are indicated: the use of study centres and conferences; neighbourhood meetings; and religious education within schools. It is concluded that the adoption of the principles of personal encounter in these three areas is likely to be the most fruitful way forward in Christian-Muslim relations.