Thomas Aquinas and the challenge of Islam - an appraisal of De rationibus fidei

Abstract

Muslim-Christian dialogue has today become an increasingly important challenge for concerned persons belonging to the two religious traditions. Tt demands a recognition of the rich and sometimes perplexing fact of human diversity. As Christians and Muslims we face each other across geographical and cultural divides, as well as across the ethnic, social and economic barriers that we so readily construct under the illusion of preserving our supposed uniqueness from dilution or threat. The phenomenon of globalization has made us more conscious of religious and cultural diversity. It has brought about the revival of local cultural identities all over the world. We have witnessed the alarming growth of local nationalisms in response to globalizing tendencies, as the political of older nation-states becomes steadily weaker. These movements are caused by a deep sense of insecurity which feeds upon itself, in turn generating more insecurity. The Balkan wars of the '90s and the recent rise of far right movements in Europe are both cases in point. In Europe, where such a state of continual flux is becoming ever more real, dialogue becomes an integral element of daily life. Local populations are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, especially owing to immigration, whether real or clandestine. For this reason both Christian and Muslim leaders have perceived the increasing need for dialogue.