Exploring areas for interreligious dialogue among Catholic-Buddhist families in Thu Thiem, Deanery, Saigon Diocese

• Main Author: Nhi, Pham Thi
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: Interfaith families—Vietnam; Interfaith marriage—Vietnam; Religion
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/6578; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/12981/viewcontent/CDTG004536_P.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study aimed to explore areas for interreligious dialogue among fifty (50) Catholic- Buddhist couples married in the Catholic Church within 2006 to 2007 in Thu Thiem Deanery, Saigon Diocese within the Vatican II framework for dialogue. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed using the survey instrument, a researcher-made pre-tested attitudes and faith issues questionnaire consisting of 18 items: eight (8) for attitudes, ten (10) for faith issues; and the Interview Schedule which focuses on the Vatican II’s areas for interreligious dialogue with twenty (20) items developed from the researcher’s reflections. The items were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D). Each group has five (5) items each. The quantitative component was developed through pre-test and analysis of the result of the researcher-made attitude and faith issues scale for standardization using reliability- analysis scale, and administration and analysis of the result of the standardized survey to the respondents using percentages, frequencies and standard deviation. The qualitative component included a critical description and analysis of the attitudes and faith issues of Catholic- Buddhist respondents and an exploration of the areas for dialogue.The results revealed that the attitudes and issues pertaining to faith and perception of their spouse’s religion reflect the need for dialogue of mutual understanding and religious experience. Dialogue of life was found to have the greatest impact on Catholic-Buddhist families. Some recommendations were provided to exhaust the resources in the parish and diocesan levels to establish and develop interreligious ministry in Saigon Diocese, and to explore theological and psychological perspectives of interreligious dialogue.