Muslim and Christian dialogue: Public theology in time of crisis in Marawi City, Philippines

• Main Author: Corpuz, Jeff Clyde G.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: Dialogue—Religious aspects; Marawi, Battle of, Marawi, Philippines, 2017; Christianity and other religions—Islam; Asian History; Religion
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/5508
• Institution: De La Salle University

In the recent war in Marawi City in Mindanao, Philippines, some acts of kindness for constructive theological dialogue may be found. “Muslims have protected and helped Christians to escape from almost certain death. Even now, Christians are assisting thousands of Muslims who have fled from Marawi for safety. These are indisputable signs that there is no religious war” (CBCP, 2017). There is a need to reconsider public theology both as a practice and field of study. By discussing public statements made by Christians faced with crisis in Marawi, this research contributes to the development and understanding of public theology through dialogue. As public theology is concerned with public life and social issues, the research is of interest to scholars and students of theology, political science, sociology, religious studies, etc., as well as practitioners, policymakers, and professionals in the public sector, civil society, churches and Christian organizations. This research includes reflections on the conditions of fruitful theological dialogue between Christians and Muslims using qualitative data from recent published documents. It emphasizes that dialogue does not mean glossing over real differences but, rather, engaging in a process in which participants may acquire new respect for the faith of others and new insight into their own faith towards shaping a better world.