抄録
Today we often hear the word “inter-religious dialogue” (or “dialogue of religions”). The combination of these two words ―religion and dialogue― does not seem strange, since dialogue between persons is a very important way of seeking for the religious truth. However, inter-religious dialogue is a dialogue between religions as social entities: they have verbally expressed systems of teaching and clearly defined social systems of integration. It is not easy for such religions to enter into dialogue. This is the reason why until quite recently we did not hear the word “inter-religious dialogue” very much.
In this essay we discuss why the phenomenon of inter-religious dialogue has become popular and how it functions differently in different cultural contexts. First we analyze causes which made Christianity in the West feel the need for inter-religious dialogue. The changing of western societies from Christianity-dominated ones into religiously plural ones is one of the most important factors. Then, why has inter-religious dialogue become popular only recently in Japan where many religions seem to have co-existed for centuries? what are the specific features of inter-religious dialogue in Japan?
The answer to these questions can be found by discussing the religious situation of Japan and the very different way in which the Japanese people view religious affiliation.
