A critical examination of the major themes of the Rev. Dr. Aloysius Pieris' liberation theological framework and their socio-cultural significance with particular attention to Christian-Buddhist interfaith encounter in Sri Lanka : a theological survey with sociological reflection

Abstract

Despite denominational distinctions, the Christian churches in Sri Lanka have realized that inter-religious dialogue between Christians and Buddhists is a critical social need. Aloysius Pieris who writes at length about the responsibilities of Christians when living in a Buddhist socio-religious context recognizes that dialogue between the two religious groups is a major element in Asian liberation theology. In playing a prominent role in this dialogical process, Pieris insists that the Christian churches need to change significantly in order to accommodate this social phenomenon. This thesis examines the major themes of Pieris' liberation theological framework with particular reference to inter-religious dialogue and a theology of religion. It also examines both historical and present day contexts through the literature of Pieris and other theologians, historians and sociologists. Pieris acknowledges that historical grievances by the Sri Lankan Buddhist community need to be addressed at the beginning of dialogue. His understanding of liberation theology develops from historical, theological and sociological issues in his context. Pieris insists that radically different approaches need to be taken in the area of a theology of religions in order to identify possibilities for enlarging the vision of the Christian church towards the religious other, in this case the Buddhists. Throughout his theology of liberation, Pieris presents himself as a radically original thinker. Pieris' insistence on the need to consult Buddhism when one does liberation theology in Asia is fundamental. He maintains that dialogue with Buddhists will be unproductive unless Christians have an adequate understanding of the liberating potential of Buddhism. In some instances, however, Pieris is quite idealistic in his theological claims. Nevertheless, he attempts to integrate in a coherent manner his theological model with critical sociological issues such as poverty and religiousness. This study examines, from theological and sociological perspectives, the ongoing value of Pieris' insights on interfaith dialogue as part of social liberation.