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Toward Reconciliation In The Middle East: A Framework For Christian-Muslim Dialogue Using Natural Law Tradition, Russell Powell

Faculty Articles

In this paper, Professor Powell argues that the thinking of Bernard Lonergan in light of the natural law insights of St. Thomas Aquinas, Ali Ezzati and Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im provides a framework for Christian-Muslim dialogue. Lonergan's transcendental method moves from the individual subject to universal insights rather than presuming to deduce universals a priori, without regard for history, culture and individual experience. Professor Powell asserts that the most fruitful starting place for meaningful dialogue is to address questions of human rights and social justice using natural law theory, rather than focusing on theological concerns. If Muslims and Christians mutually acknowledge …