Analysis of inter-faith dialogue between Christians and Muslims as a response to religious radicalization in Kenya

Abstract

Interfaith dialogue is indispensable to peace and tranquility globally within the context of religious pluralism. In Kenya, Christians and Muslims need greater intercommunication and interfaith dialogue for harmonious living. In the recent past the interaction between Christians and Muslims has been characterized by distrust, apprehension and mutual rivalry, sometimes resulting into loss of life and destruction of property. Features of mistrust, disharmony, and intolerance among churches toward mosque adherents and vice versa have been witnessed in Kenya. This calls for a fresh look on the relationship between Christians and Muslims through interfaith dialogue. The methodology used, include examining the basis of interfaith dialogue with focus on Islamic radicalism in Africa and Islamic radicalistic terror activities in Kenya. In addition, it assesses inter-faith dialogue principles found in Christian and Muslim theology including Prophet Muhammad's view towards Jesus Christ. Divergent issues in Biblical and Qur'anic teachings on interfaith dialogue accompanied by Christian and Muslim view of each other. The paper underscores cross-cutting issues in biblical and Qur'anic teachings and the challenges to constructive Christian-Muslim dialogue in Kenya. Finally, the paper provides interfaith dialogue as a response to radicalization through recommendations and strategies