Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Interfaith Dialogue: Theory, Practice & Coexistence Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026

Module 1: Foundations of Religion, Pluralism and Dialogue

• a Religious Pluralism, faith, belief and interfaith- dialogue.
• b Sources of religious pluralism in India: historical, social and cultural factors.
• c Philosophical and Spiritual Foundation of interfaith dialogue in religious tradition of India. (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism)

Module 2: World Religions & Global Perspectives of inter-faith dialogue

• a Historical contexts of inter-faith contact: from ancient to modern (e.g., trade, colonialism, migration).
• b Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism – overview of beliefs, practices, ethics and their interface with other faiths.
• c Newer/Global faith perspectives and inter-religious movements (Bahai faith).

Module 3: Methodologies, Skills, and Practice of Inter-faith Dialogue

• a Theoretical framework and models of dialogue- (pluralism, exclusivism & inclusivism).
• b Skills: listening, empathy, facilitation, conflict-sensitivity.
• c Role of Interfaith Dialogue in community events, educational programmes and inter-faith workshops.

Module 4: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Indian Context

• a Contemporary challenges: religious conflict, sectarianism, extremism, communalism.
• b Role of inter-faith dialogue in peace-building, social cohesion and sustainable development.
• c Indian case studies: e.g., Hindu–Muslim relations, inter‐faith initiatives in India (including regional case like Kerala)

References

• Internal Topics:
• 1 Concepts of interfaith dialogue: goals, assumptions, benefits.
• 2 Case studies of dialogue across Indian context and global context.
• 3 Ethical issues and power‐dynamics in inter-faith engagement.
• 4 Future directions: digital dialogue, youth engagement, global citizenship. Guidelines to Faculty:
• Encourage class debates and reflection: “What does dialogue mean in our context?”
• Use local case-studies (you might invite guest speakers from different faith traditions) for Unit III/IV.
• Include a practical component: e.g., students organize an inter-faith forum or collaborative project.
• Make sure the syllabus reflects Indian constitutional values and societal pluralism.
• Adjust hours/topics based on semester duration and institutional policy.

Reference Books

• 1 Foundations of Religion, Pluralism and Dialogue
• Inter-Religious Dialogue: An Interface of Pluralities by Y. George — Focused on the Indian pluralistic context, exploring different types of dialogue and historical evidence. IBP Books
• Pluralistic Inclusivism (A Viable School of Theology for Inter-faith Relations) by Carey L. Inbuon — Examines theological schools (exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism) and proposes “pluralistic inclusivism” for inter-faith relations. Exotic India Art
• Interfaith Dialogue and Mystical Consciousness in India: Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Aurobindo … and the Hindu-Christian Encounter by Isaac Portilla — A more specialized work linking mystical experience and interfaith dialogue in the Indian context. Routledge.
• 2 World Religions & Global Perspectives
• Religious Interactions in Modern India edited by Martin Fuchs & Vasudha Dalmia — A collection focusing on how religions interact in the modern Indian social-political setting. OUP Academic
• Interfaith Dialogue: Problems and Possibilities (edited volume) by Anamika Girdhar — Looks at methodological and contextual problems of inter-faith dialogue, especially in India. Exotic India Art
• Interfaith Relations: A Sikh Perspective by Gurnam Singh Sanghera — provides a focused perspective from the Sikh tradition on interfaith relations in India. singhbrothers.com
• 3 Methodologies, Skills and Practice of Inter-faith Dialogue
• Islam and Global Dialogue: Religious Pluralism and the Pursuit of Peace edited by Roger Boase — Explores pluralism and interfaith dialogue from global (especially Islamic) perspectives. Routledge
• Negotiating Democracy and Religious Pluralism: India, Pakistan, and Turkey edited by Karen Barkey, Sudipta Kaviraj & Vatsal Naresh — Looks at the interplay of democracy, religion and pluralism in South Asia / Turkey. Useful for thinking about context, policy & inter-faith relations in plural settings. OUP Academic
• Girdhar’s book on “Problems and Possibilities” offers methodology and critical reflections.
• 4 Challenges, Opportunities, and the Indian Context.
• The Social Dimensions of Sectarianism- Sects and New Religious Movements in Contemporary Society- Bryan R. Wilson (Clarendon Paperbacks) Paperback – October 22, 1992
• Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding - David R. Smock (Editor)- First Published in January1,2002 by United States Inst of Peace Pr. Religious Contributions to Peacemaking David R. Smock (Editor)