Abstract:
It is attempted to analyse the relationship between Christianity, Judaism and Islam from
the viewpoint of the intergroup threat theory. Although the departure point for this
study is the intergroup threat theory, there are other elements related to dialogue
discussed as well. An explanation of the threat theory serves as an argument for dialogue.
In a world with different social dynamics and religions, we need to move past the
intergroup threat. There will never be peace and harmony in the world as long as different
groups are suspicious of one another. Dialogue, however, is a very complex process. The
different approaches to other religions are discussed, and a suggestion is made for an
approach which will promote dialogue and interreligious ecumenism. The focus of this
study is on the exclusivist paradigm. The way in which the exclusivist paradigm influences
the way we relate to other religions in dialogue and how the paradigm addresses the
humanitarian problem, which all nations face, is discussed. In the first section of this
chapter, there is an analysis of whether the intergroup threat is more common amongst
exclusivist communities and groups with a fundamental orientation. A search for
alternatives to the exclusivist approach is then presented. The question addressed here
is, how can humanity work together for the better of humanity, despite their religious
differences?
