Religion Studies at Alaska Pacific University
Dialogue Decalogue:
Ground Rules for Inter-religious, Inter-ideological Dialogue
Note: These principles of dialogue were formulated by Professor Leonard Swidler of Temple University. The text is printed in the Journal of Ecumenical Studies 20:1 (1984).
FIRST COMMANDMENT
The primary purpose of dialogue is to learn; that is, to change and grow in the perception and understanding of reality, and then to act accordingly.
SECOND COMMANDMENT
Inter-religious, inter-ideological dialogue must be a two-sided project within each religious or ideological community and between religious or ideological communities.
THIRD COMMANDMENT
Each participant must come to the dialogue with complete honesty and sincerity.
FOURTH COMMANDMENT
In inter-religious, inter-ideological dialogue we must not compare our ideals with our partner's practice, but rather our ideals with our partner's ideals, our practice with our partner's practice.
FIFTH COMMANDMENT
Each participant must define himself... Conversely, the interpreted must be able to recognize herself in the interpretation.
SIXTH COMMANDMENT
Each participant must come to the dialogue with no hard-and-fast assumptions as to where the points of disagreement are.
SEVENTH COMMANDMENT
Dialogue can take place only between equals... Both must come to learn from each other.
EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
Dialogue can take place only on the basis of mutual trust.
NINTH COMMANDMENT
Persons entering into inter-religious, inter-ideological dialogue must be at least minimally self-critical of both themselves and their own religious or ideological traditions.
TENTH COMMANDMENT
Each participant eventually must attempt to experience the partner's religion or ideology 'from within'; for a religion or ideology is not merely something of the head, but also of the spirit, heart, and 'whole being,' individual and communal.
