Christians, Jews and Muslims

Dialogue, Relationship and the Catholic View

By: Dr. Lohn Borelli Ph.D.

Narrated by: Dr. John Borelli Ph.D.

Length: 3 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

Drawing on decades of study, dialogue, and teaching, Dr. Borelli presents a truly Catholic approach to inter religious dialogue. This presentation will open the minds and hearts of the listeners and prepare them to better understand the ever-shrinking world where Christians, Jews, and Muslims will interact on an ever more personal basis. He presents the basic theological perspectives of the major religions and shows how the current political atmosphere impacts on every aspect of theological dialogue. He gives a history of the Church’s position from Nostra Aetate until today and chronicles the progress that has been made and the setbacks that have taken place.

This program will dispel many of the myths about Islam and help the listener understand the misconceptions that many Muslims have about Christianity and Judaism. Dr. Borelli is Special Assistant for inter religious Initiatives to the President of Georgetown University. He has served as Associate Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical Affairs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and interim Director for 2001-2002. He has been a Consulter to the Vatican’s Pontifical Council of Inter Religious dialogue and Relations for the Jesuits in the United States. These presentations will inform the laity, educate the clergy, and give the individual the basic tools needed for entering into the important pastoral initiative of listening to and speaking to members of other believing communities.

©2014 Lohn Borelli (P)2014 Pious Society of St. Paul

Intro to how Different Faiths can Intersect

This is for those of any faith who are interested in how Christians, Jews and Muslims can open dialogue with one another and maintain respect in face of contemporary global struggles. However, Borelli is a Christian American so most of his perspective comes from the background. And because Borelli works primarily with Christian-Muslim relations, he talks a lot more about them then he does the Jews, so I wish there was more of a balanced discussion between the three faiths.

Borelli isn't the best lecturer, but after 5-10 minutes you get used to his voice so it isn't so bad. I wish when he answered questions that you could hear the question asked or that you could get the question added in during post-production of the audio. So sometimes it was hard to follow the beginning of these sections, but it didn't take away all meaning from these parts.

Nonetheless, I thought this was a good intro less-than-4 hour collection of talks about ways in which Christians, Jews and Muslims can engage in dialogue. Important take-aways include (1) recognizing that Christians and Muslims both see each other as having violent pasts, so there is no one-side to the relationship; (2) Realizing that groups like the Taliban are in fact extremists and do not reflect the desires of the vast majority of Muslims; (3) Having discussions beforehand about correct practices, such as when to bow and if is ok to engage in prayer, while attending other religions' religious services, is respectful and can avoid mishaps during the service; and (4) the greatest ground to gain in interfaith relations is in the local sector, so neighborhood religious leaders can lead by example for their communities by engaging in these meetings together.

Expensive for what you get

Nice series of 4 lectures but way too expensive for under 4 hours of content.