Chen, Yu-Hsi Professor Emeritus Fo Guang University The role of Religious Dialogue and Cooperation in Rebuilding a New Asia Chen, Yu-Hsi Professor Emeritus Fo Guang University

Religious Conflict or Dialogue? Professor Samuel Huntington’s theory of clash of civilizations: Future conflicts between East and West will be based on religious culture, not on political ideology or economic interests. Response from Muslim scholars: This is a Western conspiracy against Islam. It can become self-fulfilling prophecy.

Religious Conflict or Dialogue? Professor Harvey Cox of Harvard U: Huntington’s view is not only erroneous, but will cause needless fear and anxiety. This era of globalization will not see clash of civilizations, but offers the best opportunity for religious dialogue and cooperation.

Dialogue among Civilizations “Dialogue among Civilizations” was first proposed at UN in 1998 by Iran’s President Khatami as a response to Huntington’s “clash” theory. UN proclaimed the year 2001 to be the UN’s Year of Dialogue among Civilizations. Islam supports religious dialogue on the basis of “unity in diversity.”

Asia echoes call for global ethic Religious dialogue in the form of conferences has taken place in past decades. Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1993 proclaimed the Declaration on a Global Ethic. Religions in Asia echo the call for a global ethic, expressing common concerns over ecological issues. They share core values of love, peace, ecological protection, etc. Active in charity work across national borders.

Clash theory not applicable in Asia In Asian history, inter-religious relationships were based on a model of mutual integration and peaceful coexistence rather than “clash” or conflict. Hindsm,Budsm and Jainism had assimilated each other. India’s King Asoka was converted to Buddhism in third century BC, and he proclaimed Buddhism to be national religion.

Clash theory not applicable in Asia India’s Kushan Dynasty in 1st century espoused Buddhism and disseminated Buddhist faith and art to Central Asia. In 4th century,Kita Dynasty reverted to Brahmanism, but allowed Buddhism to flourish. During Kushan and Kita Dynasties, Buddhist rituals and art received a strong impact from Hindu esoteric practice, giving rise to Esoteric Buddhism of Tibet today.

Clash theory not applicable in Asia Islam spread to SE Asia through a gradual and peaceful process of integration, not by force. Sufi practitioners and Arab merchants played a vital role in persuading local people to accept Islam.

Question of Religious Conflicts Case studies from Indonesia and Malaysia show that seemingly religious conflicts in Asia involve political, socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural interests. They are not rooted in differences in religious tenets and values.

Religious Charity across Nat’l Borders Since the tsunami catastrophe in 2004, Taiwan-based Buddhist Compassionate Relief Asso. (Tzu Chi) have been working with Muslims and Christians in disaster areas to engage in relief aid and reconstruction of homes and schools.

Religious Charity across Nat’l Borders Tzu Chi volunteer teams from Taiwan inspired Muslim and Christian victims to become volunteers to help others and join in praying and thanks-giving rituals that transcend religious boundary.

Religious Charity across Nat’l Borders Tzu Chi’s relief work covers many provinces of China that suffered from natural disasters, building and rebuilding homes, villages, schools and hospitals that benefit millions of disaster victims and disadvantaged people.

Religious Charity across Nat’l Borders Buddhist Global Relief (BGR) works with Red Cross, Save the Children etc. to help poor children and peasants in Cambodia and other poor communities in Asia. It provides education on farming tech and creates alternative job opportunities for peasants.

Concluding Remarks Insofar as our contemporary problems of wars, crimes, violence and ecological destruction are all rooted in human greed and hatred, religion plays a vital role in tackling these problems, and religious dialogue and cooperation are thus imperative in the rebuilding of a new Asia.