Br. Adrien Candiard is a native of Paris, prior of his monastery in Cairo and a member of the Dominican Institute of Oriental Studies. Recently, he presented his new book: 'Tolerance? Better dialogue' at the Vatican. In it, he studies the relationship between Christianity and Islam in medieval Spain. But he warns that back then, it was not so idyllic.
BR. ADRIEN CANDIARD
Author, 'Tolerance? Better dialogue'
Andalusia, Spain is regarded mythically as a model of tolerance, life, and coexistence. Of course, this myth is not history. And we know this well. Medieval Spain was a border area—that is, the border of encounters and clashes.
According to Br. Candiard, what is most worth recovering from medieval Spain is the passionate debate between Christians and Muslims. He says the two groups took each other very seriously, despite disagreements ad conflicts.
BR. ADRIEN CANDIARD
Author, 'Tolerance? Better dialogue'
But in my opinion, medieval Spain had something beautiful that we should try to rediscover—that is, this passion for discussion, even if it was, at times, controversial. But there, religions came together precisely when they sought truth together.
This is key for Br. Candiard. He believes that, in dialoguing with someone different, rather than watering down one's own positions to force minimal agreements, it is much more productive to confront differences. The author says this shows respect for the truth and the other person. Pope Francis expressed the same opinion on his flight back from Bahrain.
POPE FRANCIS
The key word is dialogue. Dialogue. And to dialogue it is necessary to start from one's own identity.
BR. ADRIEN CANDIARD
Author, 'Tolerance? Better dialogue'
We live in societies where disagreement is seen as the source of conflict and violence. Indeed, our challenge as part of our society is not to find that we all get along but to find ways to live together while respecting each other, even though we are different.
If I refuse to discuss your belief, your opinions, it is not respect. On the contrary, it is indifference and contempt.
With this in mind, Br. Candiard believes that interfaith dialogue will be much more fruitful. And he hopes that identity will serve as the basis for a respectful but sincere dialogue.
RM
TR: KG
