Open Theology 2016; 2: 296–302 Anthony J. Watson* Without Boundaries? Deriving Pluralist Theologies for Projects Using a Theology Without Walls DOI 10.1515/opth-2016-0025 Received January 19, 2016; accepted March 4, 2016 Abstract: This article systematically derives a common pluralist theology from the works of theologians Roger Haight and Amir Hussain. It then discusses this emergent definition of pluralism through the perspective of intent, an examination of exclusive claims and the historicity of formative context. Finally, potential approaches and areas are outlined, such as revelation, salvation, and historicity, in which a pluralist theology can advance a Theology “Without Walls.” Keywords: Roger Haight, Amir Hussain, Pluralism, Islam, Christianity Introduction In postmodern theological discourse concerning multi-religious societies, conceptions of interfaith relations and pluralism are inevitably discussed. However, despite the apparent salutary role that pluralism holds in present-day society, a conceptual definition of what pluralism is can be difficult to pin down. Views on pluralism can range from positive to negative depending on any range of assumptions as to its nature, or the spiritual inclinations of the beholder. In this article, I explore definitions for pluralism through the comparative analysis of the works of two noted pluralist theologians, one Muslim, the other Catholic. In the spirit of attempting to advance a theology without walls, I will seek to derive a common set of attributes for a definition of pluralism that can be employed in a theology without walls. Finally, I will briefly discuss this emergent definition of pluralism through the perspective of anti-pluralist theology and outline approaches—such as a salvation “Without Walls”— in which a pluralist theology can advance the Theology Without Walls project. In Their Own Words: A definition of Pluralism by Pluralists In this analysis of pluralist thinking, I have selected the writings of two noted pluralist theologians. Roger Haight is a Jesuit Catholic theologian whose work in the past decade was condemned by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for holding what then-Cardinal Ratzinger described as “grave doctrinal errors”1. Amir Hussain is Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount, who is highly involved in interfaith dialogue, including work with the World Conference on Religion and Peace and the Fellowship for Reconciliation. In his article “Muslims, Pluralism and Interfaith Dialogue,” Hussain begins by defining his view of pluralism. He is quick to point out that pluralism is not to be equated with relativism, stating, “When some 1 Ratzinger, “Notification”, 1. © 2016 Anthony J. Watson, published by De Gruyter Open. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License. *Corresponding author: Anthony J. Watson, Brown University, Providence, USA, E-mail: ajwatson@post.harvard.edu Is Transreligious Theology Possible? Open Access Unauthenticated Download Date | 7/27/18 3:03 PM