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Ecumenical Dialogue as Exchange of Knowledge Systems


The relationship between theology and the social sciences has often been tenuous, mainly due to methodological differences. However, the relationship between the two is quite evident in such areas as pastoral theology and Christian Education, which combine theology with sociological data. This paper attempts to argue in support of a greater relationship between the two, especially between the areas of ecumenical dialogue and social psychology. It addresses the question: How can ecumenical dialogue be re-thought, in the light of insights from social psychology, in order to give room for progress in ecumenical relations? To do this, the paper borrows insights from social psychology to reappraise the necessity of dialogue and to seek a revision of methodologies for approaching it within theology. It is hoped that such an approach would contribute in advancing ecumenical dialogue at official levels as well as facilitating reception at local levels.