Religious Identity in a Pluralistic Age: The Paradox of Being Simultaneously Rooted and Open

The question of how to remain rooted yet open in one’s religious tradition in the wider context of our religiously pluralistic and increasingly divided world is fraught with a number of challenges, both theological and educational. A rediscovery and refashioning of the Christian contemplative, mystic tradition is presented as a viable path to meet the challenges of being rooted in the practices and beliefs of one’s tradition, yet simultaneously open to the wisdom and truth of the religious other. This challenge can further be understood in terms of religious identity understood as a paradoxical meeting of self and other in the mystical center of consciousness.