Modern Interfaith Dialogue - Vatican II, Parliament of Religions

# Modern Interfaith Dialogue: From Confrontation to Conversation

## Historical Background

For most of history, inter-religious encounters were characterized by polemics, conversion attempts, or conflict. The modern interfaith movement represents a fundamental shift toward mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation.

## The 1893 World's Parliament of Religions

Held in Chicago alongside the World's Columbian Exposition. First formal gathering of representatives from Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Swami Vivekananda's electrifying address introduced Vedanta and Hindu universalism to the West. Marked the beginning of organized interfaith dialogue, though criticized for Western Christian dominance and orientalist framing.

## Vatican II and Nostra Aetate (1965)