Comparative Literary Research in Service of Interreligious Dialogue and Against Pseudo-tolerance

• Milena Aziza Rampoldi analyzes the parallels between Dante Alighieri’s "Divine Comedy" and Abu l-‘Ala al-Ma’arri’s "Epistle of Forgiveness" to foster interreligious dialogue.
• The research aims to move beyond "pseudo-tolerance" by addressing the profound complexities of religious and philosophical differences.

Literary Comparison and Perspectives

• The study focuses on eschatological and soteriological themes, specifically how each author envisioned paradise.
• Al-Ma’arri is noted for his innovative and unconventional approach, whereas Dante adheres strictly to the scholastic tradition of Thomas Aquinas, "dogmatizing" his subjective experiences.
• A primary dogmatic difference involves the concept of original sin; while deeply rooted in Christian soteriology, it is not recognized in Islamic tradition.

Pseudo-tolerance vs. True Tolerance

• Rampoldi critiques "pseudo-tolerance," which she describes as a superficial, trend-driven social virtue often based on performative kindness.
• Through the work of ProMosaik, the author advocates for a focus on diversity and distinguishing features rather than oversimplified similarities.
• True tolerance involves acknowledging the limits of one's own patience, engaging in self-reflection, and confronting the "blind spots" of discriminatory thinking within oneself.

Conclusion

• Genuine peace between religious communities is not achieved through artificial equality, but through respectful acceptance of differences.
• Comparative literature serves as a vital tool to highlight dogmatic distinctions, enabling more authentic, constructive, and creative dialogue between Christianity and Islam.