Is interfaith dialogue supported by biblical teachings?

I. Introduction

Interfaith dialogue generally refers to formal or informal conversations and cooperative efforts among people of different religious traditions, with a goal of deeper mutual understanding or joint social action. This topic raises questions about whether the Bible endorses such engagements and how believers should approach those of other faiths. The following entry examines Old and New Testament passages, historical contexts, and theological principles to determine whether interfaith dialogue is supported by biblical teachings.

II. Scriptural Foundations

A. The Call to Distinctiveness

Scripture repeatedly exhorts adherence to pure worship of the God revealed in the Old and New Testaments. Israel was often warned not to adopt pagan practices or enter into alliances that would compromise devotion to Yahweh.

• Deuteronomy 7:2–4 cautions against concluding treaties with the nations surrounding Israel, lest the Israelites be enticed to follow their gods.

• 2 Corinthians 6:14 states, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?”

These passages highlight a scriptural appeal for a clear boundary between the worship of the one true God and the worship or religious systems of those who stand outside of that covenant relationship. Within these settings, the concern is not just about relationships in general, but about potential compromise in worship, doctrine, or moral conduct.

B. Respectful Engagement vs. Doctrinal Compromise

The Bible does not teach isolation from the world or hostility toward those with differing beliefs. For instance, Jesus shared meals with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:29–32). His approach demonstrated grace and compassion without conceding or diluting the truth.

Similarly, New Testament believers such as the Apostle Paul were not forbidden from conversing with pagans. In fact, Acts 17:22–31 provides a vivid example of Paul’s address at the Areopagus, where he reasoned with Greek philosophers to reveal the “Unknown God” as the Creator and to proclaim the resurrection of Christ. However, these engagements were evangelistic in nature, intended to present the truth of the gospel—rather than to blend beliefs or form theological partnerships with non-biblical faiths. Paul’s speech effectively respected his Greek audience’s cultural background while guiding them toward the truth of God’s revelation.

III. Old Testament Perspectives on Engaging Other Beliefs

A. Warnings Against Idolatry

From the earliest books of the Old Testament onward, God’s people are repeatedly instructed to avoid being swayed by idol worship. Interfaith alliances that condone idolatrous practices are consistently discouraged.

• Exodus 20:3–4 articulates the first commandment against having other gods or worshipping idols.

• 1 Kings 11:1–11 details how King Solomon, despite his wisdom, succumbed to foreign influences that eventually led him astray.

These admonitions highlight the spiritual danger posed by adopting or endorsing other religious practices and stress the importance of remaining faithful to true worship. While respectful dialogue to share truth may occur, any partnership or endorsement of opposing religious ideologies contradicts the biblical mandate for exclusive worship of the LORD.

B. Prophetic Interactions and Warnings

Prophets such as Elijah and Isaiah confronted pagan belief systems directly. Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:16–40) did not engage the prophets of Baal with theological compromise but instead staged a direct demonstration of Yahweh’s power, leading the people to affirm, “The LORD, He is God.”

Interfaith “dialogue” in these instances was not a neutral exchange but rather a challenge to recognize God’s supremacy. In each case, the central concern is truth, not mere collaboration or tolerance for false worship.

IV. New Testament Approaches

A. Evangelistic Encounters

Jesus and the Apostles consistently engaged others of different beliefs—such as Samaritans, Greeks, and Romans—but their purpose centered on proclaiming truth rather than establishing joint religious cooperation. The thrust of New Testament engagement is summed up in the Great Commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)

The objective was transformative: calling all peoples to become disciples of Christ. While this may include dialogue, the focus is on truth claims, repentance, and salvation, never on validating multiple paths to God.

B. Contending for the Faith

Jude 1:3 exhorts believers to “contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.” This call involves not only perseverance in the face of opposition, but also clarity: followers of Christ are to remain faithful to the apostolic doctrine, resisting any dilution or alteration arising from external religious influences.

2 John 1:10–11 starkly warns against offering hospitality or encouragement to those who bring a different teaching, suggesting that believers must carefully guard the doctrinal integrity of the faith.

V. Principles of Dialogue and Differences with Syncretism

A. Engagement without Affirmation of Other Gods

Biblical examples (e.g., Paul in Acts 17, Daniel in Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon) show believers actively conversing with those of other faiths, but always with the intention of glorifying God and calling others to repentance, not endorsing polytheism or worship of foreign deities.

Modern archaeological and historical research—including discoveries from ancient Levantine sites—continues to affirm the distinct identity of Israel’s worship, contrasting it with polytheistic cultures around them. The consistency of biblical manuscripts and the weight of textual evidence likewise underscore the uniqueness of the scriptural message: there is one God, and He desires commitment that excludes worship of other gods (Deuteronomy 6:4).

B. Dialogue vs. Partnership

New Testament teachings emphasize that while believers can (and should) converse with people outside the faith, there is a boundary when it comes to religious partnership. The consistent witness of Scripture is that God’s people must avoid compromising alliances that endorse other religions as equally valid.

Moreover, discussion aimed at learning about another’s perspective is distinct from a setting in which all viewpoints are accorded equal spiritual authority. The biblical model promotes proclaiming the singular truth of the gospel rather than mixing theological frameworks.

VI. Practical Guidance for Believers

A. Be Ready to Give a Defense

1 Peter 3:15 instructs, “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect.” This underscores that believers are indeed to engage intellectually and relationally with unbelievers or adherents of other faiths—yet never waver in proclaiming Christ as the sole path of salvation (John 14:6).

B. Maintain a Loving, Truth-Focused Posture

Love and respect must guide all interactions (John 13:34–35). As exemplified by historical Christian missionaries, the goal is not hostility, but gracious communication of the gospel. However, believers must remain vigilant against temptations to promote a pluralistic view that all religions lead to God. The scriptural mandate to love one’s neighbor does not imply endorsing contrary doctrines.

VII. Conclusion

Biblical teaching supports respectful engagement with individuals of other faith traditions—marked by love, humility, and a desire to share the redeeming work of Christ. Yet Scripture consistently cautions believers against endorsing, validating, or compromising with divergent worship or doctrines.

Interfaith dialogue, understood as cordial discussion with the aim of proclaiming biblical truth, is not only permissible but can be an avenue for evangelism. By contrast, interfaith dialogue that sets aside or blends core Christian doctrines for the sake of unity is not supported in Scripture. The dominant concern is fidelity to the gospel, grounded in the unparalleled salvation uniquely available through Christ’s resurrection.

Therefore, while there is room for respectful conversation, the Bible’s teachings underscore that the essential framework for any interfaith engagement remains anchored in proclaiming the one true God revealed in Scripture, calling all people everywhere to repent and believe in Christ.