THE WORKS OF LEONARD AS A MODEL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE IN EX - YUGOSLAVIC AREAS IN THE XXI CENTURY (FROM NATIONALISM TO INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE)

Abstract

The article examines the work of Leonard Swidler as a model for inter-religious dialogue in ex-Yugoslav areas in the 21st century. It aims to analyse the role of interreligious dialogue in the neutralisation of nationalism. This is particularly evident in the interweaving of nationalist and religious communities, where religious communities emerge as the instigators of nationalism. In addition, religious leaders assume the role of unofficial national and state leaders. The national and state interest is derived from the interpretation of religious interest. Consequently, politicians and national and state leaders frequently become mere puppets in their hands. This pattern was particularly evident during the Yugoslav conflict in the late 20th century. The traumatic effects of the conflict are still evident in the present day. Concurrently, religious leaders in the former Yugoslav territories occupy a significant position, not only in the formulation of state and national policy, but also in the formation of public opinion within the regions over which they hold religious authority. In his oeuvre, the American theologian Leonard Swidler analyses the processes of interfaith dialogue as a model for resolving conflict situations involving religious opposites. It should be noted that his works do not present a definitive formula for such conflict resolution; rather, they offer a contribution to this issue. Religious dialogue is a practice that is not characteristic of the contemporary era of bourgeois society; as a result, it is timeless and extraterritorial. It is for this reason that a sample of ex-Yugoslav areas was selected as representative, given that religious contrasts are a significant factor.