We could not conceive of it, let alone do it, in the past. The primary purpose of dialogue is to learn, that is, to change and grow in the perception and understanding of reality, and then to act accordingly. Interreligious, interideological dialogue must be a two-sided project within each religious or ideological community and between religious or ideological communities. Each participant must come to the dialogue with complete honesty and sincerity. Each participant must define himself or herself.
Dialogue can take place only on the basis of mutual trust.
Persons entering into interreligious, interideological dialogue must be at least minimally self-critical of both themselves and their own religious or ideological traditions. John Dunne here speaks of 'passing over' into another's religious or ideological experience and then coming back enlightened, broadened, and deepened. Nor will a Hindu ever fully understand Christianity unless he, in one way or another, becomes Christian. Oceans, mountains, deserts no longer isolate cultures and religions. Questions for Reflection and the Course Discussion List 1.