The Spirit, Hermeneutics, and Dialogues

The second half of the 20th century witnessed unprecedented enthusiasm for
inner-Christian ecumenical dialogue as well as Christian-Jewish dialogue.
However, at the time of the transition from the 20th to the 21st century
the dialogues were marked by disillusionment and disappointment due to the
fact that not enough progress was experienced with regard to concrete
everyday issues. Moreover theoretical points of disagreement remained
obstacles for a real mutual understanding, the major ones being the
interpretation of certain Biblical passages (esp. John 14:6 and 15:26) and
their implications for Christology and the theology of the Trinity. This
book explores “new hermeneutics for renewed dialogues.” To use a metaphor
found in the book, the contributions of this volume are suggesting “new
songs” with regard to the dialogues by proposing a future-oriented
hermeneutics and a shift from an exclusive focus on Christology to
including Pneumatology and thus the doctrine of the Trinity. By so doing
the authors and editors intend to offer a new impetus and a new
<i>élan</i> in Roman Catholic-Eastern Orthodox as well as Christian-Jewish
dialogues. The co-authors of this book contribute pneumatological
hermeneutical insights from their respective Protestant, (Christian)
Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Jewish perspectives.