30 April 2026
Interreligious Relations (IRR) Issue 34 – Online Interfaith Dialogue: Authenticity and Identity by Andrew Smith, Dilwar Hussain, Oemer Shener, Rifah Nanjiba, and Sophie Thalmayr
Abstract:
During the COVID-19 pandemic many interfaith groups turned to the online sphere to hold dialogue meetings and for many this was their first experience of meeting in this way. This paper explores the theological and philosophical implications of meeting online, seeking to understand the nature of such meetings and the impact on the participants. The article starts with a literature review exploring some key themes in interfaith dialogue and an overview of research into online religious encounters. It goes on to explore themes of authenticity and identity drawing on the qualitative research undertaken by the authors and their collaborators amongst leaders and participants in online interfaith dialogue meetings. It identifies what authenticity means in the online sphere and to what extent online interfaith dialogue can be described in this way. It goes on to consider the ways in which identity can be transformed through dialogue and whether this is possible when meeting online.
Abstract:
During the COVID-19 pandemic many interfaith groups turned to the online sphere to hold dialogue meetings and for many this was their first experience of meeting in this way. This paper explores the theological and philosophical implications of meeting online, seeking to understand the nature of such meetings and the impact on the participants. The article starts with a literature review exploring some key themes in interfaith dialogue and an overview of research into online religious encounters. It goes on to explore themes of authenticity and identity drawing on the qualitative research undertaken by the authors and their collaborators amongst leaders and participants in online interfaith dialogue meetings. It identifies what authenticity means in the online sphere and to what extent online interfaith dialogue can be described in this way. It goes on to consider the ways in which identity can be transformed through dialogue and whether this is possible when meeting online.
