by Isabel Smyth

Seeking Common Ground is a dialogue between a Catholic theologian and an atheist philosopher, between Dr Peter Admirand, Professor of Theology and Director of the Centre for Interreligious Dialogue at Dublin City University and Dr Andrew Fiala, Professor of Philosophy and the Director of the Ethics Centre at California State University. Rather than getting caught up in traditional theist/atheist polemical dialogues, with one side or the other trying to prove or disprove the existence of God, the authors have chosen to focus on what they call common ground, i.e. a set of virtues which they consider essential for good dialogue, of whatever kind, and allow for honest conversation and a common search for understanding without suspicion or resentment.

Having learned something of the faith journey of each of the writers, the chapters focus on a virtue, suggested by one of the writers and then responded to by the other. There are seven virtues in all – harmony, courage, humility, curiosity, honesty, compassion and honour. The writers explore each virtue from their own perspective and tradition which allows for reflections on issues such as theodicy (a recurring theme in the chapters), the interpretation of scriptures, the nature of religion and interreligious dialogue.