The Philosophy of Self and Other in the Thought of the Divine Religions

Abstract

An attentive reading of the contemporary global context, particularly the situation of the Muslim community, reveals that conflict is no longer limited to the economic and political domains shaped by globalization, but has also taken on a distinctly religious dimension. This is manifested both within individual societies, through sectarian divisions, and in the interactions among followers of the three Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Such a reality can largely be explained by the growing detachment of many adherents from the true essence of their religious teachings, coupled with the rising dominance of certain religious discourses that have gradually supplanted the foundational message of religion. As a result, the discourse of some religious authorities—priests, rabbis, and jurists—has, at times, come to overshadow the original religious message grounded in spiritual and humanistic values.
Nevertheless, this assessment should not be indiscriminately applied to all religious figures, as many have remained committed to the spirit of dialogue and coexistence that lies at the heart of the divine revelations. Yet, certain movements and sectarian trends within the three religions have contributed to reshaping religious discourse, shifting it from a framework based on tolerance and dialogue to one marked by ideological confrontation and conflict, thereby distancing it from the fundamental purpose of religion, which is to foster shared human values.
In light of this, it becomes essential to return to the authentic religious discourses within Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—discourses that have historically sought to mitigate religious conflict and to oppose all forms of extremism. From this standpoint, the article seeks to examine the religious heritage of these three traditions with the aim of reviving the common human values that unite followers of different faiths, values rooted in the recognition of difference as a legitimate form of diversity rather than a cause of discord. The discussion will therefore be confined to presenting three illustrative models drawn from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic heritage that exemplify these principles of coexistence.