Introduction to Scriptural Reasoning by Norbert Litoing, SJ, Director CISA @Kingsly Amalanathan, SJ
On 20 May 2025, the Centre for Interfaith Studies in Africa (CISA), in collaboration with the Harmony Institute, hosted a landmark Scriptural Reasoning session at Hekima University College in Nairobi. Themed “Divine Mercy and Justice,” the session brought together approximately 90 participants, including Muslim and Christian scholars, students, clergy, and members of the wider public. This gathering marked a significant step in CISA’s ongoing efforts to foster respectful interreligious dialogue and deepen mutual understanding across faith traditions.
The event began with a warm welcome from CISA’s director, followed by a brief introduction to the method and goals of Scriptural Reasoning (SR). As explained to participants, SR is a practice of interfaith dialogue that invites people of different religious backgrounds to read and reflect together on their sacred texts. Unlike traditional debates or theological arguments, SR encourages listening, questioning, and seeking understanding through shared engagement with scripture. It does not aim for consensus but rather for a deeper appreciation of both commonalities and differences.
Dr. Erkan Tashkyn, Executive Director, Harmony Institute @Kingsly Amalanathan, SJ
Facilitators from both CISA and the Harmony Institute guided participants through a structured session focused on texts from the Qur’an and the Bible that touch on the themes of mercy and justice—two foundational concepts in both Islamic and Christian theology. The selected passages included verses from the Qur’an that speak of Allah as Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim—the Most Merciful and Compassionate—as well as Qur’anic reflections on divine justice and human accountability. From the Christian tradition, passages from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament highlighted God’s mercy in the covenantal relationship with humanity and the justice of God manifested through the prophets and the teachings of Jesus.
After a careful reading of the texts in small interreligious groups, participants engaged in open discussion, raising questions, sharing personal interpretations, and offering insights from their respective traditions. These group conversations were marked by a spirit of curiosity, humility, and mutual respect.
Group discussions @Kingsly Amalanathan, SJ
For many attendees, this was their first exposure to scripture from another faith tradition. One Christian participant noted, “I had never read from the Qur’an before. I was struck by how often mercy is mentioned—it reminded me of the Psalms.” A Muslim attendee reflected, “Reading the Bible alongside my Christian colleagues opened my eyes to how similar our values are. Justice and compassion are central for both of us.” These kinds of reactions underscored the power of Scriptural Reasoning to create new spaces of learning and empathy.
Other participants with prior experience in interfaith settings were no less impacted. One Muslim theology student remarked, “Even though I’ve engaged in interreligious dialogue before, this was different. We weren’t just talking about religion—we were reading together, and that made it more personal and profound.” A Catholic nun added, “Hearing a Muslim reflection on a Biblical passage reminded me of how God speaks in many ways. It expanded my understanding of the text I thought I knew.”
Facilitators noted the richness of the discussions and the thoughtful engagement of participants throughout the session. The methodology of Scriptural Reasoning—structured yet open, text-centred yet relational—proved to be a powerful tool for building trust and uncovering shared ethical concerns, particularly around the pressing issues of mercy and justice in our societies.
The theme of “Divine Mercy and Justice” resonated deeply in the African context, where questions of social justice, forgiveness, reconciliation, and communal harmony are ever-present. Participants reflected on how these theological principles translate into action in contexts marked by inequality, violence, and religious misunderstanding. In this regard, the session also served as a prompt for thinking about the practical implications of interfaith dialogue and scriptural engagement for peacebuilding and social transformation.
The event concluded with a plenary sharing session, in which representatives from each group summarised their discussions. Common threads included the recognition of shared values, the appreciation for encountering the “other” in a non-confrontational setting, and the desire for more opportunities to engage in this kind of dialogue. Many participants expressed a strong interest in future sessions and encouraged CISA and the Harmony Institute to continue and expand this initiative.
Feedback from the groups @Kingsly Amalanathan, SJ
As one participant summarised, “What we did today was more than academic. It was spiritual, relational, and deeply human.”
The success of the session reflects CISA’s ongoing commitment to promoting interreligious understanding through scholarship, dialogue, and community engagement. As part of its broader mission, CISA continues to seek collaborative partnerships that build bridges across religious divides and equip individuals with the tools for thoughtful, compassionate, and informed engagement with others.
In a world often marked by religious misunderstanding and polarization, events such as this Scriptural Reasoning session offer a hopeful alternative: spaces where people can come together around sacred texts—not to agree on everything, but to listen, learn, and grow together.