Tables of peace: constructing a theology of an interreligious welcome table

Abstract

Welcoming ones religious neighbor can be challenging. This project explores theological and scriptural elements of welcoming religious neighbors from a Christian perspective. This Welcome Table is built around four components. First, the project explores a Christian perspective of hospitality and the complexities of the practice through the lens of cosmopolitan theology. Second, the project suggests an alternative reading of a Biblical text, which has been used to exclude the religious other. Third, it examines a growing body of theological reflection of food. Finally, the project advocates for a practice of interreligious hospitality by sharing food, fellowship, and conversation with interreligious participants.