Publisher's Synopsis
Religions are not only cultural artefacts. Their peaceful coexistence cannot be secured simply by ignoring the doctrines that divide - and define - them. Throughout the ages, the proponents of divergent religious views did argue about differences. The 'Disputatio Raimundi christiani et Homeri saraceni' is in the focus of this volume: the Christian Ramon's dispute with the Muslim Homer ('Umar), held in 1307 and written down in 1308, provides an ideal example for a case study of medieval Christian-Muslim dialogue, despite the fact that the conditions were somewhat unequal, the Christian being in jail and the Muslim scholar sent to convert him. Although the purpose on both sides was mission through dialogue and not dialogue as such, the Disputatio Raimundi proves Ramon Llull (1232-1316) to have been an extraordinary medieval intellectual and a precursor of interreligious dialogue in the modern sense. This volume discusses the important aspect of disputing with Islam in the life and work of Ramon Llull as well as in 13th century Christian-Muslim relations in general. For the latter the Disputatio Raimundi serves as a test case and thematic guideline. The volume develops a framework for the study of this work of Ramon Llull's and connects it with the wider medieval debate on Christian-Muslim relations.
