But Why Christianity? - John Vervaeke, Jordan Hall, Jonathan Pageau

The discussion begins with the exploration of Zen's formulation of the infinite in relation to the finite, touching on concepts like Emptiness is form and vice versa. The dialogue transitions to a query about the practice of prayer in Zen and delves into aspects of the infinite, its characteristics, and its relationship to humor. Participants also ponder the sacred as ultimately real and transformative, bringing a shift from egocentric to reality-centric perspectives.

The introduction welcomes participants John, Jordan, and Jonathan to a discussion sparked by their previous conversation. An announcement is made about John's upcoming class on cognitive science and ritual, exploring cognitive dimensions and rationality in rituals. The course promises a culminating dialogue. Appreciation for the invitation to teach is expressed, and the class’s focus is outlined, intending to bring new perspectives on ritual knowledge.

John outlines his Socratic and not skeptical intent in the discussion, emphasizing faith, trust, and belief. He discusses different interpretations of trust, emphasizing empirical observation versus participatory knowing, and the philosophical implications of primordial presuppositions. The conversation explores the faith perspective of both Buddhism and Christianity, raising questions about specificity in Christian faith.

The dialogue examines the pluralistic nature of faith across religions, particularly Buddhism and Christianity. John scrutinizes the validity of privileging one map or worldview over another, pointing out the pluralistic nature of relevance realization. Arguments related to relationality in Christianity via the Trinity and potential critiques from Buddhist and neoplatonist viewpoints are introduced, highlighting philosophical tensions.

Debates ensue around the Trinity’s relational aspects versus neoplatonic pure relationality, pondering Zen and other perspectives on non-duality. The proportionality of Christ in Christianity, particularly the Incarnate Logos, sparks examination of how this unique aspect affects relationality. The discussion questions the distinction and uniqueness Christianity may hold among worldviews in approaching the infinite and the role of incarnation.

The concept of eschatology in Christianity is discussed as a non-typical ‘map’ of ultimate reality, existing in myths and awaiting fulfillment. Jonathan emphasizes the incomplete yet forward-looking nature of Christian eschatology, discussing Christ’s involvement as both historical and forthcoming—the Alpha and the Omega. Dialogues cover the balance of unity and multiplicity, suggesting that Christian eschatology offers a perspective beyond reduction to propositions.

Christ’s incarnation in Christianity and its implications for relationality and personal involvement are probed further. Significance is placed on the hypostatic union and the particularity of Christ's presence and suffering, opening unique relational possibilities. Participants explore how Christianity approaches the finite meeting the infinite, unique in its embodied, historical manifestation of the divine.

The dialogue navigates the nature of suffering and its perceived redemptive role in Christianity, and how it contrasts with escapism found in other religious traditions. Unique to Christianity, suffering interweaves with transformation and joy, echoing the theme of reciprocal opening. There is a reinterpretation of non-duality, not as annihilation but embracing differentiation and deeper relationality.

The conversation converges on the grounding of faith, articulating the transformative and immersive experience of love and suffering in Christianity. The participants delve into the existential relevance of sacrificial love and its demonstration through Christ. They underline that deep relational intimacy is rooted not in escape but engagement with reality, echoing themes of ontological goodness and its manifest unity in diversity.

The group's discourse transcends individual apprehensions and explores dialogical manifestations across faith practices. Intimacy within the relational framework of love, mirrored in familial contexts and broader theological paradigms, underscores Christianity as enabling profound participatory knowing. They reflect on Christian community as an embodiment of ideals facilitating human-divine communion.

Participants further develop discourse on the role of love and reciprocal self-emptying or kenosis in faith practices, considering performative contradictions. They critically evaluate the volitional paradox in pursuing self-dissolution as an actualizing act of faith. Aspects of agape, dialogue, and mutual transformation become focal points in understanding how faith actions reflect profound connectiveness.

The discourse elaborates on the incorporation of ontotheology within structures of faith, noting potential pitfalls and theological stances. Whether the divine 'cares' presents a complex relational point, obliging reconciling relationality and transcendence. They navigate ontological stances without anthropomorphizing the divine excessively, preserving divine mystery while attempting to articulate its relational nature.

The dialogue tackles anthropomorphism, cautioning against simplifications of divine care within faith frameworks. Emphasis on relationality and the divine's nature beyond simplistic personal attributes prompts a revisitation of love's depth in divine context. They confront religious assertions and ontologies carefully, querying if characteristics attributed to the divine align with descriptions of intrinsic love.

The participants consider constructs of love within divine context, engaging concepts like presence and intimacy, without analogizing divinity to human-like sentient actions. They probe the experiential engagement with divine love and its theological implications, resisting ontological reduction. Reciprocity and the relational sense of God’s love in Christian understanding are critically unpacked, highlighting complex interplay between divine love and relational theology.

Reflections pivot to integrating insights from other traditions while maintaining distinct Christian identity. The reconciliation of community experience amidst differing religious interpretations and practices offers fertile ground for enriched faith expressions. Engagement in shared experience affirms Christianity's grounding in communal, relational, and eschatological practices, urging broader inclusivity beyond dogmatic stances.