Abstract

A French member of the Missionaries of Africa, Lagarde has devoted much of his life to teaching at PISAI. He charts the four-fold development of his life and practice through: understanding, respect, recognition of the mutual right to be different, and witness - to invite others to make the same journey. His academic discipline has been in Qur'an commentary making a major contribution to the study of Fakhr al-Din al-Razi. The chapter develops the thesis that "meaning lies in difference:" so cultures and religions acquire depth and significance in relation to one another not in isolation. The thesis is exemplified in the difference between Islamic gnosis and Christian soteriology, the differences within Muslim scholarship concerning the Qur'an, and the different ways in which common material can be used. The climax of the thesis is reached: the meaning of the transcendence of God lies in difference itself.

Share