In this chapter I discuss theoretical challenges to the traditional dialogue theories as well as challenges set by the changing religious landscape of our time. The first aim of this chapter is to develop a broader theoretical basis for research on interreligious dialogue. To be relevant today, I argue, research on interreligious dialogue must be able to include all four dimensions of the dialogue canopy, presented in Chapter 1, in its theoretical and methodological orbit. The starting point is a critical discussion of the analytical triad of exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralism which constitutes the backbone of most research strategies within the field. By putting this traditional approach centred on the issue of truth into question, my aim is to re-examine the fundamental paradigms guiding the research field today. The issue of who has the truth is not deemed as illegitimate, but focus is shifted towards more individual, ethically and practically driven spiritual enquiries.

After examining the theoretical critique directed towards contemporary dialogue epistemologies, I continue by outlining the practical challenges to dialogue set by our contemporary circumstances. The modern project and the secular values connected to it are increasingly put into question today by scholars and individual believers alike, giving rise to the emerging discourse of post-secular values and transformations. As a consequence, the traditional cultural and societal platform for dialogue as a meeting of theologically, historically and institutionally fixed entities erodes.