This work delves into the fundamental issue of Otherness, from both sacred texts and communal experiences. Filled with profound psychological, theological, sociological, anthropological, and ethical dimensions, experiencing the Other is richly expressed within religious traditions.

Part I. Inclusion or Exclusion in the Sacred Texts Traditions.- Chapter 1. A Framework for Inclusion and Exclusion in Jewish Law and Practice.- Chapter 2. Does EVERYONE get to ride the “Great Vehicle”?–Exclusive Inclusivism in the Lotus Sūtra.- Chapter 3. Inclusive Evangelicalism? Towards an Ontology of Inclusion in Evangelical Christian Traditions.- Chapter 4. Revisiting Madinah Pact: Towards Rebuilding an Ideal Inclusive Society.- Chapter 5. Confucian Exclusivism: A Challenge to Confucian Exemplarist Morality.- Part II. Comparative Studies of Inclusion or Exclusion in Religious Traditions.- Chapter 6. Legitimating the Other’s Wisdom for Common Cause: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s Palm Sunday: Sermon on Mohandas K. Gandhi.- Chapter 7. Encountering God’s Grace in Islam: A Christian Reading of the Forty Hadith of Nawawī.- Chapter 8. From Exodus to Hizmet: Redefining Other and Self in Thought and Action.- Chapter 9. All Lovers are Welcome: Rumi and the Spirituality of Hospitality in Fihi ma fihi.- Part III. Contemporary Approaches to Inclusion or Exclusion in Religious Traditions.- Chapter 10. Search for Belongingness: A Social Rhetorical Reading on Migration in the Bible.- Chapter 11. Al-Walā’ Wa-Al-Barā’: The Principle of Loyalty to Muslims and Disavowal of Non-Muslims. Theorized by Ibn Taymiyya, Adopted and Developed by Early Wahhabism.- Chapter 12. Multiple Political Discourses in the Islamic Tradition.- Chapter 13. The Hateful Rhetoric against Muslims and the Authority-making of Islamic Identity.- Chapter 14. Religious Identity in a Pluralistic Age: The Paradox of Being Simultaneously Rooted and Open.

"In this astute meditation on the sacred texts of our multiple traditions, the interreligious spiral of hostility and hospitality toward the Other takes on a fresh transparency. The bottomless challenge of difference comes in this conversation into an energizing connectivity of spirit." —Catherine Keller, Professor of Constructive Theology, Drew University Theological School "This volume is a compelling anthology that marks a significant contribution to the field. Bringing together a diverse array of voices, it combines rigorous textual scholarship with a keen focus on the practical relevance of interreligious engagement, fostering deep understanding and dialogue across religious traditions." —Carolyn Roncolato, Director of Academic Initiatives, Interfaith America) "This volume shows the global diversity of perspectives on interfaith exclusiveness/inclusiveness. Anyone interested in the fundamental issues of religious pluralism and openness will find this book to be very helpful." —John O. Voll, Professor Emeritus of Islamic History at Georgetown University This work delves into the fundamental issue of Otherness, from both sacred texts and communal experiences. While the title adopts the dyad of “inclusion” or “exclusion”, these analyses broadly reflect nuanced critical considerations. Filled with profound psychological, theological, sociological, anthropological, and ethical dimensions, experiencing the Other is richly expressed within religious traditions. This book is a must for scholars interested in a multi-disciplinary approach to inclusivity and religion.  Muhammad Shafiq, professor of religious studies at Nazareth University, directs the Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies, holds the IIIT Chair for Islamic and Interfaith Studies. He teaches Islam, interfaith studies, comparative religion. He received his M.A./Ph.D./Fulbright Fellowship from Temple University. His research has culminated in 50+ articles, nine books and multiple national/international conferences. Thomas Donlin-Smith, professor of religious studies at Nazareth University, teaches comparative and biomedical ethics, religion and politics. His research analyzes religious ethics, science, and politics. He is an advisory board of the Hickey Center and serves on institutional research ethics committees. He received his M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary, and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.

“In this astute meditation on the sacred texts of our multiple traditions, the interreligious spiral of hostility and hospitality toward the Other takes on a fresh transparency. The bottomless challenge of difference comes in this conversation into an energizing connectivity of spirit.” (Catherine Keller, Professor of Constructive Theology, Drew University Theological School, author of “Facing Apocalypse: Climate, Democracy and Other Last Chances”) “Shafiq and Donlin-Smith, distinguished scholars in interreligious studies, have curated a compelling anthology that marks a significant contribution to the field. Bringing together a diverse array of voices, their book combines rigorous textual scholarship with a keen focus on the practical relevance of interreligious engagement. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking deep insights into fostering understanding and dialogue across religious traditions.” (Carolyn Roncolato, Director of Academic Initiatives, Interfaith America) “This volume shows the global diversity of perspectives on interfaith exclusiveness/inclusiveness. Anyone interested in the fundamental issues of religious pluralism and openness will find this book to be very helpful.” (John O. Voll, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Islamic History and past Associate Director of the Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University) “This is a timely collection of essays that explore various elements of the world's religious traditional approaches to inclusivity/exclusivity. The authors are known scholars in the field and their contributions all point to important ways in which religions can teach us more about what it means to be inclusive in an ever more pluralistic society. The various essays by providing textual, historical, and contemporary contexts to the way in which religions practice inclusion and exclusion will be important reading for a variety of religious studies and for anyone interested in how religion can be a positive force for social change in our ever more connected world.” (Dr. Zeki Saritoprak, Director, Bediüzzaman Said Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies and Professor of Islamic Studies, John Carroll University)