Contemplative Glossary

Collins English Dictionary defines interfaith as "relating to, between, or involving different religions."

Two major connotations of interfaith seem to be in tension with each other:

1. interaction between traditional faith groups
2. life in wilderness between traditions

Similar to the word "international", the first is like the Olympics or the United Nations — in which everybody is from specific country. The second is like "international waters", which nobody owns.

An interesting question arises: Does one need to have a "native" religion or spirituality (as with "nationality"), or can "interfaith" essentially be a religious home unto itself (akin to being "multi-ethnic," nomadic or ... a sea creature)?  Opinions on that question range from traditionalist ("you need a home base") to postmodern ("religions are illusory constructs").