Caring for Future Generations: Jewish, Christian and Islamic Perspectives is the title of a book soon to be published by the Future Generations Programme at the Foundation for International Studies. The book which is edited by Rev. Dr. E. Agius and Prof. S. Busuttil is a collection of papers delivered by distinguished scholars such as Prof. Hans Küng and Rabbi Jeremy Rosen, during an international conference convened by the Future Generations Programme at the Foundation for International Studies in collaboration with the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta.

The great strength of the book is its timely and rigorous treatment of our responsibilities towards future generations from an inter-faith perspective that investigates possibilities of practical collaboration between the three monotheistic faiths in the Mediterranean. The spiritual powers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam offer a fundamental sense of hope for the future and together they provide a potential working force for the common defence and promotion of the rights of generations yet to come. As stated by the editors in their preface to the book:

The three monotheistic religions are discovering more and more that what unites them is more important than what divides them. Moreover, the points of difference are of lesser consequence in many respects than those of convergence. They have, for example, a common conviction of the fundamental unity of the human family. The unity of past, present and future generations, as one community of humankind created by God, is embraced by Jews, Christians and Muslims. The leaders of these three religions have become more alive to their common mission to see that the goods of the earth, bequeathed by the Creator, are destined to be shared by all members of the human species, including unborn generations. This concept provides perhaps the most fundamental basis for all efforts of solidarity, cooperation and partnership, and offers a lasting security through peaceful co-existence and development between the peoples of the Mediterranean.

The Jewish perspective stresses the interdependence of human beings and the need to work collectively to the benefit of all humanity. As agents of God, we are custodians of this earth - hence the need to harvest its resources with responsibility. The educational agenda should be broadened to embrace global issues and children should be trained to face global challenges in a responsible way. This theme of child education is central also to the Christian perspective which solicits a new curriculum that equips students with the capacity to make moral decisions in favour of lasting peace

The priority of responsible parenthood emerges as another crucial tenet in the Christian tradition that ensures the passing on of basic values and ethical guidelines to our progeny. Both the institution of marriage and the family are accorded an indispensable place in Islamic society because of their highly significant contribution to the well-being of present and future generations. Further responsibility towards generations yet to come is shown by Muslims in conceding an independent legal status on the unborn and obliging parents to care responsibly for their children.

The Christian perspective incites present generations to strive for peace between nations through a worldwide dialogue that aims for some form of consensus. Such a global ethic would 'bind' present and future generations and ensure a pluralistic world society that encourages cooperation and peace. The moral challenge of sustainable development, understood as encompassing the concern of developing and developed societies as well as the interests of unborn generations, ranges far and wide over the population debate, the question of intergenerational justice and equal distribution of wealth and opportunities and the church's social concern regarding ecological responsibility. Through separate contributions the Christian response offers an elaborate treatment of each of these issues. Environmental issues are also central to the Islamic perspective and a myriad of citations from the Qur'an, related to the protection and conservation of natural resources and the environment, is provided.

The great symbolism behind the scriptural reference to Abraham as father of all generations is thoroughly explored and broadened to embrace the inheritance of his legacy by future generations. A philosophical treatment of the word 'adventus' that invites responsible persons to listen attentively to that which is to come, including the plea of future neighbours, brings the Christian perspective to a conclusion.

The book is an outstanding example of an inter-faith dialogue on an opportune theme that is of common concern to all peoples irrespective of their religious believes. The listening and sharing characteristic of such constructive dialogues advance inter-religious understanding and offer a common way forward in our attempts to reach out to future generations. For it is by such dialogues that we come to act responsibly together on common global issues and promote certain basic values and common ethical standards. The care for future generations is an issue we must all take seriously. And this pleasant and lucid book offers a good start at it from a three dimensional perspective!