Response to Professor Feldmeier By Paul John Shore

Abstract

Professor Feldmeier’s thoughtful response provides a useful context for
considering both Lomellini’s work and the undertakings of seventeenth
century Jesuits more generally. Jesuits such as De Nobili and Ricci were exceptional
and deeply engaged with the cultures with which they dialogued.
Far more Jesuits were like Lomellini and knew what they believed to be true
about other faith traditions from informants or books. Since these Jesuits
helped shape European perceptions of Islam, we need to learn more about
how they understood that faith, and their own faith as well.