This thesis is informed by the reality of human suffering as it manifests itself globally throughout the world, regionally in Asia, particularly East Asia, and more specifically in the context of Korea. Globally speaking, the complexities of human suffering as well as the qualitative and quantitative magnitude of human suffering are beyond the understanding and control of individuals, groups and nations. Mindful of this reality, the thesis asserts that there exists an urgent need for interreligious cooperation among adherents of all religions of the world so that together they may find ways of responding to those who suffer. It argues that interreligious cooperation directed toward the alleviation and prevention of human suffering is not an option but an obligation to all adherents of all religions. The thesis takes as its particular focus the interreligious cooperation of Christians and Buddhists. It asserts that while Christians and Buddhists have distinctive and differentiated understandings of the nature and meaning of human suffering, both religions share a common concern for and commitment to those who suffer.
