Different Paths, Different Summits


Book Description

In a world where religious pluralism is a necessity of modern life, diverse religions exist for the diverse people populating the earth. Theologically, how do people of different faiths find liberation in their separate gods simultaneously? Stephen Kaplan answers this question with his new book, Different Paths, Different Summits. He presents a model for religous pluralism that does not fall victim to the criticisms of pluralist models. Visit our website for sample chapters!




SCM Core Text: Christian Approaches to Other Faiths


Book Description

The textbook begins with a chapter on exclusivism, inclusivism, particularity and pluralism, and one on interfaith. Each chapter explains the history, rationale and workings of the various approaches. Moreover, each is divided into sub-sections dealing with various forms of each approach, so that each may be appreciated in its individuality, i.e. the chapter on 'Inclusivism' will include sections on 'fulfilment theology' 'anonymous Christians', etc.The second part of this textbook deals with attitudes towards different faiths, considering the problems and relations that exist with Christian approaches to each. It will deal with the world's major faiths as well as primal religions and new religious movements. The introduction and conclusion will deal with some central themes that run throughout, in particular, the questions of the Trinity and concepts of salvation. In each section reference will be made to the key texts discussed in the Reader which accompanies this(9780334041155), however, the work may be read as a stand alone text.




The Grace of Being Fallible in Philosophy, Theology, and Religion


Book Description

Why is epistemic fallibilism a viable topic for Christian thought and cultural engagement today? Religious fundamentalists and scientific positivists tend to deal with reality in terms of “knockdown” arguments, and such binary approaches to lived reality have helped to underwrite the belligerence and polarization that mark this age of the social media echo chamber. For those who want to take both religion and science seriously, epistemic fallibilism offers a possible moderating stance that claims neither too much nor too little for either endeavor, nor forces a decision for one side over and against the other. This book uses this epistemological approach to fallibilism as a positive resource for conversations that arise at the intersection of philosophy, theology, and religion. The essays explore a range of openings into the interstices of these often siloed fields, with the aim of overcoming some of the impasses separating diverse ways of knowing.




Christian Approaches to Other Faiths


Book Description

A textbook that explains the history, rationale and workings of the various approaches. It deals with attitudes towards different faiths, considering the problems and relations that exist with Christian approaches.




Liberal Studies at the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning Universiti Malaysia Sabah


Book Description

This book presents a collection of cross-discipline articles that serves to close the documentation gap in liberal arts. It is anticipated that the repertoire of knowledge in this book could benefit students from both public and private institutions, particularly those taking liberal art courses at the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning (Pusat Penataran Ilmu dan Bahasa – PPIB). This publication offers resources for academicians and researchers from various fields related to liberal arts. Although the articles were based on scientific and academic writing with specific concepts and epistemological thoughts, they also contain global and general knowledge concepts which may be appreciated and considered appropriate for public or general reading.




Religion within the Limits of History Alone


Book Description

Among the greatest challenges facing religious thinkers today is that created by historicism, the notion that human beings and their myriad understandings of reality are utterly historical, conditioned by contingent circumstances and tied to particular contexts. In this book, Demian Wheeler confronts the historicist challenge by delineating and defending a particular trajectory of historicist thought known as pragmatic historicism. Rooted in the German Enlightenment and fully developed within the early Chicago school of theology, pragmatic historicism is a predominantly American tradition that was philosophically nurtured by classical pragmatism and its intellectual siblings, naturalism and radical empiricism. Religion within the Limits of History Alone not only undertakes a detailed genealogy of this pragmatic historicist lineage but also sets forth a constructive program for contemporary theology by charting a path for its future development. Wheeler shows that pragmatic historicism is an underdeveloped resource for contemporary theology since it offers a model for normative religious thought that is theologically compelling yet wholly nonsupernaturalistic, deeply pluralistic, unflinchingly liberal, and radically historicist.




God Beyond Boundaries


Book Description

Fruitful relationships and constructive interaction between religions have become more important than ever. But what about the issues of truth and conflicting truth claims? Is it a betrayal of one's own faith to acknowledge the truth of other religions? The current work is the first English translation of "Gott ohne Grenzen", published in 2005. In this much acclaimed study, Perry Schmidt-Leukel defends religious pluralism showing under which presuppositions Christians can accept other religions as equally valid without denying their differences. He discusses in detail how the pluralist position opens up new perspectives in Christianity's dialogue with Jews, Muslim, Hindus and Buddhists. Schmidt-Leukel, Perry, Prof. Dr., ist Professor für Religionswissenschaft und interkulturelle Theologie an der Universität Münster. Er ist am Exzellenzcluster Religion und Politik der Universität Münster beteiligt. Er ist Mitglied im international advisory board des Forschungsprojektes 'Religion und Dialog in modernen Gesellschaften' an der Akademie der Weltreligionen der Universität Hamburg. Seine Schwerpunkte sind unter anderem Theologie der Religionen, interreligiöse Beziehungen, christlich-buddhistischer Dialog und Pluralismusfähigkeit der Religionen.




Institutionalised Summits in International Governance


Book Description

This book analyses the role of institutionalised summits in international governance, adding a fresh perspective to the controversial debate over the value of institutionalised summits for international governance. It argues that the contribution of these summits to negotiating and implementing international agreements on policy change is ambivalent. Based on an innovative theoretical model the books proposes that states strategically select summits with their specific institutional design for advancing their policy preferences. Developing the route to the summit and the route from the summit as precise causal mechanisms, the author argues that these choices explain the ambivalence of summit involvement. With empirically rich case studies on the Group of 7 (G7) and the European Council, the book provides a rare systematic comparison of different summits. The empirical record shows strikingly similar patterns for the G7 and the European Council, but it also points to variation deserving further attention in the study of summits in different institutional environments. It will be of interest to researchers in International Relations, Global Governance, and European Politics, and those interested in global institutions and decision-making.




The INTRAfaith Conversation: How Do Christians Talk Among Ourselves About INTERfaith Matters?


Book Description

"This crisp and cogent book by the Rev. Dr. Strouse is published at a time when both interfaith and intrafaith dialogue are critical to the vitality of spiritual life in our nation. As a parish pastor in a small, struggling congregation I have become increasingly aware of the insularity and isolation of many of our parishioners. This seems less the result of inadequate parish education as it is the byproduct of too many people getting their information from biased TV networks, so-called social media or word-of-mouth. We parish pastors need to examine our internal (intra-congregational) conversations about diverse faith traditions and how they bear on congregational mission. I was particularly impressed by the author's use of footnotes and her extensive bibliography. The book is a "walking-talking workshop" in print with its detailed reflection/discussion questions and suggestions for further reading. Thank you, Pastor Strouse, for such a comprehensive presentation of how to approach constructively this timely and important conversation." - Review by Richard G. Eddy.




Recompense: Streams, Summits and Reflections


Book Description

Recompense: Streams, Summits and Reflections is a compilation of essays, some of which have been previously published. Divided into personal, experiential pieces, regional, historical selections and fishing tales, this book is a collection of expositions that exemplify the humbling effect nature and culture can have on the human soul. A story of the loss of one of the worlds great alpinists is contrasted by a recollection of a high-profile rescue high on Maines Mount Katahdin and a two-year old boys first rock climb. Cultural lessons learned during expeditions to Bolivia and Patagonia parallel interpretations of climbing and skiings development in New England and the societal uniqueness of rural Washington States trout fishing community. Recounts of intimidation in the intensive care unit and memories of fishing the open waters of Montana highlight the impact of the natural world on interpersonal relationships and their effect on the mind of a doctor in training. Recompense: Streams, Summits and Reflections is a balanced selection of essays that will delight readers.