Philosophy Bridging The World Religions

This is the fifth and last volume of the EXPO-Discourses of the World Religions (World Exposition EXPO 2000, Hannover, Germany). The series aims at a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in their theological and philosophical propositions. It sees in philosophy a bridge between the religions and a means to overcome religious hostility and fundamentalism and to further the dialogue of the religions.

This extraordinary volume models a fruitful interaction between the profound discoveries of the natural sciences and the venerable and living wisdoms of the world's major religions. Bridging Science and Religion brings together distin-guished contributors to the sciences, comparative philosophy, and religious studies to address the most important current questions in the field. Sponsored by the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences in Berkeley, it is an ideal starting point for novices, yet has much to offer academics, professionals, and students. Part 1 establishes a working methodology for bridge-building between scientific and religious approaches to reality. Part 2 lays down the challenge to current theological and ethical positions from genetics, neuroscience, natural law, and evolutionary biology. Part 3 offers a religious response to modern science from scholars working out of Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, Orthodox, Latin American Catholic, and Chinese contexts. Showcasing attitudes toward science from outside the West and an inclusive and comparative perspective, Bridging Science and Religion brings a new and timely dimension to this burgeoning field.

Responding to the contemporary situation of escalating violence, often driven by religious and ideological differences, the InterAction Council of former world leaders engages scholars and religious leaders of all world faiths in one of the most important debates of our time. Bridging the Divide poses fundamental questions: Can religion help build bridges between civilizations in conflict? Is a global ethic possible? Believing that religious misunderstanding has led to world conflict, the Council, led by Helmut Schmidt, former chancellor of the federal republic of Germany, has developed a research agenda to ask the following questions: Can religious become a force for peace? Can the virtue of tolerance be taught? Do world religions share a core ethic? What can be done to thwart those who exploit and abuse faith for their own ends? Bridging the Divide makes available the results of these explorations. The first two sections present perspectives on Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Shinto. Religious practitioners and scholars look beyond the differences toward a common goal - a global ethic of mutual respect, compassion, and peace. In the third section, politicians and academics discuss the possibility of a universal ethic, while the fourth section presents a culmination of this work - a draft of a Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities.

"This title was first published in 2002. One of the most fascinating and controversial interpretations of religious diversity is 'religious pluralism.' According to John Hick's model of religious pluralism, all the world's great religions are equally valid ways of understanding and responding to the ultimate spiritual reality. This book offers an exposition of, and critical response to, John Hick's model. Introducing the various interpretations of religious diversity being discussed today, this book presents constructive suggestions as to how things could be further developed to offer a more accurate, less confusing presentation of the various options in theology of religions. The standard threefold typology of responses to religious diversity - exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism - are explained and defended. Hick's pluralist interpretation of religious diversity is traced, culminating in a critical assessment of Hick's pluralistic model and an up-to-date summary of a variety of critiques directed toward Hick's proposal. Paul Rhodes Eddy concludes that Hick's present model is ultimately unsuccessful in retaining both of his long-cherished goals, a robust religious realism and a consistent religious pluralism, whilst overcoming the most difficult problem for the pluralist, the fact that the world's religions understand the divine in often contradictory ways."--Provided by publisher.

For more than forty-five years this study guide has introduced readers to the origins and teachings of major non-Christian faiths. In this fourth edition the contents of the book have been entirely revised, with many of the chapters completely rewritten.