Pluralism The Future Of Religion

Theology of religions has defaulted in the last two decades to an epicyclic inclusivism which seeks to undermine pluralism with claims that it is covertly triumphalistic and that it mirrors the logic of exclusivism. With the exception of pioneers in the field such as John Hick and Paul Knitter, most major figures in this theological field have retreated from pluralism and promote versions of particularism and inclusivism. Pluralism: The Future of Religion argues for an apophatic pluralism that is motivated by the insight that it is impossible to secure universal assent for changeable bodies of religious teachings. This insight implies the non-finality and consequent 'departicularization' of all religious teachings and their inclusivistic defenses. These conclusions point us inevitably toward pluralism and lead us out of the inclusivistic impasse of contemporary theology in religions.

We live an era of globalization, and the world’s religious traditions are deeply impacted. Throughout the world, an increased awareness about and access to the world’s religions, whether through modern media, human encounter, or education, raises new questions. How should we think about different traditions? What do they mean? How should Christians respond? This book is about how to interpret the fact of many religions, concentrating on what we call the ‘”world religions’,” for this has been the focus of most of the theological debate over the past fifty years or so. It aims to equip Christian thinkers with a positive, affirming understanding of religious diversity, and to help Christians articulate the meaning of this diversity in the real world. The result for the reader is comfort, curiosity, and engagement in future meetings with members of other traditions, along with lowered anxiety and deepened understanding of the marvelous diversity of human religious

Featuring coverage of all the major religions, this is a fascinating introduction to the manner in which each world faith views the others.

Inspired by pragmatism, this book addresses religious plurality with the aim of bringing forth how it may be approached constructively by Christian theology. Accordingly, not doctrine, but practices are focussed in its analyses of interreligious topics. Henriksen argues that engagement with the diversity of religious traditions should be grounded in openness towards the other, and resistance against making others similar to oneself. Accordingly, the book presents a theological approach where interaction between religious practitioners is considered a benefit and a necessity for the positive future of religious traditions. It will be of interest to anyone who is interested in the understanding of religious pluralism from the point of view of Christian theology.

Based on a symposium held in Istanbul, Turkey.

Christian theology of religions remains a central component of the Christian response to global religious diversity. In the face of theological refusals to engage with issues of religious absolutism and new impressions from interreligious encounters, this book seeks to inject fresh energy into a debate that has stalled in recent years. The encounter between Christians and people of different religious persuasions raises questions of how to interpret Christian absolutism for a new and developing consciousness that values the experience of the religious other. This book argues that interreligious dialogue, interreligious ethical collaboration, and comparative studies all point to a pluralist future, where we are obliged to recognize the spiritual authenticity of the experience animating many religions. Building friendly relations between faith communities is to be applauded but it is insufficient in the face of the many challenges confronting the global human community. Whether we are speaking of cooperation in civil society, peace in the world, or the overarching ecological crisis encompassing the planet as a whole, the acceptance of the diversity of religions as a positive religious value will strengthen the sense of global responsibility that is needed.

In 'Democracy and the New Religious Pluralism', leading scholars from multiple disciplines explore these dynamics and their implications for democratic theory and practice.

Presenting an accessible introduction to the contemporary issues and challenges facing all those engaged in the further development of inter-faith relationships, dialogue and partnership between the world religions, Pitman argues that the future of world peace and prosperity depends on the outcome. This is accomplished with particular reference to ten key Twentieth Century theologians, each of whom had significant influence in the field of inter-religious studies, both during their lifetime and beyond.