World S Parliament Of Religions

Conceived as a magnificent display of the major religions of the world, the 1893 Parliament sought to unite "all religion against irreligion." A singular moment in the creation of a more pluralistic religious culture in America, it introduced many Americans to Eastern religions and meditative practices such as yoga. Some in the Christian community saw the gathering as a sign of the approaching fulfillment of the missionary's hope to evangelize the world, while others saw a divided Christendom under threat from the religions of the East. Richard Hughes Seager explores this fascinating event in all its complexities and, in a new preface, summarizes recent research and reflects on religious pluralism in an age of religious extremism.

The 1893 World's Parliament of Religions was much more than a religious assembly. It was conceived as a presentation of the major religious forces at work in the late nineteenth century. The goal of the Parliament was "to unite all religion against irreligion," and many observers celebrated that spirit. Some saw the Parliament as a sign of the coming fulfillment of missionaries' hope to evangelize the world, but others saw it as a disaster for missionaries. Some thought it proved the superiority of Christianity; others saw a victory for the religions of the East. Some thought the Parliament pointed toward the coming unity of all Christians, while for others it seemed a revelation of the forces dividing Christendom. Seager's beautifully fashioned narrative explores this fascinating event in all its complexities and establishes it as truly a watershed event in the emergence of a more pluralistic religious culture in America.

"Presents the text of the 'Declaration' and a commentary on its evolution and significance.... The message of this book is very timely." -The Leading Edge

The Book Summarizes The Hisotory Of World`S Parliament Of Religions At Chicago In 1893 From The Report Of John Barrows. Analyses The Newspaper Reports. Evaluates The Programmer Of 20 Participates From India. Also Presents Facts About The 1993 Parliament At Chicago From Several Contemporary American Newspapers. 3 Chapters-6 Appendices, Bibliography, Index. Illustration In Black And White.