Religion in the Modern World: Celebrating Pluralism and Diversity
Cambridge University Press, 3/7/2019
EAN 9781108716840, ISBN10: 1108716849
Paperback, 220 pages, 22.9 x 22.6 x 1 cm
Language: English
The subject of religious diversity is of growing significance, with its associated problems of religious pluralism and inter-faith dialogue. Moreover, since the European Enlightenment, religions have had to face new, existential challenges. Is there a future for religions? How will they have to change? Can they co-exist peacefully? In this book, Keith Ward brings new insights to these questions. Applying historical and philosophical approaches, he explores how we can establish truth among so many diverse religions. He explains how religions have evolved over time and how they are reacting to the challenges posed by new scientific and moral beliefs. A celebration of the diversity in the world's religions, Ward's timely book also deals with the possibility and necessity of religious tolerance and co-existence.
Part I. The Problem of Religious Pluralism
1. Emile Durkheim
2. Myths and symbols
3. Myth and history
4. Historical development
Part II. The Perennial Philosophy
5. Aldous Huxley
6. Experience of the ineffable
7. The perennialist critique of other religious views
8. The void and pure mind
9. The supreme good
10. Frithjof Schuon
11. Problems with esoteric view
12. Huston Smith
13. The principle of plenitude
14. Perennialism and diversity
Part III. The Critical Turn
15. Rudolf Bultmann
16. Immanuel Kant
17. The extension of moral concern
18. Morality and religion
19. Friedrich Schleiermarcher
20. G. W. Friedrich Hegel
21. The rise of pluralism
22. Ernst Troeltsch
Part IV. The Pluralist Hypothesis
23. John Hick
24. Soteriological effectiveness
25. Truth, experience and salvation
26. Universal salvation
27. Truth and religious language
28. A case study
Christianity and Islam
29. Cantwell Smith
Part V. Catholicism and Pluralism
30. Karl Rahner
31. Hans Kung
32. Raimon Panikkar
33. Paul Knitter
34. Peter Phan
Part VI. Buddhism and Christianity in Dialogue
35. A case study
Christianity and Buddhism
36. Conclusion.