Overview

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.

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9781725298224

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This splendid collection is an invaluable source for those interested in the theology of religions and should serve as an essential text for college classes on religious pluralism. --S. Wesley Ariarajah, Professor Emeritus, Drew University School of Theology, and former Deputy General Secretary, World Council of Churches Alan Race offers a boldly constructive exposition of Christian religious pluralism with searching reflection, rigorous argument, and moral commitment. He compellingly shows why we must leave the silos of religious absolutism and inclusivism and embrace the practice of dialogue founded on respect, truth-seeking, and openness to change. . . . An outstanding work that could not be more welcome and timely. --Kusumita P. Pedersen, Professor Emerita, St. Francis College, and chair, Interfaith Center of New York These essays explore many perplexing questions that challenge Christian theology as it wrestles with the question of living in a religiously pluralistic world. The author, a pioneer in the field, traces his personal theological development and hermeneutical awakening as he helped to shape the interfaith discourse. This scholarly and elegantly written volume seamlessly interweaves memoir and theology and offers an evocative and critical window into the world of interfaith studies. --Sharada Sugirtharajah, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Birmingham Race's selection of essays from the past three decades shows that any attempt to evade the central questions of a theology of religions by focusing on interfaith dialogue and glocal cooperation inevitably fails. For open and sincere interfaith encounter is precisely what first and foremost triggers such questions. Christianity has always gone through significant transformations when it became necessary. A meticulous observer and profound analyst of theological debates, Race convincingly argues that the time is more ripe than ever for further change: consistently surrendering Christian absolutism and wholeheartedly endorsing pluralism. --Perry Schmidt-Leukel, author of Religious Pluralism and Interreligious Theology

This splendid collection is an invaluable source for those interested in the theology of religions and should serve as an essential text for college classes on religious pluralism. --S. Wesley Ariarajah, Professor Emeritus, Drew University School of Theology, and former Deputy General Secretary, World Council of Churches Alan Race offers a boldly constructive exposition of Christian religious pluralism with searching reflection, rigorous argument, and moral commitment. He compellingly shows why we must leave the silos of religious absolutism and inclusivism and embrace the practice of dialogue founded on respect, truth-seeking, and openness to change. . . . An outstanding work that could not be more welcome and timely. --Kusumita P. Pedersen, Professor Emerita, St. Francis College, and chair, Interfaith Center of New York These essays explore many perplexing questions that challenge Christian theology as it wrestles with the question of living in a religiously pluralistic world. The author, a pioneer in the field, traces his personal theological development and hermeneutical awakening as he helped to shape the interfaith discourse. This scholarly and elegantly written volume seamlessly interweaves memoir and theology and offers an evocative and critical window into the world of interfaith studies. --Sharada Sugirtharajah, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Birmingham Race's selection of essays from the past three decades shows that any attempt to evade the central questions of a theology of religions by focusing on interfaith dialogue and glocal cooperation inevitably fails. For open and sincere interfaith encounter is precisely what first and foremost triggers such questions. Christianity has always gone through significant transformations when it became necessary. A meticulous observer and profound analyst of theological debates, Race convincingly argues that the time is more ripe than ever for further change: consistently surrendering Christian absolutism and wholeheartedly endorsing pluralism. --Perry Schmidt-Leukel, author of Religious Pluralism and Interreligious Theology

Author Information

Alan Race is a retired Anglican priest-theologian and Chair of the World Congress of Faiths. In addition to many articles and books in the Christian Theology of Religions he is the author of the classic study Christians and Religious Pluralism (1983). His work in theology of religions is known internationally and he is in much demand as a conference speaker.

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