Overview

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.

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9781441152374

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Reviews

Professor Kenneth Rose's Pluralism: The Future of Religion is the most thorough and up-to-date study of one of the most hotly debated issues in Religious Studies today. Rose deals fairly and squarely with the large amount of recent writings presenting either inclusivist or exclusivist positions and convincingly argues for a pluralistic approach to world religions. It will be an ideal text for graduate seminars for advanced students of religion and is certain to generate a lively debate among scholars. -- Klaus Klostermaier, FRSC, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Manitoba, Canada Pluralism is a rigorous and nuanced study that is exceptionally well written, illuminating, and contains impeccable scholarship. It elevates the conversation on the vital theme of religious pluralism to a new level with exciting possibilities. It has the special feature of drawing from the depths of the classical Hindu texts of the Upanishads in his powerful constructive vision for a genuine religious pluralism. I applaud Rose especially for engaging Eastern textual sources and conceptions for his vision of pluralism. -- Graham M. Schweig, Author-Translator, Bhagavad Gita: The Beloved Lord's Secret Love Song and Dance of Divine Love: The Rasa Lila of Krishna from the Bhagavata Pura?a Kenneth Rose in this penetrating study brilliantly clarifies the dialogue among religious advocates of the now classical exclusivist, inclusivist, pluralist understandings of religion. Exclusivism - my religion is the only true one - is in 2012 limited to a shrinking body of hyper-conservative religionists. Inclusivism - other religions may have some truth, but mine alone has it all - has increasingly become the default position for most religionists. However, Rose persuasively shows that pluralism - many religions are equally valid ways of life - is the inevitable religious position virtually all will eventually necessarily take. This tour de force should be read and reflected on by everyone interested in religion. -- Leonard Swidler, Professor of Catholic Thought & Interreligious Dialogue, Temple University, US

Professor Kenneth Rose's Pluralism: The Future of Religion is the most thorough and up-to-date study of one of the most hotly debated issues in Religious Studies today. Rose deals fairly and squarely with the large amount of recent writings presenting either inclusivist or exclusivist positions and convincingly argues for a pluralistic approach to world religions. It will be an ideal text for graduate seminars for advanced students of religion and is certain to generate a lively debate among scholars. -- Klaus Klostermaier, Frsc, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University Of Manitoba, Canada Pluralism is a rigorous and nuanced study that is exceptionally well written, illuminating, and contains impeccable scholarship. It elevates the conversation on the vital theme of religious pluralism to a new level with exciting possibilities. It has the special feature of drawing from the depths of the classical Hindu texts of the Upanishads in his powerful constructive vision for a genuine religious pluralism. I applaud Rose especially for engaging Eastern textual sources and conceptions for his vision of pluralism. -- Graham M. Schweig, Author-Translator, Bhagavad Gita: The Beloved Lord's Secret Love Song And Dance Of Divine Love: The Rasa Lila Of Krishna From The Bhagavata Pura?a Kenneth Rose in this penetrating study brilliantly clarifies the dialogue among religious advocates of the now classical exclusivist, inclusivist, pluralist understandings of religion. Exclusivism - my religion is the only true one - is in 2012 limited to a shrinking body of hyper-conservative religionists. Inclusivism - other religions may have some truth, but mine alone has it all - has increasingly become the default position for most religionists. However, Rose persuasively shows that pluralism - many religions are equally valid ways of life - is the inevitable religious position virtually all will eventually necessarily take. This tour de force should be read and reflected on by everyone interested in religion. -- Leonard Swidler, Professor Of Catholic Thought & Interreligious Dialogue, Temple University, Us

Author Information

Kenneth Rose is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Christopher Newport University, Virginia, USA. He has taught at the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond, and the University of Massachusetts. He holds an M.Div. from Harvard University Divinity School and an M.A. and Ph.D. in the Study of Religion from Harvard University. At Harvard, he was a Fellow at the Center for the Study of World Religions. He is the author of Knowing the Real: John Hick on the Cognitivity of Religions and Religious Pluralism and has published numerous academic articles and reviews.

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