A World Theology: The Central Spiritual Reality of Humankind

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Cambridge University Press, Oct 25, 1991 - Philosophy - 314 pages
In this book the authors, a Christian theologian and an atheistic Buddhist philosopher, examine the five major world religions--Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam--in order to demonstrate that each is a particular expression of one, common "world theology." They argue that each of these religions is centrally concerned with the same basic attempt to define the meaning and purpose of human life, and to comprehend a spiritual reality. Each is a culture-specific expression of a universal religious phenomenon, and the differing conceptualizations of the spiritual in these religions can be understood as symbolic expressions of one spiritual reality, which transcends the bounds of any one religious expression. Explaining both the symbolic differences and the essential commonalities of the major world religions, the authors argue that these religions should be considered mutually complementary rather than contradictory. This book points the way toward integrating the world's religions in a systematic manner in order to arrive at a common, world theology.
 

Contents

Preface page ix
1
Chapter Two Atheism and the Central Spiritual Reality
26
Chapter Three Hinduism and the Central Spiritual Reality
46
Chapter Four Buddhism and the Central Spiritual Reality
82
Chapter Five Judaism and the Central Spiritual Reality
138
Chapter Six Christianity and the Central Spiritual Reality
197
Chapter Seven Islam and the Central Spiritual Reality
264
Conclusion
310
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