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.
