The Myth of Christian uniqueness: Toward a pluralistic theology of religions (Faith meets faith series)

By John Harwood Hick

Book Overview

A new model of Christian theology, the 'pluralistic' model, is taking shape, moving beyond the traditional models of exclusivism (Christianity as the only true religion) and inclusivism (Christianity as the best religion) toward a view that recognizes the possibility of many valid religions. In this volume, a widely representative group of eminent Christian theologians - Protestant and Catholic, male and female, from East and West, First and Third Worlds - explores genuinely new attitudes toward other believers and traditions, expanding and refining the discussion and debate over pluralistic theology. Contributors are: Gordon D. Kaufman, John Hick, Langdon Gilkey, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, Stanley J. Samartha, Raimundo Panikkar, Seiichi Yagi, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Marjorie Jewitt Suchocki, Aloysius Pieris, Tom F. Driver, and Paul F. Knitter. An important study of what is fast becoming the central issue of contemporary Christian self-understanding. Even critics of this program will learn much from these daring reflections. David Tracy, Distinguished Service Professor of Catholic Studies and Professor of Theology and the Philosophy of Religion, University of Chicago Divinity School For some this book will build a bridge to religious pluralism and interreligious dialogue; for others it will expand the bridgehead. Leonard Swidler, Professor of Catholic Thought and Interreligious Dialogue, Temple University The discussion documented by this book of essays is close to the heart of contemporary theology. It ranges over all the issues of an adequate Christian theology of religions; and even those who are skeptical about its contributors' pluralistic thesis will be challenged and informed by their arguments for it. Schubert M. Ogden, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theology, Southern Methodist University The publication of this book symbolizes a new theological epoch in which the global context of our work penetrates its core. For this and for the many fresh perspectives and insights to be found in the individual essays it is an important milestone. John B. Cobb, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Theology, Claremont Graduate School John Hick is Danforth Professor Emeritus of Religion at Claremont Graduate School. His many books include 'Problems of Religious Pluralism', 'God Has Many Names', and 'The Myth of God Incarnate'. Paul F. Knitter is Professor Emeritus of Theology at Xavier University, Cincinnati. He is also the author of 'No Other Name? A Critical Survey of Christian Attitudes Toward the World Religions'.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0883446030
• ISBN13: 9780883446034
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Orbis Books
• Length: 227 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Those darn non-Christians: what to do?

The folks in this anthology attended a conference on the topic of Christianity and the world religions. If you're a Christian believer, you need to at least think about the issues raised by this book. If you're not, it will perhaps seem ho-hum. I used this text in a class with students of various backgrounds, and though the more traditional believers were bothered by the "Christianity bashing" (as they saw it--I didn't), they wound up finding it hard to get past the basic questions: can you really believe now in only true faith? And if not, what to do about it? The response by "conservative" theologians (Christian Uniqueness Reconsidered) was also read by my students, and they pretty much all agreed that their response didn't really respond, but just affirmed that "nobody can show that Christianity is NOT true." As I said, for bystanders, this will seem like a passé debate.

What should we do with all those good Buddhists and Muslims?

It's a tough question. Three years of rigorous Christian seminary is still not enough to convince me that they go to Hell. It's nice to know that Knitter and Hick feel the same way. If you are looking for a cogent, scholarly approach to the kind of pluralism that most of us accept logically but have trouble defending theologically, this is the book to buy. In addition, its bibliography is outstanding.

A contribution to inter-faith dialouge and understanding.

This book brings together the contributions of several modern theologians to a deeper understanding of the human quest for relationship with the divine. Modern technology has brought us in closer contact with other cultures, and it has also brought us the capability to destroy all cultures. In this global society it is no longer possible to think in exclusivist terms. Several of the essays contained in this book help to show how Christianity is one of the threads that has been woven into fabric of human spirituality. All of the threads contribute to our relationship and understanding of the Great Mystery. Each thread contributes a perspective, each contributes to the overall beauty and strength that is inherent in the human/divine relationship.