Pluralism: The Future of Religion

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.

Table of Contents:
1. Impasse in Theology of Religions 2. The Copernican Revolution and Counterrevolution in Theology of Religions 3. The Prisoners' Parable 4. Pluralism in the Upani?ads 5. Pluralism in the New Testament 6. Charting an Apophatic Pluralism Bibliography Index

About the Author :
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.

Review :
Kenneth Rose's Pluralism: The Future of Religion is one of the most important works to appear in the theology of religions in nearly two decades. Evocatively written, rhetorically effective, deftly argued, remarkably lucid, theologically nuanced, and even spiritually discerning, the book launches a full-scale attack on exclusivistic and inclusivistic versions of “particularism,” the view that one particular religion is absolute, universal, unsurpassable, and superior to all the others … I cannot recommend Pluralism: The Future of Religion strongly enough. In writing this clear and forceful volume, argued with a philosophical and religious fervor, Kenneth Rose is on a mission, marshaling support for his prophecy that pluralism is on its way to becoming the only intellectually coherent explanation of religious diversity. … I recommend this passionate book as worthy reading for those interested in refreshing and intensifying the debate on the significance of our many religions. A bold, fullthroated apologia for what is called a pluralist theology of religions. ... For those who see pluralism as 'the future of religion,' Rose's book will be a solid buttress. For those who don't, it is an argument that they will definitely have to contend with. Rose's work is a welcome addition to the new life that is being poured into the pluralist position that is clearly here to stay. In this passionate and erudite book, Rose mounts a forceful defense of pluralism... The book debunks all criticism against pluralism and asserts that it is the only viable model for our globalized world... Rose has written a remarkable scholarly book on one of the most debated topics in the study of religion, which is likely to draw much scholarly attention. The pluralist position is here to stay! Reviewed. I am inclined to agree with Kenneth Rose's claim that the future is already decided, as the title of is recent book reflects: Pluralism: The Future of Religion. Rose argues persuasively, both philosophically and historically, that of the tripartite division that Race devised more than thirty years ago, exclusivism is already passe, except for now numerically expanding but intellectually ineffectual fundamentalist groups, and inclusivism is experiencing increasing intellectual abandonment. The book is logically structured and readable ... The reader is afforded a useful overview of past and present 'comparative theology' discourse, and in this sense can serve as a useful introduction to the topic. [T]he discussion is engaging and interesting. 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... and convincingly argues for a pluralistic approach to world religions... an ideal text for graduate seminars for advanced students of religion and is certain to generate a lively debate among scholars. [A] rigorous and nuanced study that is exceptionally well written, illuminating, and contains impeccable scholarship... 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. Rose in this penetrating study brilliantly clarifies the dialogue among religious advocates of the now “classical” exclusivist, inclusivist, pluralist understandings of religion... This tour de force should be read and reflected on by everyone interested in religion.