Twentieth Century Christian Responses to Religious Pluralism: Difference is Everything(Ashgate New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies)

Twentieth Century Christian Responses to Religious Pluralism begins with the recognition that the traditional three-fold typology adopted by Christians in responding to other living world religions is no longer adequate and offers a much more sophisticated and developed approach. This is accomplished with particular reference to ten key Twentieth Century theologians, each of whom had significant influence in the field of inter-religious studies, both during their lifetime and beyond. The author rejects the exclusivism and triumphalism of traditional Christian approaches and argues strongly and persuasively that the future for inter-religious relationships lies in what he describes as 'classical pluralism', and in an understanding of the importance of difference for inter-faith dialogue. Presenting an accessible introduction to the contemporary issues and challenges facing all those engaged in the further development of inter-faith relationships, dialogue and partnership between the world religions, Pitman argues that the future of world peace and prosperity depends on the outcome.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface; Introduction; The exclusivist response; Definitive exclusivism: Karl Barth (1886-1968); Hard exclusivism: Hendrik Kraemer (1888-1965); Conservative exclusivism: Emil Brunner (1889-1966); Moderate exclusivism: Lesslie Newbigin (1909-98); The inclusivist response; Traditional inclusivism: Karl Rahner (1904-84); Progressive inclusivism: Paul Tillich (1886-1965); The pluralist response; Classical pluralism I: Hans Küng (1928-); Classical pluralism II: Raimundo Panikkar (1918-2010); Theocentric pluralism: John Hick (1922-2012); Anthropocentric pluralism: Wilfred Cantwell Smith (1916-2000); Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

About the Author :
David Pitman began his professional life as a teacher before entering the ordained ministry. He served in a number of parish appointments, spent time with the Methodist Church in Fiji, and for fourteen years taught Ministry and Mission as a member of the Faculty of Trinity Theological College in Brisbane, Australia. He was twice elected to be the Moderator of the Queensland Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia. In his retirement he continues to serve the Uniting Church in various capacities and is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Queensland.

Review :
'This is a highly competent, well written and very readable survey of the key players in the Christian debate on religious pluralism. It not only provides an important introduction to the field, but makes its own valuable contribution to the Christian theology of religions.' Philip C. Almond, The University of Queensland, Australia