The Joy of Sects

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Peter L. Berger

After ten years of writing in other areas, Peter L. Berger returns to the problem of religion and modernity discussed in his earlier book A Rumor of Angels. In The Heretical Imperative, however, not only is the argument developed further in terms of the challenge to religion of modern secularism, but it is also argued that a new and greatly promising encounter is about to take place between the Judaeo-Christian tradition and the great religions of Asia. Berger discusses the options for religious thought in the contemporary world and suggests that out of the confrontation between different traditions may come a powerful revitalization of religious faith.

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Ali Hassan Zaidi

"This book discloses a largely unnoticed dialogue between Muslim and Western social thought on the search for meaning and transcendence in the human sciences. The disclosure is accomplished by a comparative reading of contemporary Muslim debates on secular knowledge on the one hand, and of a foundational Western debate on the demise of metaphysics in the human sciences on the other hand. The comparative reading is grounded in a dialogical hermeneutic approach; that is, a hermeneutic approach to texts and cultural traditions that draws upon the work of Hans Georg Gadamer and also upon the insights of inter-religious dialogue"-- "This book serves as a "translation service" between Muslim and Western social thought on the search for meaning and transcendence in the human sciences. The translation is accomplished by a comparative reading of contemporary Muslim debates on secular knowledge on the one hand and of a foundational Western debate on the demise of metaphysics in the human sciences on the other hand. The book challenges contemporary Muslim critics who regard the modern human sciences as leading inevitably toward nihilism, and Western critics who regard religious thought as inimical to the human sciences. It also expands the realm of social theory beyond the Western canon, and contributes to the new and growing field of comparative social theory"--

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Badru D. Kateregga and David W. Shenk

"Millions of Muslims and Christians are neighbors, and they agree that they worship the one and only God. Yet they seldom witness to each other, and the issues they deal with are profound. Rather than an antagonistic interaction, Badru D. Kateregga and David W. Shenk pioneer another way--that of authentic dialogue between friends. This 2011 updated edition includes a new cover, new endorsements and new discussion questions." -- Publisher's description.

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Roger Eastman

Revised and updated, the third edition of this highly acclaimed anthology surveys all the major religious traditions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and African religions - and also covers Zen Buddhism, Shinto, and the religious experience in America. Ideal for courses in world religions and comparative religion, it introduces the unique claims, hopes, and wisdom of each tradition in its own voice, through substantial excerpts from its scriptures, prophets, and authors.