In Praise of Mixed Religion

In Praise of Mixed Religion

Author: William H. Harrison

Publisher: McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP

Published: 2014-05-01

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 0773592032

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When asked "What religion do you follow?" the typical answer is to name a specific group, or to respond "None." An increasing number of people, however, are intentionally combining elements from various religious heritages, demonstrating that religions do not have firm boundaries, nor are they purely distinct. In Praise of Mixed Religion discusses the concept of syncretism, the term for the mixing of religious perspectives. The religious studies discipline has traditionally distinguished between two responses to syncretism: a subjective view, which treats syncretism as morally reprehensible, and an objective view, which treats it as a morally neutral phenomenon. William Harrison adopts a third perspective, the advocacy view, which claims that mixing religions is a good and necessary process. He cites countless examples - such as Islam's transformative encounter with Greek thought - from both history and recent years to show how religious traditions have gained theological and practical wisdom by borrowing key ideas, beliefs, and practices from outside their own movements. By encouraging syncretism, In Praise of Mixed Religion contests the hard boundaries between religious worldviews and presents a dramatic alternative for thinking and talking about religion.


Book Synopsis In Praise of Mixed Religion by : William H. Harrison

Download or read book In Praise of Mixed Religion written by William H. Harrison and published by McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP. This book was released on 2014-05-01 with total page 237 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When asked "What religion do you follow?" the typical answer is to name a specific group, or to respond "None." An increasing number of people, however, are intentionally combining elements from various religious heritages, demonstrating that religions do not have firm boundaries, nor are they purely distinct. In Praise of Mixed Religion discusses the concept of syncretism, the term for the mixing of religious perspectives. The religious studies discipline has traditionally distinguished between two responses to syncretism: a subjective view, which treats syncretism as morally reprehensible, and an objective view, which treats it as a morally neutral phenomenon. William Harrison adopts a third perspective, the advocacy view, which claims that mixing religions is a good and necessary process. He cites countless examples - such as Islam's transformative encounter with Greek thought - from both history and recent years to show how religious traditions have gained theological and practical wisdom by borrowing key ideas, beliefs, and practices from outside their own movements. By encouraging syncretism, In Praise of Mixed Religion contests the hard boundaries between religious worldviews and presents a dramatic alternative for thinking and talking about religion.

In Praise of Religious Diversity

In Praise of Religious Diversity

Author: James Wiggins

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-12-19

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 1136671706

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As dialogue among the religions of the world has increased, the promotion of these exchanges by Christians, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, raises the question of the motives behind these discussions. Some Christians reach out in good will, others display defensive hostility, still others are simply following the mandates of their church. Religious diversity--rather than pluralism--challenges citizens of the world to learn from the differences between religions rather than glibly assuming their commonality. Acknowledging these differences, In Praise of Religious Diversity promotes active conversation--rather than conventional dialogue--as the mode of meeting between the religions. Only through a contemporaneous exchange of ideas can the benefits of diversity be realized. This new level of communication poses an exciting prospect from which previously unrecognized alternatives for religion and relationships between religions might contribute to even greater human possibilities.


Book Synopsis In Praise of Religious Diversity by : James Wiggins

Download or read book In Praise of Religious Diversity written by James Wiggins and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-12-19 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As dialogue among the religions of the world has increased, the promotion of these exchanges by Christians, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, raises the question of the motives behind these discussions. Some Christians reach out in good will, others display defensive hostility, still others are simply following the mandates of their church. Religious diversity--rather than pluralism--challenges citizens of the world to learn from the differences between religions rather than glibly assuming their commonality. Acknowledging these differences, In Praise of Religious Diversity promotes active conversation--rather than conventional dialogue--as the mode of meeting between the religions. Only through a contemporaneous exchange of ideas can the benefits of diversity be realized. This new level of communication poses an exciting prospect from which previously unrecognized alternatives for religion and relationships between religions might contribute to even greater human possibilities.

In Praise of Religious Diversity

In Praise of Religious Diversity

Author: James B. Wiggins

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13: 9780415916783

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Challenges citizens of the world to learn from the differences between the religions rather than glibly assume their commonality. Encourages people to acknowledge the difference.


Book Synopsis In Praise of Religious Diversity by : James B. Wiggins

Download or read book In Praise of Religious Diversity written by James B. Wiggins and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 1996 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Challenges citizens of the world to learn from the differences between the religions rather than glibly assume their commonality. Encourages people to acknowledge the difference.

Syncretism in Religion

Syncretism in Religion

Author: Anita Maria Leopold

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-05-06

Total Pages: 432

ISBN-13: 1136733450

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Long a fascinating but problematic category of religious studies, "syncretism" is an elastic term that describes a wide range of practices characterized by the mixing or overlap of traditions. Syncretism in Religion offers the student a broad selection of essays, both classical contributions to the study of syncretism and new essays commissioned especially for this volume. Some important selections appear here in English for the first time. Also included is a list of references for further reading.


Book Synopsis Syncretism in Religion by : Anita Maria Leopold

Download or read book Syncretism in Religion written by Anita Maria Leopold and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-05-06 with total page 432 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Long a fascinating but problematic category of religious studies, "syncretism" is an elastic term that describes a wide range of practices characterized by the mixing or overlap of traditions. Syncretism in Religion offers the student a broad selection of essays, both classical contributions to the study of syncretism and new essays commissioned especially for this volume. Some important selections appear here in English for the first time. Also included is a list of references for further reading.

Understanding Religion

Understanding Religion

Author: Paul Michael Hedges

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2021-02-23

Total Pages: 583

ISBN-13: 0520970861

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A cutting-edge introduction to contemporary religious studies theory, connecting theory to data. This innovative coursebook introduces students to interdisciplinary theoretical tools for understanding contemporary religiously diverse societies—both Western and non-Western. Using a case-study model, the text considers: A wide and diverse array of contemporary issues, questions, and critical approaches to the study of religion relevant to students and scholars A variety of theoretical approaches, including decolonial, feminist, hermeneutical, poststructuralist, and phenomenological analyses Current debates on whether the term "religion" is meaningful Many key issues about the study of religion, including the insider-outsider debate, material religion, and lived religion Plural and religiously diverse societies, including the theological ideas of traditions and the political and social questions that arise for those living alongside adherents of other religions Understanding Religion is designed to provide a strong foundation for instructors to explore the ideas presented in each chapter in multiple ways, engage students in meaningful activities in the classroom, and integrate additional material into their lectures. Students will gain the tools to apply specific methods from a variety of disciplines to analyze the social, political, spiritual, and cultural aspects of religions. Its unique pedagogical design means it can be used from undergraduate- to postgraduate-level courses.


Book Synopsis Understanding Religion by : Paul Michael Hedges

Download or read book Understanding Religion written by Paul Michael Hedges and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2021-02-23 with total page 583 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A cutting-edge introduction to contemporary religious studies theory, connecting theory to data. This innovative coursebook introduces students to interdisciplinary theoretical tools for understanding contemporary religiously diverse societies—both Western and non-Western. Using a case-study model, the text considers: A wide and diverse array of contemporary issues, questions, and critical approaches to the study of religion relevant to students and scholars A variety of theoretical approaches, including decolonial, feminist, hermeneutical, poststructuralist, and phenomenological analyses Current debates on whether the term "religion" is meaningful Many key issues about the study of religion, including the insider-outsider debate, material religion, and lived religion Plural and religiously diverse societies, including the theological ideas of traditions and the political and social questions that arise for those living alongside adherents of other religions Understanding Religion is designed to provide a strong foundation for instructors to explore the ideas presented in each chapter in multiple ways, engage students in meaningful activities in the classroom, and integrate additional material into their lectures. Students will gain the tools to apply specific methods from a variety of disciplines to analyze the social, political, spiritual, and cultural aspects of religions. Its unique pedagogical design means it can be used from undergraduate- to postgraduate-level courses.

Thoughtful Adaptations to Change

Thoughtful Adaptations to Change

Author: Edwin F. Drewlo

Publisher: FriesenPress

Published: 2017-09-14

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 1525504592

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Western culture has changed radically in the last fifty years. Death seems less dreadful, sexuality less sacred, and humanity less dignified. Reason has yielded to passion, and science often to political bias. Philosophically and culturally, the West has slowly moved from modernism to postmodernism. It’s not surprising that this shift has also radically affected the Christian church. The doctrinal confidence of the past 350 years has given way to greater levels of theological confusion. But while the new era thrives on religious pluralism, a refreshing desire has arisen among many Christians to experience and share the unchanging good news of Jesus more authentically, accurately, and passionately. This book is written to help ordinary people understand the nature of the transition that has occurred, and to inspire them to allow the gospel itself to shape life and church ministry in the midst of this great change. Each chapter ends with important questions for reflection or discussion.


Book Synopsis Thoughtful Adaptations to Change by : Edwin F. Drewlo

Download or read book Thoughtful Adaptations to Change written by Edwin F. Drewlo and published by FriesenPress. This book was released on 2017-09-14 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Western culture has changed radically in the last fifty years. Death seems less dreadful, sexuality less sacred, and humanity less dignified. Reason has yielded to passion, and science often to political bias. Philosophically and culturally, the West has slowly moved from modernism to postmodernism. It’s not surprising that this shift has also radically affected the Christian church. The doctrinal confidence of the past 350 years has given way to greater levels of theological confusion. But while the new era thrives on religious pluralism, a refreshing desire has arisen among many Christians to experience and share the unchanging good news of Jesus more authentically, accurately, and passionately. This book is written to help ordinary people understand the nature of the transition that has occurred, and to inspire them to allow the gospel itself to shape life and church ministry in the midst of this great change. Each chapter ends with important questions for reflection or discussion.

‘Pre-Islamic Survivals’ in Muslim Central Asia

‘Pre-Islamic Survivals’ in Muslim Central Asia

Author: R. Charles Weller

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-04-30

Total Pages: 411

ISBN-13: 9811956979

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The book traces the conceptual lens of historical-cultural ‘survivals’ from the late 19th-century theories of E.B. Tylor, James Frazer, and others, in debate with monotheistic ‘degenerationists’ and Protestant anti-Catholic polemicists, back to its origins in Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions as well as later more secularized forms in the German Enlightenment and Romanticist movements. These historical sources, particularly the ‘dual faith’ tradition of Russian Orthodoxy, significantly shaped both Tsarist and later Soviet ethnography of Muslim Central Asia, helping guide and justify their respective religious missionary, social-legal, political and other imperial agendas. They continue impacting post-Soviet historiography in complex and debated ways. Drawing from European, Central Asian, Middle Eastern and world history, the fields of ethnography and anthropology, as well as Christian and Islamic studies, the volume contributes to scholarship on ‘syncretism’ and ‘conversion’, definitions of Islam, history as identity and heritage, and more. It is situated within a broader global historical frame, addressing debates over ‘pre-Islamic Survivals’ among Turkish and Iranian as well as Egyptian, North African Berber, Black African and South Asian Muslim Peoples while critiquing the legacy of the Geertzian ‘cultural turn’ within Western post-colonialist scholarship in relation to diverging trends of historiography in the post-World War Two era.


Book Synopsis ‘Pre-Islamic Survivals’ in Muslim Central Asia by : R. Charles Weller

Download or read book ‘Pre-Islamic Survivals’ in Muslim Central Asia written by R. Charles Weller and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-04-30 with total page 411 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book traces the conceptual lens of historical-cultural ‘survivals’ from the late 19th-century theories of E.B. Tylor, James Frazer, and others, in debate with monotheistic ‘degenerationists’ and Protestant anti-Catholic polemicists, back to its origins in Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions as well as later more secularized forms in the German Enlightenment and Romanticist movements. These historical sources, particularly the ‘dual faith’ tradition of Russian Orthodoxy, significantly shaped both Tsarist and later Soviet ethnography of Muslim Central Asia, helping guide and justify their respective religious missionary, social-legal, political and other imperial agendas. They continue impacting post-Soviet historiography in complex and debated ways. Drawing from European, Central Asian, Middle Eastern and world history, the fields of ethnography and anthropology, as well as Christian and Islamic studies, the volume contributes to scholarship on ‘syncretism’ and ‘conversion’, definitions of Islam, history as identity and heritage, and more. It is situated within a broader global historical frame, addressing debates over ‘pre-Islamic Survivals’ among Turkish and Iranian as well as Egyptian, North African Berber, Black African and South Asian Muslim Peoples while critiquing the legacy of the Geertzian ‘cultural turn’ within Western post-colonialist scholarship in relation to diverging trends of historiography in the post-World War Two era.

Out of Many Faiths

Out of Many Faiths

Author: Eboo Patel

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2019-08-27

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 0691196818

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The former faith adviser to Barack Obama draws on his personal experience as a Muslim in America to examine the importance of religious diversity in the nation's cultural, political, and economic life. He explores how religious language has given the United States some of its most enduring symbols and inspired its most vital civic institutions.


Book Synopsis Out of Many Faiths by : Eboo Patel

Download or read book Out of Many Faiths written by Eboo Patel and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2019-08-27 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The former faith adviser to Barack Obama draws on his personal experience as a Muslim in America to examine the importance of religious diversity in the nation's cultural, political, and economic life. He explores how religious language has given the United States some of its most enduring symbols and inspired its most vital civic institutions.

Imagining Judeo-Christian America

Imagining Judeo-Christian America

Author: K. Healan Gaston

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2019-11-15

Total Pages: 361

ISBN-13: 022666399X

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“Judeo-Christian” is a remarkably easy term to look right through. Judaism and Christianity obviously share tenets, texts, and beliefs that have strongly influenced American democracy. In this ambitious book, however, K. Healan Gaston challenges the myth of a monolithic Judeo-Christian America. She demonstrates that the idea is not only a recent and deliberate construct, but also a potentially dangerous one. From the time of its widespread adoption in the 1930s, the ostensible inclusiveness of Judeo-Christian terminology concealed efforts to promote particular conceptions of religion, secularism, and politics. Gaston also shows that this new language, originally rooted in arguments over the nature of democracy that intensified in the early Cold War years, later became a marker in the culture wars that continue today. She argues that the debate on what constituted Judeo-Christian—and American—identity has shaped the country’s religious and political culture much more extensively than previously recognized.


Book Synopsis Imagining Judeo-Christian America by : K. Healan Gaston

Download or read book Imagining Judeo-Christian America written by K. Healan Gaston and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2019-11-15 with total page 361 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Judeo-Christian” is a remarkably easy term to look right through. Judaism and Christianity obviously share tenets, texts, and beliefs that have strongly influenced American democracy. In this ambitious book, however, K. Healan Gaston challenges the myth of a monolithic Judeo-Christian America. She demonstrates that the idea is not only a recent and deliberate construct, but also a potentially dangerous one. From the time of its widespread adoption in the 1930s, the ostensible inclusiveness of Judeo-Christian terminology concealed efforts to promote particular conceptions of religion, secularism, and politics. Gaston also shows that this new language, originally rooted in arguments over the nature of democracy that intensified in the early Cold War years, later became a marker in the culture wars that continue today. She argues that the debate on what constituted Judeo-Christian—and American—identity has shaped the country’s religious and political culture much more extensively than previously recognized.

Syncretism in Religion

Syncretism in Religion

Author: Anita Maria Leopold

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-04-01

Total Pages: 465

ISBN-13: 1134967144

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Syncretism - the fusion of different beliefs into one religious system - has long been controversial in scholarship. It is widely held that religion, culture and ethnicity are pure entities that may become mixed in encounter and lead to impure, hybrid forms. 'Syncretism in Religion' presents a selection of essays committed to solving the problems of syncretism. The essays reflect the full breadth of religious traditions that could be called syncretistic. An overview of the historical background of syncretism is given, alongside classical readings from the history of religion, definitions of syncretism in relation to theories of power, and an assessment of the future of the subject. This volume brings together the work of authors who have made significant contributions in the field, some appearing for the first time in English. It will be of interest to any student or scholar of religion, philosophy or anthropology concerned with the dynamics of cultural contact and change.


Book Synopsis Syncretism in Religion by : Anita Maria Leopold

Download or read book Syncretism in Religion written by Anita Maria Leopold and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-04-01 with total page 465 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Syncretism - the fusion of different beliefs into one religious system - has long been controversial in scholarship. It is widely held that religion, culture and ethnicity are pure entities that may become mixed in encounter and lead to impure, hybrid forms. 'Syncretism in Religion' presents a selection of essays committed to solving the problems of syncretism. The essays reflect the full breadth of religious traditions that could be called syncretistic. An overview of the historical background of syncretism is given, alongside classical readings from the history of religion, definitions of syncretism in relation to theories of power, and an assessment of the future of the subject. This volume brings together the work of authors who have made significant contributions in the field, some appearing for the first time in English. It will be of interest to any student or scholar of religion, philosophy or anthropology concerned with the dynamics of cultural contact and change.