Drawing upon the author’s three decades of work in comparative theology, this is a pertinent and comprehensive introduction to the field, which offers a clear guide to the reader, enabling them to engage in comparative study.
The author has three decades of experience of work in the field of comparative theology and is ideally placed to write this book
Today’s increasing religious diversity makes this a pertinent and timely publication
Unique in the depth of its introduction and explanation of the discipline of ‘comparative theology’
Provides examples of how comparative theology works in the new global context of human religiosity
Draws on examples specific to Hindu-Christian studies to show how it is possible to understand more deeply the wider diversity around us.
Clearly guides the reader, enabling them to engage in comparative study
About the Author
Francis X. Clooney, S.J., is Parkman Professor of Divinity at Harvard University. His primary areas of scholarship are theological commentarial writings in the Sanskrit and Tamil traditions of Hindu India, and the developing field of comparative theology. He was the first president of the International Society for Hindu-Christian Studies, and, from 1998 to 2004, was coordinator for interreligious dialogue for the Jesuits of the United States. Professor Clooney is the author of numerous articles and books, including Hindu God, Christian God (2001), Divine Mother, Blessed Mother (2005), JesuitPostmodern: Scholarship, Vocation, and Identity in the 21st Century (2006), Beyond Compare: St. Francis and Sri Vedanta Desika on Loving Surrender to God (2008), and The Truth, the Way, the Life: Christian Commentary on the Three Holy Mantras of the Srivaisnava Hindus (2008).
Features
A multi-faceted introduction to the theory, history, methodology and practice of comparative theology – the in-depth study of different religious traditions and the relationships between them – enabling the reader to engage in genuinely comparative study
Draws on the author’s three decades of experience in the field of comparative theology, making him ideally placed to write this book
Demonstrates that comparative theology can be initiated from within any religious tradition and even from a personally defined faith-perspective
Discusses the history of the field and the distinctive features of its current practice; differentiating comparative theology from subjects including comparative religion and the history of religions
Includes examples of comparative theology in practice, and debates the long-term effects of this on the religions involved and on the study of religions more broadly
