Description
Book SynopsisAugustine and World Religions examines Augustine''s thought for how it can inform modern inter-religious dialogue. Despite Augustine''s reputation as the father of Christian intolerance, one finds in his thought the surprising claim that within non-Christian writings there are ''some truths in regard even to the worship of the One God''. This, it seems, hints at a deeper level of respect and dialogue between religions, because one engages in such dialogue in order to better understand and worship God. The essays here uncover provocative points of comparison and similarity between Christianity and other religions to further such an Augustinian dialogue.
Trade ReviewEvery so often a book comes along from a truly fresh perspective—one that genuinely captures its subject in a new light and allows its readers to see with greater clarity the contribution and genius of an intellectual forebear. This is one such book. Bolstered by a fine index and a thorough bibliography, this volume will undoubtedly be of particular use not only to scholars of Augustine but to others in religious studies, as well as to students seeking excellent examples of cross-cultural comparison and to those engaged in practical interreligious dialogue and cooperation; it deserves a wider audience, as well. * Journal of Ecumenical Studies, Spring 2009 *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Contents Chapter 2 Introduction Part 3 I Augustine's Relation to Judaism and Roman Religions Chapter 4 1 Augustine and the Invention of Magical Dissent Chapter 5 2 Secundem Carnem: HIstory and Israel in the Theology of St. Augustine Chapter 6 3 Jews and Judaism in the Thought of Augustine Chapter 7 4 A ChristianAeneid: Pagan and Christian Education in theConfessions Chapter 8 5 Theo-Semiotics and Augustine's Hermeneutical Jew, or, "What's a Little Supersessionism between Friends?" Part 9 II Augustine and Non-Western Religions Chapter 10 6 Way and Wilderness: An Augustinian Dialogue with Buddhism Chapter 11 7 Augustine, Apuleius, and Hermes Trismegistus:The City of God and Advice on How (Not) to Read Hindu Texts Chapter 12 8 Wisdom, Compassion, and Charity: The Lotus Sutra and Augustine Chapter 13 9 Divine Election asAdhikara andAtma-sva-bhava: Re-reading theReply to Simplicianus in Light of a Hindu Text Chapter 14 10 Transforming the Self: Confession and Performance in the Thought of Augustine and Xunzi Chapter 15 Bibliography
