Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian
by Paul F. Knitter
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Being a Christian isn't easy. Sustaining belief without any doubts for one's entire life is a very rare accomplishment. Indeed, many would say that examining one's faith at least once is a central part of the Christian condition. In this landmark work, esteemed theologian Paul F. Knitter explains the unique path that he took to overcome his doubts, becoming a stronger Christian in the process. Honest and unflinching, Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian narrates each spiritual dilemma show more that Knitter has struggled with and explains how a Buddhist worldview has allowed him to resolve each one. From the "petitioning" nature of Christian prayer to how Christianity views life after death, Knitter argues that a Buddhist standpoint can help inspire a more person-centered conception of Christianity, where individual religious experience comes first, and liturgy and tradition second. Moving and revolutionary, this edition comes with a new postscript in which Professor Knitter reflects on and re-evaluates his position as a double-belonger. show lessTags
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I hadn't read very far into this book before I realized this was not a book I could just "read"; rather it was one I wanted to really study, much like I did books read for philosophy classes years ago. So I bought a new notebook, got out a favorite pen, and started my "study". I am very glad that I took the time, and gave the thought I needed to this book. I won't try here to express where this book has taken me, but it feels truly like a gift that has brought me to new depths of understanding. I applaud the author for the courage it must have taken to write this.
Very clear and concise - not alot of feelings but very clear - really helped me with some of my questions.
'A compelling example of religious inquiry.'-New York Times
'Radiates wisdom and warmth.'-Francis X. Clooney-Professor of Divinity and Professor of Comparative Theology, Harvard Divinity School
In this landmark work, well-known theologian Paul F. Knitter explains how he looked to Buddhism to overcome a crisis of faith, becoming a sronger and more committed Christian in the process. From the nature of prayer to Christian views on life after death, Nitter demonstrates how Buddhist perspectives can inspire a more person-centred and socially engaged understanding of Christianity.
Honest and unflinching, Without buddha I Could not be a Christian is a moving story of one man's quest for truth and spiritual authenticity.
Now with a new show more conclusion-'Jesus and Buddha both come first!'
Paul F. Knitter is a Paul Tillich Professor of Theology, World Religions and Culture at Union Theological Seminary, in New York City. A leading advocate of globally responsible interreligious dialogue, he is author of over ten books on the subject.
Contents
Preface: Am I still a Christian?
1 Nirvana and God the transcendent other
2 Nirvana and God the personal other
3 Nirvana and God the mysterious other
4 Nirvana and heaven
5 Jesus the Christ and Gautama the Buddha
6 Prayer and meditation
7 Making peace and being peace
Conclusion: Promiscuity or hybridity?
A new conclusion: Jesus and Buddha both come first!
Glossary
Sources and resources
Index show less
'Radiates wisdom and warmth.'-Francis X. Clooney-Professor of Divinity and Professor of Comparative Theology, Harvard Divinity School
In this landmark work, well-known theologian Paul F. Knitter explains how he looked to Buddhism to overcome a crisis of faith, becoming a sronger and more committed Christian in the process. From the nature of prayer to Christian views on life after death, Nitter demonstrates how Buddhist perspectives can inspire a more person-centred and socially engaged understanding of Christianity.
Honest and unflinching, Without buddha I Could not be a Christian is a moving story of one man's quest for truth and spiritual authenticity.
Now with a new show more conclusion-'Jesus and Buddha both come first!'
Paul F. Knitter is a Paul Tillich Professor of Theology, World Religions and Culture at Union Theological Seminary, in New York City. A leading advocate of globally responsible interreligious dialogue, he is author of over ten books on the subject.
Contents
Preface: Am I still a Christian?
1 Nirvana and God the transcendent other
2 Nirvana and God the personal other
3 Nirvana and God the mysterious other
4 Nirvana and heaven
5 Jesus the Christ and Gautama the Buddha
6 Prayer and meditation
7 Making peace and being peace
Conclusion: Promiscuity or hybridity?
A new conclusion: Jesus and Buddha both come first!
Glossary
Sources and resources
Index show less
Buddhism > Christian organization, social work, worship > Christianity and World Religions > Church > Religion > Religions of Indic Origin
Il mio dialogo con il buddhismo mi ha reso un cristiano buddhista? O un buddhista cristiano? Sono un cristiano che ha capito più profondamente la propria identità con l'aiuto del buddhismo? 0 sono diventato un buddhista che conserva ancora delle vestigia cristiane?". Il racconto di un'odissea religiosa, una profonda riflessione teologica, una testimonianza molto personale. Il sacerdozio cattolico, l'adesione al buddhismo, il ritorno al cristianesimo. Un modo completamente nuovo di guardare al peccato, a Dio, al mistero del male, all'aldilà e soprattutto a se stesso. Uno stile limpido e coinvolgente, una lettura per arricchire la propria spiritualità attraverso un dialogo con le fedi altrui. Un'opera pionieristica che riflette show more l'avventura spirituale che il nostro tempo ha appena iniziato show less
Sep 17, 2015Italian
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- Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 261.243 — Religion Christian organization, social work & worship Social theology and interreligious relations and attitudes Christianity and other systems of (non-)belief Religions of Indic Origin Buddhism
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- BR128 .B8 .K55 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion Christianity Christianity
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