No abstract
Comparative theology is an exciting and quickly developing field, and a relatively uncharted one. Hence it may be beneficial to offer a descriptive assessment of what is happening today across the range of its new questions, ideas, and theses, as these are put forward by many authors in a wide variety of projects. We begin with some general observations on its nature and scope, observations which will become clearer as we work our way through the subsequent bibliographical survey. SETTING SOME BOUNDARIESAs theology, comparative theology consists most basically in faith seeking understanding; its ultimate horizon can be nothing less than knowledge of the divine, the transcendent. As one of the theological disciplines, comparative theology is marked by its commitment to the detailed consideration of religious traditions other than one's own. It is detailed, deeply reflexive, self-corrective in the course of its own investigation, even in regard to its basic questions, methods, and vocabulary. Though one must be hesitant about using the term "theology" univocally in reference to many religious traditions (we tend to understand the word against its Christian background), it is useful to work with the hypothesis that comparative theology can be pursued from within any of the religious traditions of the world. 1 In 1987, David Tracy reminded us that although the realities of pluralism have never been so evident as they are today, reflection on "other religions" has of course been present in the Christian tradition from its beginnings, and it has proceeded with subtlety, sophistication, and boldness in many contexts. The term "comparative theology" has been in use since at least the 19th century, either in contrast to "theoretic theology" or to indicate the study of religious doctrines. 3 In many of its Christian instances, however, it seems to have designated what today might simply be called the "theology of religions," i.e., Christian reflection on the general idea of other religions, in light of some particular understanding of the Christian faith. The fact that 1 Nevertheless, most of the books considered here are written by Christians and addressed to a Christian audience, and this essay itself is written from a Christian starting point. Downloaded from COMPARATIVE THEOLOGY 523Western contexts where familiar categories are not taken for granted; by the inscription of the self in study, so that the relation of the author to what he or she studies becomes a primary concern; finally, by the more general debates about education and society today. Comparative theology clearly stands in a close relation to area studies, the history of religions (and religion), historical studies (particularly those which investigate the interconnections of traditions), studies concerned primarily with the methodologies brought to bear on religion, and the range of inquiries related to local theologies, inculturation, and missiology.Comparative theology as a Christian enterprise needs also to remain connected with the lineage of missio...
How do we learn from religious traditions other than our own? How are we to assess what happens when that learning leads to affirmation and empathy, and thereafter affects how one lives one's life? We can wonder whether there is coherence in what we learn, what we think, how we feel, and how we choose to act. Optimism is not necessarily justified since it may be that due to the strictures of logic and religious commitment, religious reasoning and affective religious engagement diverge and even work at cross purposes. What is obviously and powerfully felt may not translate into explanations that observers, including theologians and scholars of religion, can understand or affirm. Conversely, the emotionally engaged practitioner who learns, feels, and acts in accord with what is learned across religious boundaries may not know what to say about this engagement, and often may not have mastered the appropriate technical language by which to explain and justify complex and extraordinary emotional engagements.
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