Showing results for "gerald grudzen"

Burying the Sword: Counteracting Jihadism with Interfaith Education This book analyzes the historical and political context in which various forms of violent extremism (jihadism) have emerged in the Middle East, Europe, and in Africa since 9/11/2001. The growth of the jihadism can be attributed in part to the oppressive regimes of the Middle East which have curtailed the democratic impulses of their youth. Alternative youth movements such as we saw in the Arab Spring can serve as a source ...

In this visionary book, John Raymaker, and Gerald Grudzen with Joe Holland -- pioneering scholars of religion, philosophy and culture -- first try to read the contemporary signs of the times which indicate that late modern civilization and our planet earth are in a crisis and need renewal and reform. For this purpose they draw upon a "New Cosmology" which views evolution as a co-creative and artistic/mystical process in which everyone can participate. The authors draw upon the "wisdom of t...

Spirituality and Science: Greek, Judeo-Christian and Islamic Perspectives shows that the historical origins of Western science lie in the medieval synthesis of Greek science and philosophy with the faith traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This synthesis is most evident in medieval medicine where the synergies of Greek philosophy and Greek science are most evident within the monotheistic faith traditions. The first such Western synthesis of medieval medicine took place in the el...

In 2008, the authors wrote Steps toward Vatican III which explored developments occurring in the Catholic Church including its teachings on social justice, interreligious dialogue, and Small Christian Communities. This update of Steps explores how Pope Francis has developed such themes in original ways in his encyclicals and in his use of synodal consultations. For example, in his Encyclical Laudato Si, the pope seeks to lead us into the mysteries of the universe, of creatures, and the har...

Why is it that Pope Francis is admired by so many? What gives him the uncanny ability to speak with young people in language familiar to them? In this book, John Raymaker and Gerry Gruzden explore the life and writings of Pope Francis which have a prophetic, visionary ability to speak to important issues of the day.The authors evaluate how Pope Francis’ encounters with religious leaders of other faiths have broken new ground to help unite mankind. They reach back into Christian his...

*SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*'There to fill the Sapiens-size hole in your life' ObserverIn this groundbreaking global overview of philosophy, Julian Baggini travels the world to provide a wide-ranging map of human thought.One of the great unexplained wonders of human history is that written philosophy flowered entirely separately in China, India and Ancient Greece at more or less the s...

India is a very diverse country with many distinct pursuits, vastly different convictions, widely divergent customs, and a veritable feast of viewpoints. The Argumentative Indian brings together an illuminating selection of writings from Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen that outline the need to understand contemporary India in the light of its long argumentative tradition.The understanding and use of this rich argumentative tradition are critically important, Sen argues, f...

Comparing Religions is a next-generation textbook which expertly guides, inspires, and challenges those who wish to think seriously about religious pluralism in the modern world.A unique book teaching the art and practice of comparing religionsDraws on a wide range of religious traditions to demonstrate the complexity and power of comparative practicesProvides both a history and understanding of comparative practice and a series of thematic chapte...

In The Quest for Meaning: Developing a Philosophy of Pluralism, Tariq Ramadan embarks on a journey to uncover the profound truths that bind us together.In a world so full of different beliefs and viewpoints, how can we find peace in our shared humanity?Acclaimed thinker and philosopher Tariq Ramadan explores universal ideas such as love, respect, truth and tolerance, and examines questions such as how can men and women relate to each other? What is...

It has been suggested that 'spirituality' has become a word that 'can define an era'. Why? Because paradoxically, alongside a decline in traditional religious affiliations, the growing interest in spirituality and the use of the word in a variety of contexts is a striking aspect of contemporary western cultures. Indeed, spirituality is sometimes contrasted attractively with religion, although this is problematic and implies that religion is essentially dogma, moralism, institutions, buildi...

This updated textbook unravels the complex issues related to methodology and theory in the study of religion. It equips students with the knowledge needed for the academic study of religion, explaining the history of the methodology, including ideas of key theorists, and discusses key issues in the field, such as gender, phenomenology, and the insider/outsider discourse.Updated throughout, additional material includes:-New chapter on colonialism and post-colonialism-N...

The most essential insight that Buddhism offers is that all our individual suffering arises from three and only three sources, known in Buddhism as the three poisons: greed, ill-will, and delusion. In The Great Awakening, scholar and Zen teacher David Loy examines how these three poisons, embodied in society's institutions, lie at the root of all social maladies as well. The teachings of Buddhism present a way that the individual can counteract these to alleviate personal sufferin...