Without Buddha I Could Not be a Christian

by Paul F. Knitter

Overview

An honest, unflinching tale of re-finding one's faith, from one of the world's most famous theologians

Without Buddha I Could Not Be a Christian narrates how esteemed theologian, Paul F. Knitter overcame a crisis of faith by looking to Buddhism for inspiration. From prayer to how Christianity views life after death, Knitter argues that a Buddhist standpoint can encourage a more person-centred conception of Christianity, where individual religious experience comes first, and liturgy and tradition second. Moving and revolutionary, this book will inspire Christians everywhere.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781851689637
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	02/01/2013
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Paul F. Knitter is Paul Tillich Professor of Theology, Union Theological Seminar, New York. A leading advocate of religious pluralism, he is author of over ten books on the subject.

Table of 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?

Glossary

Sources and Resources

Index

Editorial Reviews

"The dialogue between Christianity and Buddhism is one of the most important conversations of our time, and Paul Knitter's new book shows why. It offers much more than words: religion at its best transforms us, and herein we see its fruits. If you want to know how religions can help to revitalize each other, this is the place to start."

David Loy

"A compelling example of religious inquiry."

New York Times

"Knitter's rich book should be a source of fascination and guidance for seekers of all sorts. One of the finest contemporary books on the encounter between religions in the heart and soul of a single thoughtful person."

Library Review

"In this revealing retrospective, Knitter recounts very personally how his encounters with liberation theology and with other religions, especially Buddhism, challenged and transformed his Christian faith. This will be of interest to all who are concerned with religious diversity and social justice."

Leo Lefebure

"Radiates wisdom and warmth. Is it possible to become more fully Christian by taking most seriously the Buddhist path — becoming Buddhist in order to live more fully the Christian life? Agree or not with Paul's answer, we can be most grateful to him for pressing the question and making so very clear the possibilities and risks along the way."

Francis X. Clooney

"The dialogue between Christianity and Buddhism is one of the most important conversations of our time, and Paul Knitter’s new book shows why. It offers much more than words: religion at its best transforms us, and herein we see its fruits. If you want to know how religions can help to revitalize each other, this is the place to start."

David Loy - Besl Family Chair for Ethics/Religion and Society at Xavier University and author of Mon

"In this revealing retrospective, Knitter recounts very personally how his encounters with liberation theology and with other religions, especially Buddhism, challenged and transformed his Christian faith. This will be of interest to all who are concerned with religious diversity and social justice."

Georgetown University and author of The Buddha and Leo Lefebure - Professor of Theology

"A moving story of one man’s quest for truth, this is also a ground-breaking work of inter-religious dialogue, comparative theology and social ethics... the rarest combination of theological acumen, humility and humor. A must read for anyone who wants to renew their faith and rediscover their humanity in intimate dialogue with the faiths of others."

Boston College and author of Awakening Through Lov John Makransky - Associate Professor of Theology

"Knitter's rich book should be a source of fascination and guidance for seekers of all sorts. One of the finest contemporary books on the encounter between religions in the heart and soul of a single thoughtful person."

Library Journal

"will be a life-saver for some and a scandal for others" "this book is wonderfully candid"

The Christian Century

"This book is an excellent survey of the possibilities for Buddhist-Christian contact."

Anglican Theological Review

"This is a fascinating book ... accessible to anyone in the pew, not without a touch of quiet humour ... a book to be read and reflected upon."

Journal of Theological Reflection

"Highly recommended as an example of how to do personally engaged, self-reflective theology in a religiously plural world."

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and author of B Rita Gross - Professor Emerita of Religion