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Books > Religion & Spirituality > Aspects of religions (non-Christian) > Religious experience
Sufism in Central Asia: New Perspectives on Sufi Traditions,
15th-21st Centuries brings together ten original studies on
historical aspects of Sufism in this region. A central question, of
ongoing significance, underlies each contribution: what is the
relationship between Sufism as it was manifested in this region
prior to the Russian conquest and the Soviet era, on the one hand,
and the features of Islamic religious life in the region during the
Tsarist, Soviet, and post-Soviet eras on the other? The authors
address multiple aspects of Central Asian religious life rooted in
Sufism, examining interpretative strategies, realignments in Sufi
communities and sources from the Russian to the post-Soviet period,
and social, political and economic perspectives on Sufi
communities. Contributors include: Shahzad Bashir, Devin DeWeese,
Allen Frank, Jo-Ann Gross, Kawahara Yayoi, Robert McChesney,
Ashirbek Muminov, Maria Subtelny, Eren Tasar, and Waleed Ziad.
Have This Mind uses a rational, logical, and systematic approach
to spirituality, religion, and God by focusing on the mind or
consciousness rather than doctrine, ritual, etc. It provides a
model that resolves the many seemingly conflicting views of
religion and God.
The four largest religions of the world, Hinduism, Buddhism,
Christianity, and Islam, are introduced in terms of their
transformative dimensions that lead to an inclusive and eminently
happy life. These principles and practices are illustrated with
biographies of exemplary saints and sages from the traditions.
Have This Mind outlines three different ways of being
religious--regardless of one's particular religious
tradition--based on a progressively maturing mind. Of particular
import to Christian readers are interpretations of biblical and
theological views that facilitate transition from a traditional and
mythic outlook tending toward exclusivism to one that is rational,
transrational, and inclusive.
On the basis of an appreciative and inclusive view of the
world's great religions, one discovers how these religions can
actually enhance one's own spirituality and religious outlook. A
perspective central to Have This Mind is that authentic religion
and spirituality lie in the loving quality of one's life and not
simply the ideas or beliefs held in one's mind
One of the world's foremost exponents of the "pluralist" position
as the most adequate Christian theological account of religious
diversity turns to a new and urgent issue facing the community of
world religions. For Paul Knitter, the spectre of environmental and
social injustice looms over any serious discussion of humankind's
future. As urgent as it is to have peace among the world's
believers to achieve peace among nations, it is urgent that these
communities unite in understanding and defending of the earth. In
One Earth Many Religions Knitter looks back at his own "dialogical
odyssey" and forward to the way that interfaith encounters and
dialogue must focus attention on new challenges. Nothing less than
enlisting the commitment of the world's religions on the task of
saving our common home will do. In making that case, Knitter makes
clear the complex structurespolitical, economic, and social as well
as religious - that face those who approach this task. While
articulating a "this-worldly soteriology" necessary to overcome our
eco-human plight, Knitter offers practical considerations on
actions and projects that have and should have been undertaken to
stem the tide of environmental and human suffering. The global
crisis is both at the center of One Earth Many Religions and a test
case for Knitter and others engaged in the dialogue of religions.
Can religious differences concerning the nature of the transcendent
themselves be transcended in order to promote eco-human well-being?
The issue seems basic and clearif interreligious dialogue cannot
effect such a change, then one must question whether religion is of
any use whatsoever.
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