Will Humanity Survive Religion?
Beyond Divisive Absolutes
Abstract
When the “human sciences” in the West followed the physical sciences in the 18th and 19th centuries with new measurements, methods, and language, the “metaphysics of infinity” lost its credibility. The response of Western religions was to retrench in a stronger authoritarianism, especially by the last half of the 19th century. While the new human sciences were being extended even to study the history and philosophy of religions, those religions themselves placed more emphasis on their understanding of the Absolute or Unquestionable. That split became a burden both to those who were religious and to those who were not.
Here, W. Royce Clark argues that humanity’s survival may depend on the development of a universal or inclusive ethic in which religions move beyond their Absolutes. Clark poses the sharp challenge: Are religious communities ready to abandon the foundations that until now they have insisted were the only adequate foundation for ethics?
Schlagworte
Christology inclusive ethics post-absolute idealism metaphysics of infinity miracles, mystery, authority religious absolute religious burdens religious language history of religion- 221–272 Chapter 6 Inhumane Faith 221–272
- 507–518 Bibliography 507–518
- 519–538 Index 519–538
- 539–540 About the Author 539–540