Buddhist-Christian Dialogue as Theological Exchange: An Orthodox Contribution to Comparative Theology

This book is intended to encourage the use of comparative theology in contemporary Buddhist-Christian dialogue as a new approach that would truly respect each religious traditions uniqueness and make dialogue beneficial for all participants interested in a real theological exchange. As a result of the impasse reached by the current theologies of religions (exclusivism inclusivism and pluralism) in formulating a constructive approach in dialogue this volume assesses the thought of the founding fathers of an academic Buddhist-Christian dialogue in search of clues that would encourage a comparativist approach. These founding fathers are considered to be three important representatives of the Kyoto School--Kitaro Nishida Keiji Nishitani and Masao Abe--and John Cobb an American process theologian. The guiding line for assessing their views of dialogue is the concept of human perfection as it is expressed by the original traditions in Mahayana Buddhism and Orthodox Christianity. Following Abes methodology in dialogue an Orthodox contribution to comparative theology proposes a reciprocal enrichment of traditions not by syncretistic means but by providing a better understanding and even correction of ones own tradition when considering it in the light of the other while using internal resources for making the necessary corrections. Ernest Valea has written a book that is remarkably clear wonderfully perceptive and enjoyable to read. It is accessible to specialists and the general reader alike. In introducing Romanian Orthodox sources into the current debates in Christian-Buddhist studies Valea is extremely original. . . . [This book] is highly recommended as both a significant contribution to the field and also an extremely clear and stimulating introduction to the state of the discipline. --Paul Williams Emeritus Professor of Indian and Tibetan Philosophy Centre for Buddhist Studies University of Bristol A weighty theological contribution characterized by impressive scholarly coverage of modern trends within comparative theology. Using the concept of human perfection as Buddhahood in Mahayana Buddhism and as Theosis in Orthodox Christianity Valea is bringing the most significant voices within the two traditions into conversation generating fresh insights and breaking new ground for Buddhist-Christian dialogue. [A] thorough thoughtful and thought-provoking discourse inviting the reader to engage with the Other in the pluralistic multireligious world of today. --Parush R. Parushev CSc PhD Director of the Institute for Systematic Studies of Contextual Theologies with the Centre for Just Peacemaking Study and Research International Baptist Theology Study Centre Amsterdam Ernest M. Valea presented this book as his PhD thesis at the University of Wales (2013). He is the author of The Buddha and the Christ: Reciprocal Views (2008).