Hindu God, Christian God

“It is no longer acceptable for theologians to criticize other religions or to think their own religion superior unless and until they have engaged in true dialogue (which means learning the necessary languages and texts, etc.). Clooney’s work thus argues for and exemplifies a new kind of multireligious theological conversation.”–The Journal of Religion”Francis Clooney’s Hindu God, Christian God–which embodies disciplined scholarship, a strong faith commitment that is tempered by deep devotion to reason, and radical openness to theological conversation across religious boundaries–brings a breath of theological fresh air.“–Journal of the American Academy of Religion”…a thought-provoking and deeply researched book that all Indologists, philosophers of religion, and Christian theologians will benefit from reading.“– Philosophy East & West”This is a wonderfully conceived and well-written book. A model of an emerging theology which is interreligious, comparative, dialogical, and confessional at the same time.“– Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection”Thinkers within one religious tradition hone their work through appreciation for and opposition to views of major predecessors in that tradition. Francis Clooney demonstrates that Christian faith genuinely seeking understanding can and must widen this circle of formative dialogue to include figures in other religions as models and critics. Even when they were not speaking to each other, the Hindu and Christian theologians Clooney matches have a great deal tosay to each other, precisely because they share the medium of rational argument, argument for God and about God. They emerge as collaborators, yet undiminished in their distinct identities. No otherbook so powerfully presents comparative study as integral to the healthy internal life of a religious tradition.“–S. Mark Heim, Andover Newton Theological Seminary”Distinguished by its admirably close attention to textual detail, Hindu God, Christian God is an exemplary contribution to comparative theology. It will be essential reading for courses in comparative theology.“–Keith Ward, Oxford University “Francis X. Clooney’s new book takes a major step forward in developing a lucid presentation and close analysis of reasoning about topics common to much theistic thought. Clooney exemplifies his own interpretation oftheology as both the affirmation of a particular faith tradition, and the mutual understanding (and possible agreement) of theologians in very different traditions. The book’s compelling climax urgesboth Christian and Hindu theologians to join him in conducting scholarly comparison as interreligious dialogue.”–John B. Carman, Harvard University, Emeritus”If there is to be inter-religious thological conversation at all reason must be its presupposition and mainstay. Francis Clooney has written the definitive work on this in the contect of the Hindu-Christian encounter. The book is therefore indispensable reading for any serious study on the topic.“– Hindu-Christian Studies Bulletin”Francis Clooney’s Hindu God, Christian God–which embodies disciplined scholarship, a strong faith commitment that is tempered by deep devotion to reason, and radical openness to theological conversation across religious boundaries–brings a breath of theological fresh air…. Clooney traverses the Hindu and Christian textual and theological terrains with equal ease, remarkable skill, keen sensitivity, and admirable sophistication. His command of theintricate nuances of both Hindu and Christian theologies impressively shines throughout the work.” –Journal of the American Academy of Religion”Francis Clooney’s Hindu God, Christian God–which embodies disciplined scholarship, a strong faith commitment that is tempered by deep devotion to reason, and radical openness to theological conversation across religious boundaries–brings a breath of theological fresh air…. Clooney traverses the Hindu and Christian textual and theological terrains with equal ease, remarkable skill, keen sensitivity, and admirable sophistication. His command of theintricate nuances of both Hindu and Christian theologies impressively shines throughout the work.” –Journal of the American Academy of Religion”a thought-provoking and deeply researched book that all Indologists, philosophers of religion, and Christian theologians will benefit from reading.“– Philosophy East & West”This is a wonderfully concieved and well-written book . A model of an emerging theology which is interreligious, comparative, dialogical, and confessional at the same time.“– Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection”By virtue of its theological sophistication, it analytical strength, its breadth of vision for a broadened and renewed theology, and the sheer number of theologians studied, this landmark contribution is an indispensable resource for Hindu and Christian scholars and other theologians.“-The Journal of the American Academy of Religion”Distinguished by its admirably close attention to textual detail, Hindu God, Christian God is an exemplary contribution to comparative theology. It will be essential reading for courses in comparative theology.“–Keith Ward, Oxford University”Francis X. Clooney’s new book takes a major step forward in developing a lucid presentation and close analysis of reasoning about topics common to much theistic thought. Clooney exemplifies his own interpretation of theology as both the affirmation of a particular faith tradition, and the mutual understanding (and possible agreement) of theologians in very different traditions. The book’s compelling climax urges both Christian and Hindu theologians to joinhim in conducting scholarly comparison as interreligious dialogue.“–John B. Carman, Harvard University, Emeritus”Thinkers within one religious tradition hone their work through appreciation for and opposition to views of major predecessors in that tradition. Francis Clooney demonstrates that Christian faith genuinely seeking understanding can and must widen this circle of formative dialogue to include figures in other religions as models and critics. Even when they were not speaking to each other, the Hindu and Christian theologians Clooney matches have a great deal tosay to each other, precisely because they share the medium of rational argument, argument for God and about God. They emerge as collaborators, yet undiminished in their distinct identities. No otherbook so powerfully presents comparative study as integral to the healthy internal life of a religious tradition.“–S. Mark Heim, Andover Newton Theological Seminary”It is no longer acceptable for theologians to criticize other religions or to think their own religion superior unless and until they have engaged in true dialogue (which means learning the necessary languages and texts, etc.). Clooney’s work thus argues for and exemplifies a new kind of multireligious theological conversation.“– The Journal of Religion”If there is to be inter-religious thological conversation at all reason must be its presupposition and mainstay. Francis Clooney has written the definitive work on this in the contect of the Hindu-Christian encounter. The book is therefore indispensable reading for any serious study on the topic.“– Hindu-Christian Studies Bulletin

Francis X. Clooney, S.J., is a Catholic priest and member of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). He is Parkman Professor of Divinity and Professor of Comparative Theology at Harvard Divinity School.