The Routledge Handbook of Buddhist-Christian Studies - Paperback

by Carol Anderson (Editor), Thomas Cattoi (Editor)

Buddhist-Christian dialogue has a long and complex history that stretches back to the first centuries of the common era. Comprising 42 international and disciplinarily diverse chapters, this volume begins by setting up a framework for examining the nature of Buddhist-Christian interreligious dialogue, discussing how research in this area has been conducted in the past and considering future theoretical directions. Subsequent chapters delve into:

• important episodes in the history of Buddhist-Christian dialogue;
• contemporary conversations such as monastic interreligious dialogue, multiple religious identity, and dual religious practice; and
• Buddhist-Christian cooperation in social justice, social engagement, pastoral care, and interreligious education settings.

The volume closes with a section devoted to comparative and constructive explorations of different speculative themes that range from the theological to the philosophical or experiential. This handbook explores how the study of Buddhist-Christian relations has been and ought to be done.

The Routledge Handbook of Buddhist-Christian Studies is essential reading for researchers and students interested in Buddhist-Christian studies, Asian religions, and interreligious relationships. It will be of interest to those in fields such as anthropology, political science, theology, and history.

Author Biography

Carol S. Anderson is Professor of Religion at Kalamazoo College, U.S.A.

Thomas Cattoi is Associate Professor in Christology and Cultures at the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University and the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, U.S.A.