Monotheism and Its Complexities
Monotheism and Its Complexities

Author: Lucinda Mosher

Publisher: Georgetown University Press

Published: 2018-06-01

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 1626165858

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Conventional wisdom would have it that believing in one God is straightforward; that Muslims are expert at monotheism, but that Christians complicate it, weaken it, or perhaps even abandon it altogether by speaking of the Trinity. In this book, Muslim and Christian scholars challenge that opinion. Examining together scripture texts and theological reflections from both traditions, they show that the oneness of God is taken as axiomatic in both, and also that affirming God's unity has raised complex theological questions for both. The two faiths are not identical, but what divides them is not the number of gods they believe in. The latest volume of proceedings of The Building Bridges Seminar—a gathering of scholar-practitioners of Islam and Christianity that meets annually for the purpose of deep study of scripture and other texts carefully selected for their pertinence to the year’s chosen theme—this book begins with a retrospective on the seminar’s first fifteen years and concludes with an account of deliberations and discussions among participants, thereby providing insight into the model of vigorous and respectful dialogue that characterizes this initiative. Contributors include Richard Bauckham, Sidney Griffith, Christoph Schwöbel, Janet Soskice, Asma Afsaruddin, Maria Dakake, Martin Nguyen, and Sajjad Rizvi. To encourage further dialogical study, the volume includes those scripture passages and other texts on which their essays comment. A unique resource for scholars, students, and professors of Christianity and Islam.

Monotheism and Its Complexities
Monotheism and Its Complexities

Author: Lucinda Mosher

Publisher: Georgetown University Press

Published: 2018-06-01

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 162616584X

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Conventional wisdom would have it that believing in one God is straightforward; that Muslims are expert at monotheism, but that Christians complicate it, weaken it, or perhaps even abandon it altogether by speaking of the Trinity. In this book, Muslim and Christian scholars challenge that opinion. Examining together scripture texts and theological reflections from both traditions, they show that the oneness of God is taken as axiomatic in both, and also that affirming God's unity has raised complex theological questions for both. The two faiths are not identical, but what divides them is not the number of gods they believe in. The latest volume of proceedings of The Building Bridges Seminar—a gathering of scholar-practitioners of Islam and Christianity that meets annually for the purpose of deep study of scripture and other texts carefully selected for their pertinence to the year’s chosen theme—this book begins with a retrospective on the seminar’s first fifteen years and concludes with an account of deliberations and discussions among participants, thereby providing insight into the model of vigorous and respectful dialogue that characterizes this initiative. Contributors include Richard Bauckham, Sidney Griffith, Christoph Schwöbel, Janet Soskice, Asma Afsaruddin, Maria Dakake, Martin Nguyen, and Sajjad Rizvi. To encourage further dialogical study, the volume includes those scripture passages and other texts on which their essays comment. A unique resource for scholars, students, and professors of Christianity and Islam.

Divine Perspectives
Divine Perspectives

Author: M L Ruscsak

Publisher:

Published: 2023-06-06

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Discover the captivating world of "Divine Perspectives: Exploring the Contrasts and Convergence of Polytheism and Monotheism." This thought-provoking journey delves into the rich tapestry of religious beliefs and practices, unraveling the interplay between these ancient traditions. Explore the core tenets, rituals, and mythologies that shape polytheistic and monotheistic belief systems, as we navigate the complexities of religious syncretism. Through meticulous research, we unveil the diverse pantheons, sacred texts, and enchanting rituals that foster a profound connection between mortals and the divine. Witness the blending of beliefs, practices, and symbols that emerge from the crossroads of polytheistic and monotheistic traditions, and delve into the transformation of religious expressions and architectural styles in sacred spaces. As we explore the moral codes, social implications, and individual worldviews shaped by these belief systems, "Divine Perspectives" invites reflection on your own spiritual journey. Engage with thought-provoking discussions and captivating case studies, illuminating the nuances of religious syncretism and the potential for cultural tolerance and understanding. With its accessible yet scholarly approach, "Divine Perspectives" invites readers of all backgrounds to embark on a transformative exploration. Broaden your understanding of the human quest for meaning and the myriad ways in which we seek to connect with the divine. Open your mind and heart to the contrasting and converging worldviews of polytheism and monotheism, as ancient wisdom and modern understanding merge to unveil the tapestry of human spirituality.

Ethical Implications of One God
Ethical Implications of One God

Author: Robert Petkovsek

Publisher: LIT Verlag Münster

Published: 2020-07

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 3643911262

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The issue of the ethical implications of monotheism is a very relevant topic from the point of view of contemporary humanities and social science, and from the perspective of the cultural and political condition in Europe and at the global scale. Therefore a scientific book devoted to this subject makes a lot of sense. Throughout the history and in present times, monotheism has been subjected to several sharp criticisms. On the other hand, we find also very different evaluations of it. They stress its positive and even crucial contribution to peace, forming of rational, non-violent, tolerant culture and society, to the scientific, political and cultural development, to democracy etc. The book offers fresh interdisciplinary perspectives - mainly from the point of view of humanities - on the ethical aspects of monotheism, broadens the scientific understanding of it, and establishes a basis for resolving conflicts to which the understanding of monotheism is relevant or even decisive.

A Million and One Gods
A Million and One Gods

Author: Page duBois

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2014-06-16

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 0674728831

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As A Million and One Gods shows, polytheism is considered a scandalous presence in societies oriented to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim beliefs. Yet it persists, even in the West, perhaps because polytheism corresponds to unconscious needs and deeply held values of tolerance, diversity, and equality that are central to civilized societies.

Beyond Monotheism
Beyond Monotheism

Author: Laurel Schneider

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2007-11-13

Total Pages: 442

ISBN-13: 1135947813

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Laurel Schneider takes the reader on a vivid journey from the origins of "the logic of the One" - only recently dubbed monotheism - through to the modern day, where monotheism has increasingly failed to adequately address spiritual, scientific, and ethical experiences in the changing world. In Part I, Schneider traces a trajectory from the ancient history of monotheism and multiplicity in Greece, Israel, and Africa through the Constantinian valorization of the logic of the One, to medieval and modern challenges to that logic in poetry and science. She pursues an alternative and constructive approach in Part II: a "logic of multiplicity" already resident in Christian traditions in which the complexity of life and the presence of God may be better articulated. Part III takes up the open-ended question of ethics from within that multiplicity, exploring the implications of this radical and realistic new theology for the questions that lie underneath theological construction: questions of belonging and nationalism, of the possibility of love, and of unity. In this groundbreaking work of contemporary theology, Schneider shows that the One is not lost in divine multiplicity, and that in spite of its abstractions, divine multiplicity is realistic and worldly, impossible ultimately to abstract.

Monotheism and the Rise of Science
Monotheism and the Rise of Science

Author: J. L. Schellenberg

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2020-12-17

Total Pages: 103

ISBN-13: 1108899633

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This Element traces the effects of science's rise on the cultural status of monotheism. Starting in the past, it shows how monotheism contributed to science's rise, and how, returning the favour, science provided aid and support, until fairly recently, for the continuing success of monotheism in the west. Turning to the present, the Element explores reasons for supposing that explanatorily, and even on an existential level, science is taking over monotheism's traditional roles in western culture. These reasons are found to be less powerful than is commonly supposed, though the existential challenge can be made effective when framed in an unusual and indirect manner. Finally, the Element considers how the relationship between science's high standing and the status of monotheism might appear in the future. Could something like monotheism rise again, and might science help it do so? The Element concludes that an affirmative answer is possible.

Monotheism and the Suffering of Animals in Nature
Monotheism and the Suffering of Animals in Nature

Author: Christopher Southgate

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2023-07-06

Total Pages: 139

ISBN-13: 1108956718

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This Element concerns itself with a particular aspect of the problem posed to monotheistic religious thought by suffering, namely the suffering of non-human creatures in nature. It makes some comparisons between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and then explores the problem in depth within Christian thought. After clarification of the nature of the problem, the Element considers a range of possible responses, including those based on a fall-event, those based on freedom of process, and those hypothesising a constraint on the possibilities for God as creator. Proposals based on the motif of self-emptying are evaluated. Two other aspects of the question concern God's providential relationship to the evolving creation, and the possibility of resurrection lives for animals. After consideration of the possibility of combining different explanations, the Element ends its discussion by looking at two innovative proposals at the cutting-edge of the debate.

The Only True God
The Only True God

Author: James F. McGrath

Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Published: 2022-08-15

Total Pages: 171

ISBN-13: 0252091892

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Monotheism is a powerful religious concept shaped by competing ideas and the problems they raised. Surveying New Testament writings and Jewish sources from before and after the rise of Christianity, James F. McGrath argues that even the most developed Christologies in the New Testament fit within the context of first century Jewish monotheism. McGrath pinpoints when the parting of ways took place over the issue of God's oneness, and explores philosophical ideas such as "creation out of nothing" which caused Jews and Christians to develop differing concepts and definitions about God.