The Myth of Christian Uniqueness

A new model of Christian theology, the ''pluralistic'' model, is taking shape, moving beyond the traditional models of exclusivism (Christianity as the only true religion) and inclusivism (Christianity as the best religion) toward a view that recognizes the possibility of many valid religions. In this volume, a widely representative group of eminent Christian theologians - Protestant and Catholic, male and female, from East and West, First and Third Worlds - explores genuinely new attitudes toward other believers and traditions, expanding and refining the discussion and debate over pluralistic theology.Contributors are: Gordon D. Kaufman, John Hick, Langdon Gilkey, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, Stanley J. Samartha, Raimundo Panikkar, Seiichi Yagi, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Marjorie Jewitt Suchocki, Aloysius Pieris, Tom F. Driver, and Paul F. Knitter.An important study of what is fast becoming the central issue of contemporary Christian self-understanding. Even critics of this program will learn much from these daring reflections.David Tracy, Distinguished Service Professor of Catholic Studies and Professor of Theology and the Philosophy of Religion, University of Chicago Divinity SchoolFor some this book will build a bridge to religious pluralism and interreligious dialogue; for others it will expand the bridgehead.Leonard Swidler, Professor of Catholic Thought and Interreligious Dialogue, Temple UniversityThe discussion documented by this book of essays is close to the heart of contemporary theology. It ranges over all the issues of an adequate Christian theology of religions; and even those who are skeptical about its contributors'' pluralistic thesis will be challenged and informed by their arguments for it.Schubert M. Ogden, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theology, Southern Methodist UniversityThe publication of this book symbolizes a new theological epoch in which the global context of our work penetrates its core. For this and for the many fresh perspectives and insights to be found in the individual essays it is an important milestone.John B. Cobb, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Theology, Claremont Graduate SchoolJohn Hick is Danforth Professor Emeritus of Religion at Claremont Graduate School. His many books include ''Problems of Religious Pluralism'', ''God Has Many Names'', and ''The Myth of God Incarnate''.Paul F. Knitter is Professor Emeritus of Theology at Xavier University, Cincinnati. He is also the author of ''No Other Name? A Critical Survey of Christian Attitudes Toward the World Religions''.