World Cultures and World Religions: The Coming Dialogue By Hendrik Kraemer The meeting of Christianity and non-Christian religions, the impact of East on West, the clash of cultures and the forces that are changing the pattern of man's life, form the basis of this far-seeing, significant book. ISBN-13: 9780227170953 Specifications: 229x152mm, 384pp, Paperback Price: £22.50 • US$47.50 Publication: June 2003 Order this Title Now

About this Book

The meeting of Christianity and the non-Christian religions, the impact of East on West, and West on East, the clash of cultures and the movement of divine and human forces that are changing the pattern of man's life, form the basis of Kraemer's magisterial book.

He deals historically with the world situation as he sees it because history determines the mood in which East and West approach this 'coming dialogue'. In a series of masterly chapters Kraemer surveys the position of the world's religions deeply enmeshed in socio-cultural systems that create both barriers to change but impetus towards evolution. The dialogue with the 'grand, elusive, Eastern systems of humanist thinking' demands searching thought, fundamental re-adjustment of methods and readiness to find fresh points of contact. It will, however, vindicate the personal conception of the living God as manifest in Jesus Christ. The 'key word of Oriental philosophies is Harmony, glossing over the glaring disharmonies of man's life.'

This is, the heart of the dialogue that Kraemer discusses backed by his vast experience and learning. Kraemer provides a formative and fundamental tool for Christians and all who are aspire to an intelligent and penetrative understanding of the religious and cultural life of the world.

About the Author

Dr. Hendrik Kraemer received his doctor's degree in Oriental Languages, Cultures, and Religions from Leiden University. He became Professor of the History and Phenomenology of Religions in the Theological Faculty of the University of Leiden (Netherlands). He was Director of the Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches at Bossey (near Geneva) and was Fosdick Visiting Professor at the Union Theological Seminary, New York.

Other titles available by Hendrik Kraemer:
Religion and the Christian Faith