Constructing Reality in Comparative Theology

Paul S. Chung (Dr Habil.) specialises in theology at the University of Basel, Switz­erland, and in sociology of religion at the University of California, Berkeley, CA. He was previously associate professor at Luther Seminary, St Paul, Minnesota, and is nominated distinguished professor at Lutheran Theo­logical Seminary at Chicago. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Historians' Debate - Public Theology website and teaches in Berkeley.

'This book offers a wide-ranging, expansive exploration of comparative theology, informed by a social scientific perspective, with the goal of emphasizing the practical role religions can play in promoting a more just and peaceful society. In today's context, which has been negatively impacted by capitalism and partisanship, it brings a much-needed message of possibility.' Revd Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen, President, Wartburg Theological Seminary'Paul Chung makes an important contribution to comparative theology, extending it beyond textual comparison by way of a sociological hermeneutic framework that considers broader political, economic, and cultural factors. Informed by his own tradition's emphasis on reconciliation and a theologia crucis, he enriches the comparative project of reading together by attending to the ways texts are embodied in the social and ethical realities we construct for ourselves.' Lois Malcolm, The Olin and Amanda Fjelstad Reigstad Chair of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary

• Foreword by Ulrich DuchrowAcknowledgementsIntroductionChapter 1. Ernst Troeltsch: Comparative Theology and Historical Research of ReligionChapter 2. Comparative Theolgoy, Sociological Enquiry, and Power RelationsChapter 3. Comparative Theology of Grace: Martin Luther and Shinran ShoninChapter 4. Karl Barth, Religion and Comparative TheologyChapter 5. Islam: Religious Discourse, Power and ModernityChapter 6. Comparative Theology: Culture and ReligionChapter 7. Comparative Theology and Interreligious DialogueEpilogueBibliographyIndex