Problems of Religious Diversity

Paul J. Griffiths is Schmitt Chair of Catholic Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has held academic posts at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Chicago. He is author of On Being Buddha: The Classical Doctrine of Buddhahood (1994) and Religious Reading: The Place of Reading in the Practice of Religion (1999).

"At a time when words like tolerance, diversity, pluralism, and truth are brandished as rhetorical weapons, Paul Griffiths provides a crisp and elegant analysis of the philosophical, moral, and political contexts in which these and other terms function. A bracing and helpful treatment of a perpetually vexed subject." Stanley Fish, University of Illinois at Chicago "Problems of Religious Diversity is a rare work – an introduction that not only accurately orients beginners, but draws them into the midst of current dialogue. Its bracing clarity has challenges for the expert as well as the novice. It should become a favored port of entry for those who want to think philosophically about the relations among religions." S. Mark Heim, Andover Newton Theological School "A profound, challenging, and edifying appraisal of what it means to keep faith with integrity in a religiously plural world, Problems of Religious Diversity is indispensable for those who seek philosophical grounding for the dialogue with world religions." Carol Zaleski, Smith College "A must read for both introductory students and seasoned scholars alike!" Amos Young, Religious Studies Review, Vol 27, October 2001 "Griffiths skilfully balances a general introductory perspective accessible to serious students with profound analysis that will appeal to professionals." Bernardo J. Cantens, Theological Studies, Vol. 63, June 2002 "Problems of Religious Diversity is a very helpful introduction to the cluster of questions arising from religious diversity in the West. Both those just becoming acquainted with the issues and those already quite familiar with the debates will benefit from careful study of Paul Griffith's clear and stimulating treatment of the subject." Journal of the Evangelical Philosophic Society, February 2003

• Series Editor's Preface ixPreface xiAcknowledgments xiiiKey Terms xiv1 Religious Diversity 11.1 Religion: Some Historical Remarks 11.2 Religion: A Definition 71.3 Diversity in Religion 121.4 Philosophical Questions about Religious Diversity 161.5 Standpoints and Answers 192 Religious Diversity and Truth 212.1 Religious Claims: Doctrines and Teachings 212.2 Assent and Acceptance 262.3 Truth, Falsehood, Incompatibility 312.4 Parity with Respect to Truth: A Kantian View 372.5 Parity with Respect to Truth: A Wittgensteinean View 452.6 Parity with Respect to Truth: Nonreligious Views 502.7 Difference with Respect to Religious Truth: Exclusivism 532.8 Difference with Respect to Religious Truth: Inclusivism 602.9 A Catholic Christian Argument for Open lnclusivism 603 Religious Diversity and Epistemic Confidence 663.1 Epistemic Confidence 663.2 Awareness of Diversity 703.3 Religious Responses to the Question of Epistemic Confidence 753.4 Privatization 813.5 The Epistemic Significance of Religious Diversity: A Christian View in Conversation with William Alston 894 The Religious Alien 994.1 Toleration: Enduring the Religious Alien 1014.2 Separation: Isolating the Religious Alien 1114.3 Conversion: Domesticating the Religious Alien 1194.4 Christian Evangelism 1325 The Question of Salvation 1385.1 Pluralism 1425.2 Exclusivism 1505.3 Inclusivism 1595.4 Restrictivism and Universalism 161A Brief Guide to Further Reading 170Index 172