Joseph L. Kimmel – författare

Challenging the Orientalist exoticisation of mantras and their restriction to ‘Eastern religions’, Joseph L. Kimmel traces the understanding, practice, and purposes of mantras across a variety of historical and cultural contexts, from early Christianity to the present day. This comparative approach reveals the richness and versatility of this ancient tradition, offering an illuminating account of its significance and function.Beginning with the origins of Indic mantras in ancient Vedic traditions and their reinterpretation along Tantric Hindu and Buddhist lines, this book illuminates how mantric-like speech has also characterised Christian practices in understudied ways, from the early Christians’ invocations of Jesus to medieval and contemporary iterations of the Orthodox ‘Jesus-prayer’. This volume provides insight into the ‘manifestation’ mantras of present-day self-help practices, tracing their rise and analysing how their purpose and use converges and departs from Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. What emerges is a compelling case for mantras’ enduring relevance, widespread appeal and ongoing significance.

An incisive and original collection of the most engaging issues in contemporary comparative theology In The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology, a team of distinguished scholars delivers a one-of-a-kind collection of essays on comparative theology. Honoring the groundbreaking work of Francis X. Clooney, S.J.—whose contributions to theology and religion will endure for generations—the included works explore seven key subjects in comparative theology, including its theory, method, history, influential contemporary developments, and potentially fruitful avenues for future discussion. The editors provide essays that reflect on the critical, theoretical, and methodological aspects of comparative theology, as well as constructive and critical appraisals of Francis Clooney’s scholarship. Over forty original contributions from internationally recognized scholars and insightful newcomers to the field are included within. Readers will also find: Insightful discussions of the larger implications of comparative theology beyond the discipline itself, especially as it relates to educational programs, institutions, and post-carceral lifeRobust promotion of the research methods and critical thinking present in Francis Clooney’s workPractical discussions of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing theological researchers todayPapers from leading contributors located around the globe, including emerging voices from the global southPerfect for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of theology and religious studies, The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology will also benefit scholars with an interest in comparative religion, interreligious studies, and interreligious theology.

An incisive and original collection of the most engaging issues in contemporary comparative theology In The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology, a team of distinguished scholars delivers a one-of-a-kind collection of essays on comparative theology. Honoring the groundbreaking work of Francis X. Clooney, S.J.—whose contributions to theology and religion will endure for generations—the included works explore seven key subjects in comparative theology, including its theory, method, history, influential contemporary developments, and potentially fruitful avenues for future discussion. The editors provide essays that reflect on the critical, theoretical, and methodological aspects of comparative theology, as well as constructive and critical appraisals of Francis Clooney’s scholarship. Over forty original contributions from internationally recognized scholars and insightful newcomers to the field are included within. Readers will also find: Insightful discussions of the larger implications of comparative theology beyond the discipline itself, especially as it relates to educational programs, institutions, and post-carceral lifeRobust promotion of the research methods and critical thinking present in Francis Clooney’s workPractical discussions of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing theological researchers todayPapers from leading contributors located around the globe, including emerging voices from the global southPerfect for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of theology and religious studies, The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology will also benefit scholars with an interest in comparative religion, interreligious studies, and interreligious theology.