The Beginning and the End of 'Religion' [Paperback]

Covers the study of religions, theology and science and the secularisation of modern culture.Fourteen essays argue against the view that religion is a subject quite different from others. Stating that the modern world is ending, they argue that in the consequent confusion is the possibility of discovering new forms of ancient wisdom previously obscured.Fourteen essays argue against the view that religion is a subject quite different from others. Stating that the modern world is ending, they argue that in the consequent confusion is the possibility of discovering new forms of ancient wisdom previously obscured.What is the subject of theology? These fourteen essays argue against the view that religion is the name of one particular territory that we may consider or ignore if we feel so inclined. That religion is a subject quite different from others, such as politics, art, science, law and economics, is peculiar to modern Western culture. But Professor Lash states that the modern world is ending, and in the consequent confusion is the possibility of discovering new forms of ancient wisdom that the modern world obscured from view. Part I explores the dialogue between Christianity and Hinduism. Those essays in Part II (six were published between 1988 and 1994, and five are unpublished) consider relations between theology and science, the secularity of Western culture and questions of Christian hope or eschatology.Part I. A Meeting Place for Truth: 1. The beginning and the end of 'religion'?; 2. Prophecy and peace; 3. Reality, wisdom and delight; Part II. Emerging from Modernity: 4. Observation, revelation and the posterity of Noah; 5. On what kinds of things there are; 6. Contemplation, metaphor and real knowledge; 7. When did the theologians lose interest in theology?; 8. Anselm seeking; 9. Creation, courtesy and contemplation; 10. Hollow centres and holy places; 11. Hoping against hope, or Abraham's dilemma; 12. Eagles and sheep: Christianity and the pulãp