Religious Inventions Four Essays [Paperback]

This book argues for the diversity of religions and the human element in the development of religion.Many scholars assume that all genuine religions are basically similar and that it is possible to define the sphere of religion in terms of the 'sacred'. In his latest book, Max Charlesworth argues that we must take the diversity of religions as a primary fact. Any religion is an active response to a revelation of the divine, and human beings receive these revelations, interpret them and develop them in a variety of ways. Charlesworth illustrates his thesis with examples ranging from Australian Aboriginal religion, to twentieth-century Roman Catholicism.Many scholars assume that all genuine religions are basically similar and that it is possible to define the sphere of religion in terms of the 'sacred'. In his latest book, Max Charlesworth argues that we must take the diversity of religions as a primary fact. Any religion is an active response to a revelation of the divine, and human beings receive these revelations, interpret them and develop them in a variety of ways. Charlesworth illustrates his thesis with examples ranging from Australian Aboriginal religion, to twentieth-century Roman Catholicism.Many scholars assume that all genuine religions are basically similar and that it is possible to define the sphere of religion in terms of the sacred. In his latest book, Max Charlesworth argues that we must take the diversity of religions as a primary fact. Any religion is an active response to a revelation of the divine, and human beings receive these revelations, interpret them and develop them in a variety of ways. Charlesworth illustrates his thesis with examples ranging from Australian Aboriginal religion, to twentieth-century Roman Catholicism.1. Introduction; 2. The diversity of revelations; 3. The invention of Australian Aboriginal religions; 4. Universal and local elements in religion; 5. The making of a Christian ethics; 6. Conclusion.'This elegantly slim vol8