Here is a wise, radical, and illuminating book on the obstacles that a rigid interpretation of orthodox christological doctrines presents to dialogue with persons of other faiths. One Christ--Many Religions examines religious pluralism today and, in the light of its implications for the global community, suggests the contours of a revised christology more credible to Christians and their neighbors of other faiths. Samartha argues that the problem with the christological dogmas of the first Ecumenical Councils is not their truth so much as their interpretation, and the un-Christian zealotry they seem to engender in Christians. Sensitive to charges of sentiments of racial and cultural superiority that stem from Christians believing themselves uniquely authorized agents of God, Samartha challenges us to admit the truth of these accusations, and to revise our understanding of Jesus. Without such christological revisions, Samartha fears, Christianity may cease to be Christian, may become enfeebled in the pursuit of justice for the oppressed, alienated from the deeper challenge of Jesus, sealed off from the truths of other religions, and, ultimately, may be barred from experiencing the rich and mysterious encounter of God.

One of the world's foremost exponents of the "pluralist" position as the most adequate Christian theological account of religious diversity turns to a new and urgent issue facing the community of world religions. For Paul Knitter, the spectre of environmental and social injustice looms over any serious discussion of humankind's future. As urgent as it is to have peace among the world's believers to achieve peace among nations, it is urgent that these communities unite in understanding and defending of the earth. In One Earth Many Religions Knitter looks back at his own "dialogical odyssey" and forward to the way that interfaith encounters and dialogue must focus attention on new challenges. Nothing less than enlisting the commitment of the world's religions on the task of saving our common home will do. In making that case, Knitter makes clear the complex structurespolitical, economic, and social as well as religious - that face those who approach this task. While articulating a "this-worldly soteriology" necessary to overcome our eco-human plight, Knitter offers practical considerations on actions and projects that have and should have been undertaken to stem the tide of environmental and human suffering. The global crisis is both at the center of One Earth Many Religions and a test case for Knitter and others engaged in the dialogue of religions. Can religious differences concerning the nature of the transcendent themselves be transcended in order to promote eco-human well-being? The issue seems basic and clearif interreligious dialogue cannot effect such a change, then one must question whether religion is of any use whatsoever.

Foreword by Scott Hahn In Many Religions, One Covenant, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger spans the deep divides in modern Catholic scholarship to present a compelling biblical theology, modern in its concerns yet classical in its breadth. It is his classical mastery, his ressourcement, that enables the Cardinal to build a bridge. Cardinal Ratzinger seeks to deepen our understanding of the Bible's most fundamental principle. The covenant defines religion for Christians and Jews. We cannot discern God's design or his will if we do not meditate upon his covenant. The covenant, then, is the principle that unites the New Testament with the Old, the Scriptures with Tradition, and each of the various branches of theology with all the others. The covenant does more than bridge the gaps between these elements; it fills in the gaps, so that biblical scholarship, dogmatic theology, and magesterial authority all stand on common ground - solid ground.

Western Christianity’s interaction with world religions used to be, for the most part, overseas. Today, “religious others” often live next door. At a changing time when one public prayer spoken during the 2009 U.S. presidential inauguration festivities was addressed to “O god of our many understandings,” the evangelical Christian church should do more than simply dismiss non-Christian religions as pagan without argument or comment. The Church needs a theology of religions that is Christ-honoring, biblically faithful, intellectually satisfying, compassionate, and that will encourage Spirit-powered mission. Oregon-based theology professor Todd L. Miles writes to that end in A God of Many Understandings?, attempting, as the scholar Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen puts it, “to think theologically about what it means for Christians to live with people of other faiths and about the relationship of Christianity to other religions."

Douglas Groothuis examines the basic doctrines of great world religions, including Islam and Nondualistic Hinduism, and compares them to Christianity. Groothuis concludes that all religions are not one, but diverse people can find oneness at the foot of Christ's cross.

Cliffe Knechtle offers clear, reasoned and compassionate responses to the tough questions skeptics ask.