The Absoluteness of Christianity and the History of Religions [Paperback]

Ernst Troeltsch (Author), David Reid (Translator), James Luther Adams (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 16, 2006

In this seminal work, pioneering theologian Ernst Troeltsch raises the question, how can we pass beyond the diversity with which history presents us to norms for our faith and for our judgments about life? He trenchantly probes the issue of how one religion--when viewed historically in the context of other world religions--can be universally and absolutely true. Though many others since have explored the issue of historical relativism and religious truth, few have done so with Troeltsch's determination and incisiveness, and for this he has made a lasting contribution to Christian theology and the philosophy of religion. The questions Troeltsch poses in this book remain utterly significant for the thoughtful Christian today. This reissue of a well-known classic includes a foreword by theological titan James Luther Adams.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Ernst Troeltsch (1865 - 1923) was a professor in Heidelberg and Berlin, Germany. He wrote and lectured extensively on the impact of history for the modern interpretation of Christian faith. He was also a key figure in the establishment of the sociology of religion and social ethics as academic disciplines through his magisterial work, The Social Teaching of the Christian Churches.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (January 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664230164
• ISBN-13: 978-0664230166
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,159,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This classic should be in the hands of every serious student of contemporary Christian history, October 15, 2005

By 

Allan M. Gathercoal "fdoamerica" (Norcross, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Absoluteness of Christianity and the History of Religions (Paperback)

Troeltsch struggled for several decades to understand how the role of history and culture affected development of religion. He moved from a view that Christianity was the `absolute' religious view (as postulated in this book 1901) to a view that Christianity was absolutely true, for Christians (1923). Earnest Troeltsch was an inclusivist/pluralist by the time of his death. In "The Absoluteness of Christianity" all religions are evolving towards, and ultimately culminate in Christianity. He states Christianity is not only the high point of religious experience, but Christianity also is "the loftiest and most spiritual revelation we know at all."

Troeltsch had a considerable influence on younger theologians of his time, especially through his insistence that the church must drastically rethink its attitude toward other faith. Though this is a exacting read (after reading it twice I finally had the `eureka!' experience' ) its short,160 pages, make it undaunting. This classic should be in the hands of every serious student of contemporary Christian history and every students of religions should have this classic. Highly Recommended