The Absoluteness of Christianity and the History of Religions (Paperback)

~ Ernst Troeltsch (Author), David Reid (Translator), James Luther Adams (Foreword)
Key Phrases: natural absoluteness, naïve absoluteness, artificial absoluteness, Two Types of Absoluteness, Reexamination of the Evolutionary Apologetic, First Edition (more...)

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Product Description

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, deceased American social ethicist and theologian at Harvard Divinity School.

Language Notes

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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (April 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.com Sales Rank: #856,027 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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3 of 3 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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (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