Customer Reviews

Tracing The Way: Spiritual Dimensions of the World Religions

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I teach World Religions at the college level and I have found Kung to be a helpful resource on the world religions. He is, in my view, fair, candid, and balanced, without grinding axes. This book is basically the text of a documentary he did in Germany on the world religions. It seems to flow nicely and hits the major points. Kung also includes his own analyses and opinions. As always, he is "Christian" without being nauseating about it. His years at Tubingen, and his vast experience in ecumenical dialogue, make Kung a seasoned and competent veteran whose insights are usually helpful to me in my classes.

Kung is at his abbreviated best in "Tracing the Way: Spiritual Dimensions of the World Religions." Having already contributed mightily to the theology of world religions in his "Global Responsibility" series, this smallish volume summarizes his findings on the world religions easily and in a wholly engaging way. Full of wonderful pictures to illustrate what he shares, the book is fast moving and -- dare I say? -- fun. The book covers the religion of native peoples, Hindu, the Chinese religions, Buddhism, Judaism Christianity and Islam. Each section addresses the major personalities, holy sites, scriptures, and -- in vintage Kung -- what the future might bring. Fascinating and thought provoking.

"Tracing the Way" comes from the script of a TV series Kung did and so reads on the popular side. To know Kung's efforts in the arena of world peace by developing dialogues among the religions -- for which he has also been considered as a Nobel recipient -- should assure the reader that the material is impeccably accurate and sympathetic.

The title is a translation out of the German. What Kung seems to mean about the world religions being on "the way" is that humanity is thereby exploring its deeper yearnings to become whole and truthful and fully human.

For what it is intended, a popular introduction to the world religions in a holistic and accurate manner, the book gets top ratings. I'm using it to supplement a psychology course in "Advanced Religious and Spiritual Interventions" and it is doing marvelously among the students.

I had to purchase this book for one of my classes. I got it in a timely manner. I would say over all its an interesting book to pick up and read, but to be honest it isnt a book I would just pick up randomly. Like I said it was for class. But if your into that stuff then you should enjoy this book.