Religious Epistemology through Schillebeeckx and Tibetan Buddhism: Reimagining Authority Amidst Modern Uncertainty

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This study investigates how a comparison between the Catholic theologian Edward Schillebeeckx's controversial reading of Thomist philosophy and the Tibetan Buddhist Gendun Chopel's challenge to the standard Geluk teaching of Tsongkhapa's Madhyamaka philosophy might assist in rethinking conceptions of religious knowledge. Utilizing a wide variety of methodical approaches to establish an imaginary dialogue between these two thinkers, this comparison remains embodied in the thought and praxis of actual individuals, and yet still firmly embedded within the conversations and trajectories of their broader religious traditions.

Reviews

VonWachenfeldt brilliantly explores the creative theories of religious experience and knowledge proposed by Schillebeeckx and Chopel in contexts of widespread doubt where traditional authority was questioned. Respecting their important differences, he demonstrates how Christian and Tibetan Buddhist perspectives can challenge and enrich each other. This is a major contribution to Buddhist-Christian scholarship. -- Leo D. Lefebure, Professor of Theology, Georgetown University, USA
There is no better way to do fundamental theology in a relativist culture than comparatively. First, introduce two large thinkers of different traditions. Then ask neutral bridge questions: how do they handle historical perspective, dynamics of interpretation, negative dialectics, and openness to the future Jason VonWachenfeldt concludes this study of Schillebeeckx and Chopel with a brilliant constructive justification of truth claims in a pluralist context. -- Roger Haight, S.J., Union Theological Seminary, New York
Von Wachenfeldts robust comparative analysis of two figures across the Christian and Buddhist worlds demonstrates how rewarding such cross-cultural encounters are in todays global world. The thematic focus on the nature of religious knowledge and experience in the context of historical consciousness makes this work critical for contemporary Catholic theology. -- Francisca Cho, Professor, Georgetown University, USA
How to embrace the relativizing social construction of all truth-claims without sliding down the slippery slopes of relativism Von Wachenfeldt answers that question by engaging two contemporary scholars, one Catholic (Schillebeeckx) and the other Tibetan (Chopel), in an intriguing and illuminating conversation. An example of comparative theology at its best. -- Paul Knitter, Union Theological Seminary, USA

Author Bio

Jason VonWachenfeldt is the Chair for the Religion and Philosophy Department at The Lawrenceville School, USA.