Augustine and World Religions [Paperback]

Every so often a book comes along from a truly fresh perspective--one that genuinely captures its subject in a new light and allows its readers to see with greater clarity the contribution and genius of an intellectual forebear. This is one such book. Bolstered by a fine index and a thorough bibliography, this volume will undoubtedly be of particular use not only to scholars of Augustine but to others in religious studies, as well as to students seeking excellent examples of cross-cultural comparison and to those engaged in practical interreligious dialogue and cooperation; it deserves a wider audience, as well. Journal Of Ecumenical Studies, Spring 2009

Augustine and World Religions examines Augustine's thought for how it can inform modern inter-religious dialogue. Despite Augustine's reputation as the father of Christian intolerance, one finds in his thought the surprising claim that within non-Christian writings there are 'some truths in regard even to the worship of the One God'. This, it seems, hints at a deeper level of respect and dialogue between religions, because one engages in such dialogue in order to better understand and worship God. The essays here uncover provocative points of comparison and similarity between Christianity and other religions to further such an Augustinian dialogue.

Brian E. Brown is associate professor of religious studies at Iona College. John A. Doody is Robert M. Birmingham Chair in the Humanities at Villanova University. Kim Paffenroth is associate professor of religious studies at Iona College.