Buddhism - by Keith Yandell & Harold Netland (Paperback)

About the Book

In this clear introduction to Buddhism, Keith Yandell and Harold Netland lay out the central metaphysical claims of this significant world religion and then offer an honest comparison with Christianity, acknowledging some overlap of belief while also noting the clear and significant differences between the two religions.

Book Synopsis

The disproportionate influence of Buddhist thought and philosophy found in cultural circles such as education, entertainment and the media coupled with the dramatic recent surge of asian immigrants, many of whom are Buddhist, has brought Buddhism to the forefront of Western culture. And more and more of those who have become disenfranchised from Christian spirituality are embracing Buddhism as a replacement way of organizing their life. In this clear and balanced introduction, Keith Yandell and Harold Netland set out to educate Christians about Buddhism, laying out the central metaphysical claims of this significant world religion, including a concluding chapter which offers an honest comparison with Christianity. The authors acknowledge some overlap of belief while also noting the clear and significant differences between the two religions. As both religions affirm, these distinctions have enormous consequences for the spiritual well-being of adherents. This book guides any reader who wants to understand the central tenets and claims of Buddhism more deeply and how learn how it compares to Christian faith.

Review Quotes

"Yandell and Netland's Buddhism: A Christian Exploration and Appraisal provides a clear, concise and accurate introduction to Buddhist history and doctrine. Although written for Christians, it is not a work of apologetics so much as one concerned to instruct Christians about what Buddhism is, and to clarify differences between the two religions. It does those things very well indeed, and I hope that it will rapidly become the point of first reference for Christians who want to understand Buddhism."

A long overdue book for students and teachers of world religions, helpful especially for Christians who engage in serious inter-religious dialogue with Buddhists.

This is an exceptional book for at least two reasons. First, it succeeds in summarizing the entire sweep of Buddhism's historical development. Second, the authors manage to give readers an accurate summary of basic Buddhist teachings. An honest book all the way around. Highly recommended.

About the Author

Harold Netland is associate professor of philosophy of religion and intercultural studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has spent much of his professional life in Japan. His other books include Dissonant Voices: Religious Pluralism and the Question of Truth (Eerdmans, 1991).

Keith Yandell is Julius R. Weinberg Professor at the University of Wisconsin--Madison, teaching philosophy of religion and history of modern philosophy. He is the author of The Epistemology of Religious Experience (Cambridge, 1994), Philosophy of Religion (Routledge, 1999) and The Soul (Ashgate, forthcoming).