The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology - (Wiley Blackwell Companions to Religion) by Axel M Oaks Takacs & Joseph L Kimmel (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Francis Xavier Clooney (Parkman Professor of Divinity at Harvard University) is widely considered a leading figure in comparative theology not only for his ground-breaking contribution to the development of this field, but also for being a mentor and a true inspiration to many scholars. The proposed volume aims to celebrate the remarkable career and contribution of Prof. Clooney's work bringing together for the first time a stellar cast of comparative theologians whose work has been inspired and/or influenced by Clooney's studies (including former students from both Harvard and Boston). This edited work, published as part of the Wiley Blackwell Companions to Religion series, is intended as a collection of essays in honour of Prof. Clooney as well a review on the current status and future development of comparative theology and its related disciplines (such as interreligious studies and comparative religion). Organised in seven sections, it consists of more than fifty original contributions written by international scholars at any level (from established tenured professors to promising doctoral students). The essays encompass a broad range of themes and topics: from issues of comparative methodologies and motivations to comparative pedagogy and "real-life" experience; from critical, theoretical, and methodological reflections on the field of comparative theology to cutting-edge historical research related to the field, unique exercises in comparative theology, constructive appraisals of Clooney's scholarship, and more. This unique collaborative project is expected to mark a major contribution to the academic community. More than merely a Festschrift, this volume extends the fields of comparative religion and theology while it pays homage, reflects upon, and critiques Clooney and his oeuvre"--

Book Synopsis

An incisive and original collection of the most engaging issues in contemporary comparative theology

In The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology, a team of distinguished scholars delivers a one-of-a-kind collection of essays on comparative theology. Honoring the groundbreaking work of Francis X. Clooney, S.J.--whose contributions to theology and religion will endure for generations--the included works explore seven key subjects in comparative theology, including its theory, method, history, influential contemporary developments, and potentially fruitful avenues for future discussion.

The editors provide essays that reflect on the critical, theoretical, and methodological aspects of comparative theology, as well as constructive and critical appraisals of Francis Clooney's scholarship. Over forty original contributions from internationally recognized scholars and insightful newcomers to the field are included within. Readers will also find:

• Insightful discussions of the larger implications of comparative theology beyond the discipline itself, especially as it relates to educational programs, institutions, and post-carceral life
• Robust promotion of the research methods and critical thinking present in Francis Clooney's work
• Practical discussions of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing theological researchers today
• Papers from leading contributors located around the globe, including emerging voices from the global south

Perfect for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of theology and religious studies, The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology will also benefit scholars with an interest in comparative religion, interreligious studies, and interreligious theology.

From the Back Cover

A fascinating compilation of essays addressing essential topics in modern comparative theology

In The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology, a team of distinguished scholars delivers a singular and incisive exploration of the topics at the forefront of contemporary comparative theology. The book provides readers with over forty original contributions from leading academics on subjects including the theory, method, and history of comparative theology, as well as discussions of recent developments and controversies.

The editors provide essays that reflect on the critical, theoretical, and methodological aspects of comparative theology, as well as essays which examine the groundbreaking scholarship of Francis X. Clooney, SJ. The included works offer insightful discussions of the wider implications of comparative theology beyond the discipline itself, including educational programs and post-carceral life.

An essential and original compilation of engaging essays written by internationally renowned academics and up-and-coming scholars from around the world, The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Comparative Theology is a valuable and eye-opening examination of comparative theology that deserves a place on the bookshelves of students and academics with an interest in theology, religious studies, comparative religion, interreligious studies, and interreligious theology.

About the Author

Axel M. Oaks Takacs is Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Molloy University and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Interreligious Studies. He is a comparative theologian and scholar of Islamic Studies and interreligious studies, with an established record of published articles and entries in edited volumes such as the Georgetown Companion to Interreligious Studies, the Brill Companion to Comparative Theology, and Fordham's How To Do Comparative Theology.

Joseph L. Kimmel recently completed his PhD in the Study of Religion at Harvard. He teaches part-time at Boston College and serves as an Episcopal priest. In addition to a forthcoming article in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, he has been published in journals including Biblical Interpretation, the Journal of Interreligious Studies, the International Journal of Culture and Mental Health, and the Graduate Journal of Harvard Divinity School.