Without Buddha I Could Not Be a Christian - by Paul F Knitter (Paperback)

About the Book

Being a Christian isn't easy. Sustaining belief without any doubts for one's entire life is a very rare accomplishment. Indeed, many would say that examining one's faith at least once is a central part of the Christian condition. In this landmark work, esteemed theologian Paul Knitter explains the unique path that he took to overcome his doubts, becoming a stronger Christian in the process.
Honest and unflinching, "Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian" narrates each common spiritual dilemma that Knitter has struggled with and explains how a Buddhist worldview has allowed him to resolve each one. From the 'petitioning' nature of Christian prayer to how Christianity views life after death, Knitter argues that a Buddhist standpoint can help inspire a more person-centred conception of Christianity, where individual religious experience comes first, and liturgy and tradition second. Moving and revolutionary, this book will inspire Christians everywhere.

Book Synopsis

An honest, unflinching tale of re-finding one's faith, from one of the world's most famous theologians.

Honest and unflinching, Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian narrates how estreemed theologian, Paul F. Knitter overcame a crisis of faith by looking to Buddhism for inspiration. From prayer to how Christianity views life after death, Knitter argues that a Buddhist standpoint can encourage a more person-centred conception of Christianity, where individual religious experience comes first, and liturgy and tradition second. Moving and revolutionary, this book will inspire Christians everywhere.

Review Quotes

will be a life-saver for some and a scandal for others this book is wonderfully candid-- "The Christian Century"

A moving story of one man's quest for truth, this is also a ground-breaking work of inter-religious dialogue, comparative theology and social ethics... the rarest combination of theological acumen, humility and humor. A must read for anyone who wants to renew their faith and rediscover their humanity in intimate dialogue with the faiths of others.-- "John Makransky - Associate Professor of Theology, Boston College and author of Awakening Through Lov"

Highly recommended as an example of how to do personally engaged, self-reflective theology in a religiously plural world.-- "Rita Gross - Professor Emerita of Religion, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and author of Buddhis"

In this revealing retrospective, Knitter recounts very personally how his encounters with liberation theology and with other religions, especially Buddhism, challenged and transformed his Christian faith. This will be of interest to all who are concerned with religious diversity and social justice.-- "Leo Lefebure - Professor of Theology, Georgetown University and author of The Buddha and the Christ"

Knitter's rich book should be a source of fascination and guidance for seekers of all sorts. One of the finest contemporary books on the encounter between religions in the heart and soul of a single thoughtful person.-- "Library Journal"

The dialogue between Christianity and Buddhism is one of the most important conversations of our time, and Paul Knitter's new book shows why. It offers much more than words: religion at its best transforms us, and herein we see its fruits. If you want to know how religions can help to revitalize each other, this is the place to start.-- "David Loy - Besl Family Chair for Ethics/Religion and Society at Xavier University and author of Mon"

This book is an excellent survey of the possibilities for Buddhist-Christian contact.-- "Anglican Theological Review"

This is a fascinating book ... accessible to anyone in the pew, not without a touch of quiet humour ... a book to be read and reflected upon.-- "Journal of Theological Reflection"

About the Author

Paul F. Knitter is Paul Tillich Professor of Theology, Union Theological Seminar, New York. A leading advocate of religious pluralism, he is author of over ten books on the subject.