Different Paths, Different Summits

A Model for Religious Pluralism

By (author) Stephen Kaplan

Hardback - £123.00

Publication date:

20 December 2001

Length of book:

256 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9780742513310

In a world where religious pluralism is a necessity of modern life, diverse religions exist for the diverse people populating the earth. Theologically, how do people of different faiths find liberation in their separate gods simultaneously? Stephen Kaplan answers this question with his new book, Different Paths, Different Summits. He presents a model for religious pluralism that does not fall victim to the criticisms of pluralist models. Religious positions do not need to be transcended in order for varying faiths to be both honored and liberating simultaneously. Kaplan skillfully depicts three different realties, a theistic ultimate reality, a monistic ultimate reality, and a process non-dualism, along with their beliefs. His model allows for each to exit simultaneously, mutually interpenetrating and distinct.
Stephen Kaplan's latest book is a singularly creative answer to a thorny problem in theology and religious studies. How can one simultaneously affirm religious pluralism as well as the ultimacy of each religion? His answer is both refreshing and tightly-argued. Kaplan's brilliant proposal is for a 'pluralistic ontology and soteriology,' a timely message which will help define the debate for decades to come.