Religion and reality : an exploration of contemporary metaphysical systems, theologies, and religious pluralism / Darren Iammarino.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Iammarino, Darren.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Religion--Philosophy.

Religion.

Religions.

Religious pluralism.

Metaphysics.

Physical Description:

xx, 280 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

Eugene, Oregon : Pickwick Publications, [2013]

Summary:

Religion and reality argues for the reality of multiple religious ultimates rather than just one. This entails that all the religions are not the same; they describe different religious objects, and they each provide unique forms of salvation. The immediate advantage of this approach is that it explains how all religions are equally valid without glossing over the real differences that define them. Put differently, each religion has correctly identified a piece of the puzzle that makes up Ultimate Reality. There is, however, a limit to the plurality, and thus five distinct religious ultimates are identified: the Forms, God, A World, Creativity, and the Receptacle. One or two of these five ultimates are found within all of the world's religions, as evidenced by religious scriptures and religious experiences. Based upon these five religious ultimates, this book puts forth a novel philosophical and religious system-Cosmosyntheism-a word emphasizing the likelihood that in the beginning, there was more than just God. Quite possibly, there may have been five ultimates, each sacred in its own way, none of which could have existed without the reality of the others. Book jacket.

Contents:

Pt. I. Five possible global metaphysical systems for the twenty-first century. Cobb and Griffin's conception of three religious ultimates

Four additional contenders for a twenty-first-century global metaphysical system

pt. II. Cosmosyntheism: a new option. The five mutually grounding ultimates and cosmosyntheism's nine key advancements

The forms

The dipolar deity

A world/cosmos

Creativity/eros

The plane of mutual immanence

The logical inconsistencies of all other possible combinations

pt. III. Cosmosyntheism vs. the five rival contenders: assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each system. Free will

Conflicting religious truth claims part 1

Conflicting religious truth claims part 2

The problem of evil

pt. IV. Implications and applications of cosmosyntheism. Ethics

Appendix. Cosmosyntheism and applied or practical religion

Final meditations.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 265-268) and index.

ISBN:

1620322447

9781620322444

OCLC:

859192473

Publisher Number:

99956874481