George M. Young
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199892945
- eISBN:
- 9780199950577
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199892945.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, a controversial school of Russian thinkers emerged, convinced that humanity was entering an advanced stage of evolution and must assume a new, active, ...
More
In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, a controversial school of Russian thinkers emerged, convinced that humanity was entering an advanced stage of evolution and must assume a new, active, managerial role in the cosmos. This book offers a dynamic and wide-ranging examination of the lives and ideas of the Russian Cosmists. Although they wrote as scientists, theologians, and philosophers, the Cosmists addressed topics traditionally confined to occult and esoteric literature. Their writings explored the extension of the human life span to establish universal immortality; the restoration of life to the dead; the regulation of nature so that all manifestations of blind natural force were under rational human control; the effect of cosmic rays and other particles of energy on human history; and practical steps toward eventual human control over the flow of time. Suppressed during the Soviet period and little noticed in the West, the ideas of the Cosmists have in recent decades been rediscovered and embraced by many Russian intellectuals. The book offers a sympathetic analysis of the ideas of the Cosmists within the contexts of Russian philosophy, Russian religious thought, and Western esotericism.Less
In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, a controversial school of Russian thinkers emerged, convinced that humanity was entering an advanced stage of evolution and must assume a new, active, managerial role in the cosmos. This book offers a dynamic and wide-ranging examination of the lives and ideas of the Russian Cosmists. Although they wrote as scientists, theologians, and philosophers, the Cosmists addressed topics traditionally confined to occult and esoteric literature. Their writings explored the extension of the human life span to establish universal immortality; the restoration of life to the dead; the regulation of nature so that all manifestations of blind natural force were under rational human control; the effect of cosmic rays and other particles of energy on human history; and practical steps toward eventual human control over the flow of time. Suppressed during the Soviet period and little noticed in the West, the ideas of the Cosmists have in recent decades been rediscovered and embraced by many Russian intellectuals. The book offers a sympathetic analysis of the ideas of the Cosmists within the contexts of Russian philosophy, Russian religious thought, and Western esotericism.
Fania Oz-salzberger
- Published in print:
- 1995
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198205197
- eISBN:
- 9780191676543
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198205197.003.0010
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter examines the influence of Adam Ferguson's work on the religious philosophy of German philosopher Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. It aims to determine which of Ferguson's books influenced ...
More
This chapter examines the influence of Adam Ferguson's work on the religious philosophy of German philosopher Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. It aims to determine which of Ferguson's books influenced Lessing. Some critics have suggested that it was Institutes of Moral Philosophy while others believed it was Essay on the History of Civil Society. This chapter also analyses the significance of the Fergusonian fingerprints which arguably appear in Lessing's Die Erziehung des Menschengeschlechts.Less
This chapter examines the influence of Adam Ferguson's work on the religious philosophy of German philosopher Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. It aims to determine which of Ferguson's books influenced Lessing. Some critics have suggested that it was Institutes of Moral Philosophy while others believed it was Essay on the History of Civil Society. This chapter also analyses the significance of the Fergusonian fingerprints which arguably appear in Lessing's Die Erziehung des Menschengeschlechts.
Dwayne A. Tunstall
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823230549
- eISBN:
- 9780823235919
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823230549.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, American Philosophy
This chapter presents a brief history of the Royce–Howison debate in 1895 and reconstructs George Holmes Howison's critiques of Royce's mostly epistemic arguments for ...
More
This chapter presents a brief history of the Royce–Howison debate in 1895 and reconstructs George Holmes Howison's critiques of Royce's mostly epistemic arguments for God's existence, as Royce articulated them in The Religious Aspect of Philosophy. It argues that because Howison serves as Josiah Royce's philosophical foil during his “middle” period, Royce's idealism gradually becomes more similar to Howison's personal idealism. It also analyzes Royce's modified ontological argument for God's existence in his 1895 lecture “The Conception of God”. Additionally, it describes how Howison's criticism is a valid one, even though he misinterprets Royce's idealism and its argument for God's existence.Less
This chapter presents a brief history of the Royce–Howison debate in 1895 and reconstructs George Holmes Howison's critiques of Royce's mostly epistemic arguments for God's existence, as Royce articulated them in The Religious Aspect of Philosophy. It argues that because Howison serves as Josiah Royce's philosophical foil during his “middle” period, Royce's idealism gradually becomes more similar to Howison's personal idealism. It also analyzes Royce's modified ontological argument for God's existence in his 1895 lecture “The Conception of God”. Additionally, it describes how Howison's criticism is a valid one, even though he misinterprets Royce's idealism and its argument for God's existence.
Nicholas Sagovsky
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198267287
- eISBN:
- 9780191683176
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198267287.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter discusses George Tyrrell's External Religion, a small book of addresses he had given to Oxford undergraduates. External Religion sets out some of Tyrrell's most fundamental convictions. ...
More
This chapter discusses George Tyrrell's External Religion, a small book of addresses he had given to Oxford undergraduates. External Religion sets out some of Tyrrell's most fundamental convictions. He still believed that his religious philosophy could be contained within the church structures, as it was in continuity with the deepest roots of the Catholic tradition, but there was already about this thought an arresting radicalism and a tendency to take extreme positions in response to the extremism, as he saw it, of those in authority. He was trying to hold together the dogmatic teaching of the Catholic Church and the disturbing conclusions of 19th-century science. As yet he thought mainly in terms of the questions posed by evolution, but he was beginning to realize that the questions of the historians who reconstructed the early history of the Church in terms quite different from church tradition were ultimately far more challenging.Less
This chapter discusses George Tyrrell's External Religion, a small book of addresses he had given to Oxford undergraduates. External Religion sets out some of Tyrrell's most fundamental convictions. He still believed that his religious philosophy could be contained within the church structures, as it was in continuity with the deepest roots of the Catholic tradition, but there was already about this thought an arresting radicalism and a tendency to take extreme positions in response to the extremism, as he saw it, of those in authority. He was trying to hold together the dogmatic teaching of the Catholic Church and the disturbing conclusions of 19th-century science. As yet he thought mainly in terms of the questions posed by evolution, but he was beginning to realize that the questions of the historians who reconstructed the early history of the Church in terms quite different from church tradition were ultimately far more challenging.
Philip Goodchild
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823222063
- eISBN:
- 9780823235605
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823222063.003.0015
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion
This chapter examines the Bergsonism concepts of politics and experience beyond transcendence and immanence. It suggests that the fundamental human relations that ...
More
This chapter examines the Bergsonism concepts of politics and experience beyond transcendence and immanence. It suggests that the fundamental human relations that determine the shape of personal, social, and ecological worlds are not governed by legal or institutional principles but by constitutive practices. It proposes that the initial postulation of the relation between concepts of transcendence and immanence may be crucial for determining the future cohesion between religious philosophies and perspectives.Less
This chapter examines the Bergsonism concepts of politics and experience beyond transcendence and immanence. It suggests that the fundamental human relations that determine the shape of personal, social, and ecological worlds are not governed by legal or institutional principles but by constitutive practices. It proposes that the initial postulation of the relation between concepts of transcendence and immanence may be crucial for determining the future cohesion between religious philosophies and perspectives.
Nicholas Sagovsky
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198267287
- eISBN:
- 9780191683176
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198267287.003.0011
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter discusses Tyrrell's life from 1901 to 1903. After the embarrassed and dishonest avowal on the part of his superiors that there had been no ‘ban’, Tyrrell, now totally disaffected, ...
More
This chapter discusses Tyrrell's life from 1901 to 1903. After the embarrassed and dishonest avowal on the part of his superiors that there had been no ‘ban’, Tyrrell, now totally disaffected, contributed occasional articles to The Month, but effectively withdrew from Jesuit affairs. All his energy, however, was poured into intellectual work. In this period he wrote two pseudonymous seminal books of religious philosophy. He applied himself to the biblical question. He was a constant resource to those in trouble or need, especially Henri Bremond, whose Jesuit vocation was in ruins.Less
This chapter discusses Tyrrell's life from 1901 to 1903. After the embarrassed and dishonest avowal on the part of his superiors that there had been no ‘ban’, Tyrrell, now totally disaffected, contributed occasional articles to The Month, but effectively withdrew from Jesuit affairs. All his energy, however, was poured into intellectual work. In this period he wrote two pseudonymous seminal books of religious philosophy. He applied himself to the biblical question. He was a constant resource to those in trouble or need, especially Henri Bremond, whose Jesuit vocation was in ruins.
Anthony J. Lisska
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198269670
- eISBN:
- 9780191683732
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198269670.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
This chapter examines the question about the relation of the existence of God to a consistent account of natural law theory, particularly in the writings of Thomas Aquinas. The confusion about this ...
More
This chapter examines the question about the relation of the existence of God to a consistent account of natural law theory, particularly in the writings of Thomas Aquinas. The confusion about this relation resulted from claims that natural law is intrinsically connected with the eternal law that one cannot know the natural law without knowing the eternal law. This chapter proposes a method for conceptual and structural understanding of Aquinas' account of natural law without having to imply a necessary relation to eternal law.Less
This chapter examines the question about the relation of the existence of God to a consistent account of natural law theory, particularly in the writings of Thomas Aquinas. The confusion about this relation resulted from claims that natural law is intrinsically connected with the eternal law that one cannot know the natural law without knowing the eternal law. This chapter proposes a method for conceptual and structural understanding of Aquinas' account of natural law without having to imply a necessary relation to eternal law.
David Tracy
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823222773
- eISBN:
- 9780823235810
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823222773.003.0010
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This chapter examines the views of mathematician and Catholic philosopher Blaise Pascal on the relation between philosophy and Christianity. It states that like, other great ...
More
This chapter examines the views of mathematician and Catholic philosopher Blaise Pascal on the relation between philosophy and Christianity. It states that like, other great thinkers, Pascal believed that it is quite possible for a philosophizing person to remain in close contact with faith in the loving God of Jewish and Christian history. It suggests that philosophy, as elucidation of self-experienced phenomena, presupposes a sensibility that responds as adequately as possible to the manner in which the phenomena present themselves.Less
This chapter examines the views of mathematician and Catholic philosopher Blaise Pascal on the relation between philosophy and Christianity. It states that like, other great thinkers, Pascal believed that it is quite possible for a philosophizing person to remain in close contact with faith in the loving God of Jewish and Christian history. It suggests that philosophy, as elucidation of self-experienced phenomena, presupposes a sensibility that responds as adequately as possible to the manner in which the phenomena present themselves.
Lawrence Moonan
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198267553
- eISBN:
- 9780191683282
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198267553.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
What can or can't God do? What flexibility is there in the precise manner by which he executes his decrees? This book is a radically new interpretation of one of the key concepts of medieval ...
More
What can or can't God do? What flexibility is there in the precise manner by which he executes his decrees? This book is a radically new interpretation of one of the key concepts of medieval religious philosophy: the concept of the power of God. It provides a thought-provoking and illuminating analysis of the arguments advanced by the medieval schoolmen to tackle this problem, concentrating in particular on the distinction they made between ‘absolute’ and ‘ordained’ divine power. In doing so, it brings to light some challenging and important new insights on the work of some of the most important thinkers of the Middle Ages — particularly Albert, Bonaventure, and Aquinas. The book also discusses the secular predecessors who influenced these theologians, hitherto largely overlooked by modern scholars, and as well as tracing the development of their ideas, it advances the case for their relevance and central position in modern religious philosophy today.Less
What can or can't God do? What flexibility is there in the precise manner by which he executes his decrees? This book is a radically new interpretation of one of the key concepts of medieval religious philosophy: the concept of the power of God. It provides a thought-provoking and illuminating analysis of the arguments advanced by the medieval schoolmen to tackle this problem, concentrating in particular on the distinction they made between ‘absolute’ and ‘ordained’ divine power. In doing so, it brings to light some challenging and important new insights on the work of some of the most important thinkers of the Middle Ages — particularly Albert, Bonaventure, and Aquinas. The book also discusses the secular predecessors who influenced these theologians, hitherto largely overlooked by modern scholars, and as well as tracing the development of their ideas, it advances the case for their relevance and central position in modern religious philosophy today.
Laurence Coupe
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719071126
- eISBN:
- 9781781702079
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719071126.003.0007
- Subject:
- Literature, 20th-century and Contemporary Literature
This chapter reviews the lessons on the ‘Beat’ – or ‘beatific’ – vision that was discussed in the previous chapters. It examines the relationship between the fifties writers and the sixties ...
More
This chapter reviews the lessons on the ‘Beat’ – or ‘beatific’ – vision that was discussed in the previous chapters. It examines the relationship between the fifties writers and the sixties songwriters, emphasising the power of popular song to make complex religious philosophies accessible and to make the spiritual dimension of existence seem immediate. The chapter also discusses the tensions that existed within the Beatles and Bob Dylan.Less
This chapter reviews the lessons on the ‘Beat’ – or ‘beatific’ – vision that was discussed in the previous chapters. It examines the relationship between the fifties writers and the sixties songwriters, emphasising the power of popular song to make complex religious philosophies accessible and to make the spiritual dimension of existence seem immediate. The chapter also discusses the tensions that existed within the Beatles and Bob Dylan.
Andreas Christmann
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748626052
- eISBN:
- 9780748653126
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748626052.003.0011
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Middle Eastern Studies
This chapter begins by analysing al-Taftāzānī's construct of ‘al-Tasawwuf al-Islāmī’. It focuses on his discursive strategies by which he tried to harmonise the mystical experiences of Sufism with ...
More
This chapter begins by analysing al-Taftāzānī's construct of ‘al-Tasawwuf al-Islāmī’. It focuses on his discursive strategies by which he tried to harmonise the mystical experiences of Sufism with modern Salafic ideals of Islamic reformism. This analysis is followed by a study of his attempts to demonstrate the harmonious relationship between Sufism and theology. This is done within the context of his lifelong goal to create a ‘religious philosophy’ that provides Muslims with an Islamically authentic Weltanschauung. Emulating al-Ghazali's Ihya 'ulūm al-dīn, it brings together all of Islam's traditional sciences. The analysis of these two parts is limited to the examination of al Taftāzānī's composition. The chapter ends with considerations on the politics of al-Taftāzānī's ‘discourse of harmony’.Less
This chapter begins by analysing al-Taftāzānī's construct of ‘al-Tasawwuf al-Islāmī’. It focuses on his discursive strategies by which he tried to harmonise the mystical experiences of Sufism with modern Salafic ideals of Islamic reformism. This analysis is followed by a study of his attempts to demonstrate the harmonious relationship between Sufism and theology. This is done within the context of his lifelong goal to create a ‘religious philosophy’ that provides Muslims with an Islamically authentic Weltanschauung. Emulating al-Ghazali's Ihya 'ulūm al-dīn, it brings together all of Islam's traditional sciences. The analysis of these two parts is limited to the examination of al Taftāzānī's composition. The chapter ends with considerations on the politics of al-Taftāzānī's ‘discourse of harmony’.
Giovanni Ferretti
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823222773
- eISBN:
- 9780823235810
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823222773.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This chapter challenges the traditional conception of the way in which philosophy and theology are and should be related. It examines these disciplines insofar as they are ...
More
This chapter challenges the traditional conception of the way in which philosophy and theology are and should be related. It examines these disciplines insofar as they are practiced by Christians and Catholics. It proposes a different conception of the theology-philosophy relation that presupposes not only competence in both disciplines but demands that Christians who practice these disciplines have a genuine emotional and practical experience of their faith, and that they be aware of this experience while reflecting on their faith.Less
This chapter challenges the traditional conception of the way in which philosophy and theology are and should be related. It examines these disciplines insofar as they are practiced by Christians and Catholics. It proposes a different conception of the theology-philosophy relation that presupposes not only competence in both disciplines but demands that Christians who practice these disciplines have a genuine emotional and practical experience of their faith, and that they be aware of this experience while reflecting on their faith.
Nicholas Sagovsky
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198267287
- eISBN:
- 9780191683176
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198267287.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter details the changes in Tyrrell's life following the election of Guiseppe Sarto as Pope Pius X in 1903. As soon as Pius X began his reign, repressive policies began to be prosecuted with ...
More
This chapter details the changes in Tyrrell's life following the election of Guiseppe Sarto as Pope Pius X in 1903. As soon as Pius X began his reign, repressive policies began to be prosecuted with much more vigour. Tyrrell pursued an ‘apostleship of protest’, which was at one and the same time a protest against ‘Jesuitism’, against ‘the dogmatic fallacy’, against authoritarianism, against all the suffering, distortion, and inhumanity by which he felt himself surrounded.Less
This chapter details the changes in Tyrrell's life following the election of Guiseppe Sarto as Pope Pius X in 1903. As soon as Pius X began his reign, repressive policies began to be prosecuted with much more vigour. Tyrrell pursued an ‘apostleship of protest’, which was at one and the same time a protest against ‘Jesuitism’, against ‘the dogmatic fallacy’, against authoritarianism, against all the suffering, distortion, and inhumanity by which he felt himself surrounded.
Robert McKim
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- December 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198738909
- eISBN:
- 9780191802089
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198738909.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion
This chapter makes a three-part case for a more ambitious, more comprehensive, and richer philosophy of religion than that with which we are currently familiar, at least in the English-speaking ...
More
This chapter makes a three-part case for a more ambitious, more comprehensive, and richer philosophy of religion than that with which we are currently familiar, at least in the English-speaking world. First, it is unsatisfactory for philosophy of religion to consist mostly in philosophical reflection about issues pertaining to a single religion, or to a single religion and its close relatives. Second, many scholars of religion, irrespective of their field of study or training, would benefit from having more access to philosophical tools. Philosophy of religion could, and should, be of more service in this area. Third, an expanded philosophy of religion can contribute to the future development of religion—that is, to the direction, and forms, that religion will take in the future.Less
This chapter makes a three-part case for a more ambitious, more comprehensive, and richer philosophy of religion than that with which we are currently familiar, at least in the English-speaking world. First, it is unsatisfactory for philosophy of religion to consist mostly in philosophical reflection about issues pertaining to a single religion, or to a single religion and its close relatives. Second, many scholars of religion, irrespective of their field of study or training, would benefit from having more access to philosophical tools. Philosophy of religion could, and should, be of more service in this area. Third, an expanded philosophy of religion can contribute to the future development of religion—that is, to the direction, and forms, that religion will take in the future.
T. N. Madan
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- October 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198065104
- eISBN:
- 9780199080182
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198065104.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Sociology of Religion
The person who did most to link Islam with the Enlightenment in India was Sayyid Ahmad Khan, who attempted to overcome the hiatus between faith and reason without abandoning the fundamentals of ...
More
The person who did most to link Islam with the Enlightenment in India was Sayyid Ahmad Khan, who attempted to overcome the hiatus between faith and reason without abandoning the fundamentals of Islam. In fact, no orthodox Muslim thinker has ever treated secularism as anything but an error. Notable among those of the next generation in India whom Sayyid Ahmad Khan influenced were Shaikh Muhammad Iqbal and Abul Kalam Azad. This chapter examines Islam in South Asia, focusing on Azad's arguments in support of the socio-political co-existence of, and indeed cooperation between, Muslims and non-Muslims (notably Hindus). It also explores his argument in support of cooperation and goodwill between the different religious communities of India. Azad's views on religious pluralism as the politics of national liberation, as a religious philosophy, and as cultural history are also considered.Less
The person who did most to link Islam with the Enlightenment in India was Sayyid Ahmad Khan, who attempted to overcome the hiatus between faith and reason without abandoning the fundamentals of Islam. In fact, no orthodox Muslim thinker has ever treated secularism as anything but an error. Notable among those of the next generation in India whom Sayyid Ahmad Khan influenced were Shaikh Muhammad Iqbal and Abul Kalam Azad. This chapter examines Islam in South Asia, focusing on Azad's arguments in support of the socio-political co-existence of, and indeed cooperation between, Muslims and non-Muslims (notably Hindus). It also explores his argument in support of cooperation and goodwill between the different religious communities of India. Azad's views on religious pluralism as the politics of national liberation, as a religious philosophy, and as cultural history are also considered.
Nils Ole Oermann
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198784227
- eISBN:
- 9780191827020
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198784227.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies, Philosophy of Religion
This chapter describes the formative years of Schweitzer’s childhood and school years and his time as a student. He was born and raised in French Alsace in a family of pastors and musicians, where at ...
More
This chapter describes the formative years of Schweitzer’s childhood and school years and his time as a student. He was born and raised in French Alsace in a family of pastors and musicians, where at a young age he learned to play the organ. A sensitive child, he was acutely conscious of both the privileges of his social rank and the misfortunes of others. At school and at university he was an ambitious but mediocre student, studying theology and philosophy. He decided against a career in philosophy and in favour of training to become a pastor. During this time he received master lessons in the organ in Paris, while in Berlin he made the acquaintance of numerous intellectuals. He wrote his major theological work, The Quest of the Historical Jesus, and discovered the concept that would be the cornerstone of his future ethical precept of Reverence for Life.Less
This chapter describes the formative years of Schweitzer’s childhood and school years and his time as a student. He was born and raised in French Alsace in a family of pastors and musicians, where at a young age he learned to play the organ. A sensitive child, he was acutely conscious of both the privileges of his social rank and the misfortunes of others. At school and at university he was an ambitious but mediocre student, studying theology and philosophy. He decided against a career in philosophy and in favour of training to become a pastor. During this time he received master lessons in the organ in Paris, while in Berlin he made the acquaintance of numerous intellectuals. He wrote his major theological work, The Quest of the Historical Jesus, and discovered the concept that would be the cornerstone of his future ethical precept of Reverence for Life.
Nicholas Sagovsky
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198267287
- eISBN:
- 9780191683176
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198267287.003.0010
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter discusses Tyrrell's continued clashes with the Catholic Church. More confidently than ever, Tyrrell entered the fray against the theological rationalism that his experience in the ...
More
This chapter discusses Tyrrell's continued clashes with the Catholic Church. More confidently than ever, Tyrrell entered the fray against the theological rationalism that his experience in the confessional had taught him was doing so much damage to souls. Against the exaltation of the intellect and neglect of the heart, the exaltation of the clergy and neglect of the laity, and the exaltation of the Church and neglect of humanity, he stressed the organic unity of man in his apprehension of God, the organic unity of Catholic doctrine, the Church, the human race, and the whole ‘sentient creation’.Less
This chapter discusses Tyrrell's continued clashes with the Catholic Church. More confidently than ever, Tyrrell entered the fray against the theological rationalism that his experience in the confessional had taught him was doing so much damage to souls. Against the exaltation of the intellect and neglect of the heart, the exaltation of the clergy and neglect of the laity, and the exaltation of the Church and neglect of humanity, he stressed the organic unity of man in his apprehension of God, the organic unity of Catholic doctrine, the Church, the human race, and the whole ‘sentient creation’.
Theo Zweerman
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823222773
- eISBN:
- 9780823235810
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823222773.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This chapter examines the contribution of Saint Bonaventure to the 20th century debate of apophatic theology. It suggests that that a case study on Bonaventure's work can be ...
More
This chapter examines the contribution of Saint Bonaventure to the 20th century debate of apophatic theology. It suggests that that a case study on Bonaventure's work can be expected to enrich actual discussion of negative theology. This is due to the fact that Bonaventure was closely associated with Dionysius and he was even once called “without a doubt the most Dionysian mind of the Middle Ages”. Though Bonaventure never wrote extensive commentaries on the works of Dionysius, he quoted them at least 248 times in his writings.Less
This chapter examines the contribution of Saint Bonaventure to the 20th century debate of apophatic theology. It suggests that that a case study on Bonaventure's work can be expected to enrich actual discussion of negative theology. This is due to the fact that Bonaventure was closely associated with Dionysius and he was even once called “without a doubt the most Dionysian mind of the Middle Ages”. Though Bonaventure never wrote extensive commentaries on the works of Dionysius, he quoted them at least 248 times in his writings.
David L. Haberman
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199929177
- eISBN:
- 9780199332960
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199929177.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
This chapter begins with a consideration of tree worship as a worldwide phenomenon, exploring the sentience of trees in such practices as the worship of oak trees in Europe. The specific worldview ...
More
This chapter begins with a consideration of tree worship as a worldwide phenomenon, exploring the sentience of trees in such practices as the worship of oak trees in Europe. The specific worldview that informs much tree worship and makes it so widespread in India is taken up next. The extensive history of Indian thought expresses a major tenet of Hindu religious philosophy: the interconnectedness and sacred nature of all life. The whole world in its myriad of forms springs from and participates in a unified reality, often called Brahman in the Upanishads and Puranas. Importantly, the great variety of embodied forms of divinity include trees. This chapter concludes with an examination of the long history of tree worship (puja) in India. Virtually all sacred trees in India have been considered a kalpa-vriksha, the famous mythological “Wishing-Tree” that yields many kinds of favorable results, both material and spiritual.Less
This chapter begins with a consideration of tree worship as a worldwide phenomenon, exploring the sentience of trees in such practices as the worship of oak trees in Europe. The specific worldview that informs much tree worship and makes it so widespread in India is taken up next. The extensive history of Indian thought expresses a major tenet of Hindu religious philosophy: the interconnectedness and sacred nature of all life. The whole world in its myriad of forms springs from and participates in a unified reality, often called Brahman in the Upanishads and Puranas. Importantly, the great variety of embodied forms of divinity include trees. This chapter concludes with an examination of the long history of tree worship (puja) in India. Virtually all sacred trees in India have been considered a kalpa-vriksha, the famous mythological “Wishing-Tree” that yields many kinds of favorable results, both material and spiritual.
Louis Dupré
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823222773
- eISBN:
- 9780823235810
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823222773.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This chapter traces how Saint Bonaventure received and transformed some Neoplatonic motifs in writing his Itinerary of the Mind to God. It compares Plotinus' conception of the ...
More
This chapter traces how Saint Bonaventure received and transformed some Neoplatonic motifs in writing his Itinerary of the Mind to God. It compares Plotinus' conception of the ascent to the One with Bonaventure's description of approaching God through speculation. This chapter suggests that though Bonaventure never studied any work of Plotinus or Plato, he was obviously inspired not only by the Scripture but also by the books that transmitted a Neoplatonic, Stoic, and Aristotelian heritage to him.Less
This chapter traces how Saint Bonaventure received and transformed some Neoplatonic motifs in writing his Itinerary of the Mind to God. It compares Plotinus' conception of the ascent to the One with Bonaventure's description of approaching God through speculation. This chapter suggests that though Bonaventure never studied any work of Plotinus or Plato, he was obviously inspired not only by the Scripture but also by the books that transmitted a Neoplatonic, Stoic, and Aristotelian heritage to him.