Religious Epistemology Through Schillebeeckx and Tibetan Buddhism

By Frederiek Depoortere

Book Description

In an era where spiritual seekers grapple with questions of truth and certainty, this scholarly exploration offers a unique pathway through the intersection of Christian and Buddhist wisdom traditions. Jason M. VonWachenfeldt presents an innovative dialogue between two revolutionary religious thinkers: Catholic theologian Edward Schillebeeckx, known for his bold reinterpretation of traditional Thomist philosophy, and Gendun Chopel, the Tibetan Buddhist scholar who dared to challenge established Geluk teachings.

Through careful comparative analysis, VonWachenfeldt demonstrates how these seemingly disparate voices can illuminate contemporary struggles with religious knowledge and understanding. The author reveals how Gendun Chopel's Madhyamaka insights into cultural conventionality and historical context might enrich Christian theological responses to modern spiritual questions.

This work addresses a crucial challenge facing today's spiritual practitioners: how to navigate between the extremes of rigid dogmatism and paralyzing relativism. By weaving together insights from both traditions, VonWachenfeldt proposes fresh approaches to religious epistemology that honor both intellectual humility and the pursuit of ultimate truth.

The study offers readers a sophisticated yet accessible framework for understanding how different wisdom traditions can inform and strengthen one another. For those seeking deeper engagement with interfaith dialogue and the philosophical foundations of spiritual practice, this comparative exploration provides valuable tools for navigating the complex terrain of religious knowledge in our contemporary world.