The idea of "world religions" expresses a vague commitment to multiculturalism. Not merely a descriptive concept; "world religions" is actually a particular ethos; a pluralist ideology; a logic of classification; and a form of knowledge that has shaped the study of religion and infiltrated ordinary language.In this ambitious study; Tomoko Masuzawa examines the emergence of "world religions" in modern European thought. Devoting particular attention to the relation between the comparative study of language and the nascent science of religion; she demonstrates how new classifications of language and race caused Buddhism and Islam to gain special significance; as these religions came to be seen in opposing terms-Aryan on one hand and Semitic on the other. Masuzawa also explores the complex relation of "world religions" to Protestant theology; from the hierarchical ordering of religions typical of the Christian supremacists of the nineteenth century to the aspirations of early twentieth-century theologian Ernst Troeltsch; who embraced the pluralist logic of "world religions" and by so doing sought to reclaim the universalist destiny of European modernity.
#788528 in Books imusti 1977-02-15 1977-02-15Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.55 x 6.00l; 1.76 #File Name: 0226346846618 pagesUniversity of Chicago Press
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Best read on an e-reader due to very; very small print.By Larry CristI hesitate to review this series (there are 3 volumes); not because they are not well done; but because the print is incredibly small. This series is far better read on an e-reader where the font can be enlarged. The material is well researched and comprehensive.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy CustomerGreat book. Very thorough and well done.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Classic of a Certain TypeBy hs history teacherClearly a work of great erudition. Should be read after volume 1 or you won't understand certain ideas. Caution: not solely a political/economic history. Much of text involves discussion of the maturing philosophical basis of Islam as a religion and way of life - heavy going.Many many typos in the electronic version of this book - publisher should be very ashamed and embarrassed!!!
