Comparative Theology: Deep Learning Across Religious Borders

by Francis X. Clooney

Drawing upon the author’s three decades of work in comparative theology, this is a pertinent and comprehensive introduction to the field, which offers a clear guide to the reader, enabling them to engage in comparative study.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Spirituality, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2010

Reviews

[Jeremy Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a constructive theologian beginning my study of comparative theology, I knew the first person I had to read was Francis Clooney. I began with this introductory book and my opinion was pleasantly confirmed. Clooney includes both a general description of comparative theology and specific examples of his own work comparing Roman Catholic Christianity and Vedantic Hinduism. Clooney carefully details the difference between comparative theology and other disciplines such as comparative religion, interreligious dialogue, or theology of religions. His definition reads: “Comparative theology – comparative and theological beginning to end – marks acts of faith seeking understanding which are rooted in a faith tradition but which, from that, foundation venture into learning from one or more other faith traditions. This learning is sought for the sake of fresh theological insights that are indebted to the newly encountered tradition(s) as well as the home tradition.” So in its essence, comparative theology roots itself in one particular community and empathetically and intellectually explores the other in order to inform the first – and inhabit both worlds.

Clooney emphasizes both the careful intellectual work and the spiritual investment necessary for comparative theological work. He traces comparative theology’s beginning all the way back to the New Testament, through Jesuit work in India, through today’s practitioners like David Tracy, Robert Neville, and Keith Ward. Clooney also shows examples of his own comparative theology work with previously delivered essays on parallels between Devi and the Virgin Mary, for example. I was touched both academically and personally by Clooney’s example. As I begin my own exploratory work in the intersection between Anabaptism and Kriya Yoga, I will continually refer back to him as an exemplar, remembering these words: ““Like other forms of richly conceived theology, this comparative practice is – ought to be, can be – more than narrowly academic. At its best, it opens into greater knowledge of God and more intimate encounters with God…. Comparative theology is therefore not only an intellectual exercise but also a spiritual event that will keep overflowing our expectations.”

[Jackson Switzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comparative theology as Clooney describes it is nearer to what I want to spend my life doing than anything I've heard of before. I can't articulate the feeling as a concrete goal yet, but this helped me understand it more clearly. There's something beautiful and profound and inspired in his chosen position, poised between faith groups, committed to one but seeing truth and goodness in the other, seeking to enhance his own faith and that of his community by studying both traditions in tandem, respecting both as sources of spiritual knowledge.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clooney's experience and insight are an invaluable resource for anyone who is engaged in a variety of efforts between and among different faith traditions, or even trying to understand their own. He makes no claims of having the final word, but his well articulated thought provide a substantial foundation for further exploration, understanding the process, as well as unique insight into various components of religion and culture.

[Jens Hieber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Definitely the book I was hoping to read when I bought it, not knowing almost anything about the field. It's quite accessible, though a few of the specific, personal examples Clooney gives are very detailed (which is good) but therefore went a bit over my head. An interesting approach that seems beneficial yet would make lots of people squirm if they're not willing to hold their own theological positions at least somewhat loosely.

[Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid introduction to the discipline of comparative theology.

"A comparative theology can itself be a truly constructive theology, a theological activity distinguished by its grounding in a faith perspective, and by its manner of proceeding, its serious and prolonged attention to more than one tradition, and by constructive theology arising from that comparative work, not apart from it." - pg. 43

One issue with comparative theology may lie in the fact that, as Clooney words it, it is an activity grounded "in a faith perspective." It follows then that the entire comparative theology enterprise must presuppose the legitimacy of "faith." If the reader finds said presupposition even the least bit dubious, then the enterprise won't even get off the ground. Clooney might argue that "comparative theology is best understood by reflection on practice (pg. 21)"; in which sense, by 'trying on theistic garb,' atheists and agnostics, at the very least, might gain further insight into (and reinforcement for) their doubts, or, heaven forbid, become believers themselves.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, so good.

30 pages in.

Easy to read, though he seems to be spending an unnecessary amount of time differentiating between comparative religion, comparative theology, and theology of religions.


We shall see....

Not sure he got his point across very well. Honestly it was easier to understand the first part of the book after having read the second part. I, and my classmates, think his speech that is contained in the second part of the book is a better introduction to Comparative Theology than his on introduction and first chapters.

[Sanja Džalto · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent priest and an excellent book in which those who are both willing and capable of learning across religious borders can really see a significantly larger picture of world religions, and a pure human understanding of God, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Unless people change their attitudes when it comes to absolutness of their own vision/understanding/imagining of God, and the credibility of their own sacred texts, without taking into account anything else no matter what, there will always be wars, greed, and unhappiness present.