Böcker av Perry Schmidt-Leukel

Author applies his "fractal" theory of religions to a comparative study of Buddhism and Christianity. In short, he believes that it is a false stereotype to contrast discrete entities like "Buddhism" and Christianity" without acknowledging the wide variety which is essentially reproduced in different religious traditions. This approach to the varieties of Buddhism overcomes many of the stereotypical distinctions between Buddhism and Christianity, for instance that Buddhism embraces an impersonal absolute, whereas Christianity affirms the primacy of one's relationship with a personal God.

One of the most comprehensive volumes on Myanmar's identity politics to date, this book discusses the entanglement of ethnic and religious identities in Myanmar and the challenges presented by its extensive ethnic-religious diversity. Religious and ethnic conjunctions are treated from historical, political, religious and ethnic minority perspectives through both case studies and overview chapters. The book addresses the thorny issue of Buddhist supremacy, Burmese nationalism and ethnic-religious hierarchy, along with reflections on Buddhist, Christian and Muslim communities. Bringing together international scholars and Burmese scholars, this book combines the perspectives of academic observers with those of political activists and religious leaders from different faiths. Through the breadth of its disciplinary approach, its focus on identity issues and its inclusion of insider and outsider perspectives, this book provides new insights into the complex religious situation of Myanmar.

Key Points: A unique collection of the widest variety of authoritative views, pulled together here in one easily accessible resource - available for the first time. Authors include the leading authoritative voices of Hans Kung, Perry Schmidt Leukel and Lloyd Ridgeon.