Baptist Preacher's Buddhist Teacher: How My Interfaith Journey with Daisaku Ikeda Made Me a Better Christian

In his memoir, Lawrence E. Carter Sr., the founding dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, explores how the Japanese Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda is realizing King's dream of a global world house through interfaith dialogue, education, and a living faith. Carter's encounter with Ikeda provides hope and guidance to a new generation of reformers, activists, and visionaries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2018
Publisher: Middleway Press

In this captivating memoir, Lawrence E. Carter Sr., the founding dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, embarks on a remarkable quest to immerse himself in the beloved community envisioned by Dr. King. What he uncovers during his mid-life journey is a surprising realization: the Japanese Buddhist philosopher and tireless peace worker Daisaku Ikeda is actively realizing King's dream.

Growing up during the tumultuous era of the American Civil Rights Movement, Carter had the privilege of being personally mentored by Martin Luther King Jr. and walking in his footsteps. He pursued advanced theological studies at Boston University and later returned to his alma mater, Morehouse College, to teach and train a new generation of activists and ministers. However, as time passed, Carter witnessed a gradual dilution and marginalization of the radical cosmic vision at the core of King's message. He found himself in a state of near despair, until a remarkable encounter with the lay Buddhist association Soka Gakkai International and a life-changing meeting with Ikeda, its president, turned his fortunes around.

Carter recognized that King had been deeply inspired by Gandhi, a Hindu, and now Ikeda, a Buddhist, was demonstrating how King's message of justice, equality, and the inherent dignity of life could be disseminated to millions of people worldwide. What followed was not a conversion but a profound conversation, exploring the crucial role of interfaith dialogue, the primacy of education, and the significance of a living faith in fostering a human revolution and ultimately realizing Martin Luther King's ultimate vision of a global world house.

In the midst of these challenging times, the powerful exchange between Carter and Ikeda offers hope and guidance to a new generation of reformers, activists, and visionaries. Their dialogue serves as a reminder that the pursuit of peace and justice transcends religious boundaries and that the legacy of Dr. King continues to inspire and guide us toward a more inclusive and harmonious world.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780977924592