Theological Anthropology in Interreligious Perspective

The present edited volume explores the definition of humanity through a Muslim-Christian theological dialogue, offering insights into the origins of life, death, and beyond. It is a unique contribution to the humanities and sciences, addressing debates about human beings, their nature, future, and purposes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

The question of what defines humanity is a seemingly innocuous one, yet it continues to attract controversy. This inquiry, directed by this question, brings together theological insight with academic interreligious discourse to offer a unique contribution to articulating the complex and myriad ways in which human life has been conceived and related to the greater vista of reality. The present edited volume is framed around a Muslim-Christian theological dialogue, resulting from a meeting of prominent international scholars whose contributions investigate the origins of life through to death and beyond. Informed by classical and contemporary theological questions and interests, the volume offers scholarship in the humanities and sciences that provides important insights into debates pertaining to human beings, their nature, future, and purposes.

The concept of humanity is a multifaceted and complex one that has been debated for centuries. It encompasses a wide range of aspects, including our physical and mental characteristics, our values and beliefs, and our relationships with each other and the natural world. While there is no one definitive answer to the question of what defines humanity, there are many different perspectives and theories that have been put forth by scholars and thinkers throughout history.

One of the most influential theories of humanity is the idea of humanism, which emerged in the Renaissance and emphasizes the importance of human values, reason, and individualism. Humanists believe that human beings are the center of their own lives and that they have the capacity to shape their own destinies through their actions and choices. They also believe that human beings have a moral obligation to promote the well-being of others and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Another important theory of humanity is the idea of universalism, which holds that all human beings are fundamentally equal and deserving of respect and dignity. Universalists believe that there is a common humanity that transcends cultural, religious, and political differences and that we all share a common goal of creating a better world for ourselves and future generations.

In addition to these theoretical perspectives, there are many other factors that define humanity, including our capacity for empathy, compassion, and creativity. We are able to form relationships with others and to create works of art, literature, and music that reflect our deepest emotions and experiences. We are also able to solve complex problems and to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances, which are essential qualities for survival and success in the modern world.

Despite these many defining qualities, humanity is also faced with many challenges and threats, including climate change, inequality, and political instability. These challenges require us to come together as a global community to address them and to work towards creating a more just and sustainable world for all.

In conclusion, the question of what defines humanity is a complex and multifaceted one that has been debated for centuries. While there is no one definitive answer, there are many different perspectives and theories that have been put forth by scholars and thinkers throughout history. These perspectives include humanism, universalism, empathy, compassion, and creativity, as well as our capacity for problem-solving and innovation. However, humanity is also faced with many challenges and threats, which require us to come together as a global community to address them and to work towards creating a more just and sustainable world for all.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 165 x 247 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783161617775