The Sacred Quest

Preface. Introduction. The Breadth and Depth of Religious Experience A Brief Outline of the Phenomenological Method Attitudes and Institutions in the Study of Religion A Final Word Notes Suggestions for Further Reading. 1. Toward a Definition of Religion. The Search for a Definition of Religion Elements of Religion Religion and Human Thought Religion and Feeling Religion and Action Individual and Social Existence Values and Religion Substance or Function? Toward Resolution A Proposal In Conclusion Notes Thought Experiments Suggestions for Further Reading. 2. The Nature of the Sacred. The Complex Character of the Sacred The Concept of Sacred Reality Specially Distinctive To Some Extent, Beyond the Volitional Control of Human Beings Specially Prominent with Respect to Human Welfare Properly Determinative of Various Aspects of Human Existence Summary Notes Thought Experiments Suggestions for Further Reading 3. The Appearance of the Sacred. Types of Sacred Appearance Varieties of Media Sacred Objects Sacred Time Sacred Space Sacred Appearance and the Complexity of Traditions Notes Thought Experiments Suggestions for Further Reading 4. The Language(s) of the Sacred. Myth Stories Story as Parable The Preservation of Sacred Language Oral Cultures Scriptural Cultures A Summary and Synthesis The Language of Theology The Visual Language of Religion Language and Truth Notes Thought Experiments Suggestions for Further Reading. 5. Ritual. Myth(os) and Ritual The Passover Holy Communion (The Eucharist) Rites of Passage Birth Rituals Rituals of Initiation Rituals of Mourning and Death Temporal Rites and Celebrations The Religious Meaning(s) of Ritual Adoration Thanksgiving Petition Penance/Purification Ritual as a Problem Ritual as a System Notes Thought Experiments Suggestions for Further Reading. 6. Sacred Communities. The Social Character of Religion Religion and Social Resistance Heresy/Schism/Division Tradition and Innovation The Social Aspects of Worship A Word of Conclusion Notes Thought Experiments Suggestions for Further Reading. 7. The Problem of Evil. Identifying Evil Responses to Evil: Some Classic Patterns Evil and Karma: The Indian Context The Consolation of Promise The Appeal to Sovereignty Dualism Are the Answers Adequate? Notes Thought Experiments Suggestions for Further Reading. 8. Religion and Morality. Defining the Issues Religion, Morality, and Justification Justification: General Considerations Practical Justification: Three Cases Hinduism: The Caste System Islam: The Justification and Limitation of War Christianity: Why Pray? Religion and Morality: Patterns Notes Thought Experiments Suggestions for Further Reading. 9. The Quest for Salvation. Concepts of Salvation Individual Salvation in This World The Search for Meaning The Desire to Be Remembered The Ideal of Completion Individual Salvation in Another World Joining the Spirit World Cosmic Cycling or Expansion The Idea of Judgment Group Salvation in This World Salvation Through the People Salvation Through the Tradition Salvation in the Kingdom of God in This World Group Salvation in Another World Now That Distinctions Have Been Made Paths to Salvation The Path of Knowledge The Path of Action The Path of Aesthetics The Path of Submission The Path of Grace A Closing Reminder Notes Thought Experiments Suggestions for Further Reading. Glossary. Index

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