John Thatamanil: A Comparative Theology of Religious Diversity
Feb 16, 2021
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John Thatamanil, a theological super-star and author of 'Circling the Elephant', dives into the complexities of comparative theology. He critiques fixed religious categories, argues for the importance of engaging with diverse faiths, and highlights the metaphor of the blind elephant to illustrate religious diversity. Emphasizing that encountering the mystery of God requires understanding our neighbors, he challenges capitalist influences on spirituality and explores how nature's interconnectedness can enrich our theological frameworks.
John Thatamanil's concept of comparative theology encourages a transformative engagement with diverse religions, enhancing both personal faith and theological dialogue.
The podcast critiques the competitive mentality in religious discourse, advocating for collaborative inter-religious understanding rather than a zero-sum approach.
Emphasizing the foundational role of spiritual practices, John argues that authentic engagement with faith roots deepens an individual's religious identity and understanding.
Deep dives
Exploring Religious Diversity
The discussion centers on the nature of religious diversity and its implications for theology. John D'Tomino's book, 'Circling the Elephant,' argues that understanding diverse religious traditions requires thoughtful theological reflection. The book emphasizes that religious diversity should not only be acknowledged but also integrated into the theological discourse. This perspective challenges theologians to rethink their approach and incorporate experiences from various religions into their beliefs and practices.
The Role of Personal Experience
John shares how his personal experiences as an immigrant shaped his theological outlook. His background made him acutely aware of the questions surrounding identity and belonging, which informed his understanding of religious traditions. He posits that engaging with different religions not only enriches personal faith but also contributes to a broader theological discourse. By drawing on his life experiences, he illustrates how personal narratives can inform and deepen theological study.
Comparative Theology as a Living Endeavor
The conversation highlights the importance of comparative theology in fostering inter-religious understanding. John argues that comparative theology is not merely an academic exercise but a lived practice that can lead to mutual transformation. He emphasizes that engaging with other traditions allows individuals and communities to redefine their own beliefs. This dynamic process encourages a richer theological dialogue and fosters a spirit of humility and receptivity.
Rejecting Zero-Sum Thinking
A significant theme discussed is the rejection of zero-sum thinking within religious discourse. John critiques the notion that one tradition must win at the expense of another, emphasizing that genuine inter-religious engagement can lead to shared insights and growth. He illustrates this point by critiquing the assumption that religions can be ranked or compartmentalized without acknowledging their interconnections. This rejection of a competitive mentality opens up pathways for deeper collaboration and understanding among different faiths.
The Transformational Power of Practices
The role of spiritual practices is emphasized as foundational to theological understanding. John suggests that practices shape belief systems and foster deeper connections to faith. He argues that without engaging in transformative practices, individuals may not fully comprehend the complexities of their own religious identities. By recognizing the importance of practices, individuals can cultivate a more nuanced and authentic approach to their spirituality.
Interrogating the Logic of Capitalism
The discussion also delves into the intersection of religious traditions and capitalism, particularly how capitalism influences religious identity. John highlights the risks of religious traditions adopting market-driven logic, often resulting in the commodification of faith. He critiques this trend as it tends to prioritize efficiency and profitability over deeper spiritual engagement. This analysis calls for a re-examination of how religious communities respond to contemporary economic systems and reinforces the need for authentic spiritual practices that resist commodification.
Friend of the podcast and theological super-star John Thatamanil is back on the podcast to talk about his ohhh sooo good new book Circling the Elephant. We had a bunch of nerdy fun and discussed...
the task of comparative theology and its relation to constructive theology
why the category of religion is problematic
the patronizing skills of Radical Orthodoxy
the story of the blind elephant
JT throws shade at those Process peeps with multiple ultimates
moving beyond the mono-logics of Barthian revelation and Rahner's Trinity
a fun excurses into Paul Tillich on Pluralism
"If God can speak through a dead dog, then God can surely speak through a Hindu"
pre-validating the mystery of the other
"There is no way of moving towards the mystery of God without moving towards the mystery of your Neighbor"
I tell a story about the religious agenda of the World Bank
If Christian theology has conformed itself to University modes of knowing, as a kind of academic discipline, but theology within Hinduism and Buddhism remain a practice
