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Rating: 
Summary: Opens Up New Avenues in Shin Buddhism
Review: This book opens up new possibilities in expressing Pure Land Buddhism in a contemporary context. By setting up a dialog between the three contributors it explores the possibilities and challenges the reader to think in different directions. In the words of J. P. McDermott in a review in CHOICE (November 2000):Three leading Japanese Shin Buddhist scholars and two major Western philosophical theologians come together, under the editorship of Hirota (Asian studies, Chikushi Jogakuen Univ., Japan) to produce a unique volume aimed at a contemporary understanding of Pure Land Buddhism. Part of Hirota's intent is "to disclose aspects of truth in the Shin path and possible venues for understanding the practicer's religious awareness. . . ." Beginning with a series of questions raised by Gordon Kaufman, (emer., Harvard), the three Buddhist authors outline new ways of interpreting the Pure Land Shin tradition. The thinking in their essays is influenced by Western theology-process thought, for example---and history of religions categories. The result is a new hermeneutic, or a constructive Shin Buddhist "theology"---which of these two is a matter of discussion within the volume. Next the volume presents essays by Kaufman and John Cobb responding to, and reflecting on, the pieces by the Shin Buddhists, who in turn reflect on their original formulations in light of the comments by Kaufman and Cobb, as well as in response to one another. The volume is an excellent, groundbreaking example of cross-cultural---dare one say syncretistic?---academic "theology." Graduate students; faculty and researchers; professionals and practitioners. -- J. P. McDermott, Canisius College I also agree with McDermot. And I add that anyone interested in exploring the cross-cultural and theological possiblities in an East-West dialog should read this book.
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