Author: Arvind Sharma
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 2001
Language: English
Pages: 170
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120817605
Description
The philosophical significance of Jainism extends far beyond its statistical presence in India and the world. This book is an attempt to take its insights into account for the light they shed on issues customarily debated in the Philosophy of Religion. Though we have many studies on Jain Religion, Dr Sharma's approach has surpassed the earlier studies.
As Jainism does not believe in the existence of Creator-god, rational theology for the existence of God does not have any place in it. So also is the case with revealed theology. The others' approach to religious studies based on natural theology or apologetics is quite alien to the system of Jain religion. Dr. Sharma has not discussed the subject from the point of view of natural theology which was to demonstrate rationally the existence of God/ thus preparing the way for the claims of revelation.
Apologetics refers to the philosophical defence of religious beliefs. It must, however, be distinguished from Jain philosophy, says Dr Sharma just as apologetics itself must be carefully distinguished from the philosophy of religion. To all intent and purposes. Dr Sharma discusses the problem in a lucid way from a new angle of vision.
Contents
FOREWORD.
PREFACE.
INTRODUCTION.
1. The concept of God.
2. The case for God.
3. The case against God.
4. God, suffering and human beings.
5. Revelation, faith and knowledge.
6. Epistemology and ontology.
7. Religious language.
8. Religious language and truth.
9. The problem of religious pluralism.
10. Human destiny: western perspectives.
11. Human destiny: Indic perspectives.
RECOMMENDED READING.