Anthropocosmic-theism: towards a theistic re-orientation of Raimon Panikkar's pluralistic theology of religions

Francis, Xavier (2018). Anthropocosmic-theism: towards a theistic re-orientation of Raimon Panikkar's pluralistic theology of religions. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Although Raimon Panikkar represents a different genre within the pluralistic theology of religions, his response to the pluralistic question does not fit in with the faith traditions because the religious meaning is blanketed through a constant disengagement with theism. It means to say that theism should be the benchmark for the pluralistic theology of religions. In this sense, the direction of Panikkar’s dialogical engagement highlights disengagement with theism. While every approach has positive and negative dimensions, the limitation of non-theistic frame is that it cannot reach the theistic possibilities. Therefore, the present study differs from the previous researches on Panikkar since the other interpreters of Panikkar take things in a more pluralistic direction by tapping on his non-theistic method but I prefer to retrieve a more theistic approach in his pluralistic method.
Accordingly, the basic problem this thesis both seeks to address and discuss is the non-theistic orientation of Panikkar’s pluralistic approach. The first chapter argues that his non-theistic method emerged from his cross-cultural context and engagement. The second chapter argues that Panikkar’s non-theistic categories blanket the theistic meaning of his pluralistic approach. The chapter on Pneumatology contends that his concept of the Spirit does not possess theistic meaning but holds non-theistic implications. The fourth chapter on Panikkar’s non-theistic Christology argues that his approach reduces Christ to a non-theistic concept. The fifth chapter maintains that his manner of multiple belonging overlooks the unique faith experiences because Panikkar’s non-theistic approach does not subscribe to a particular faith tradition.
Thus, in the six chapter, I propose a theistic correction called anthropocosmic-theism to re-orient Panikkar’s non-theistic pluralistic theology of religions. I argue that the anthropocosmic-theism upholds theism as the prerequisite and foundation for the pluralistic theology of religions. The final chapter provides a broad-brush view of the theistic dialogue of deeds within the present Indian pluralistic context.

Type of Work: Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type: Doctorates > Ph.D.
Supervisor(s):
Supervisor(s)EmailORCID
Cheetham, DavidUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Sugritharajah, VaddadiUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Licence:
College/Faculty: Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Arts & Law
School or Department: School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion
Funders: Other
Other Funders: British Province of the Society of Jesus, Jesuitenmission
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion
URI: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/8241

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