ABSTRACT
The chapter introduces practical questions concerning religious pluralism, truth and identity that are globally relevant and of urgent concern to academics, religious leaders, and those involved in crafting social policy as well as to members of the general public. The meeting point between theoretical theological and philosophical questions and the challenges and opportunities religious diversity brings to both individuals and societies is discussed. The chapter claims that the practical issues highlighted in the final part of the volume Religious Truth and Identity in an Age of Plurality cannot be fully analyzed at a general theoretical level, but detailed studies homing in on particular areas of friction can enhance our understanding of them. Contributions by Alexander Löffler (on the dual practice of Zen and Christianity), Klaus von Stosch (on theology of mission), Peter Jonkers and Victoria S. Harrison (both on religion and violence) are summarized and the broader scholarly debates to which they contribute are introduced.
