ABSTRACT

Around the globe religion is under attack. Humanists, secularists and atheists depict believers as deluded and dangerous. The aim of this book is to challenge this perception. Sensible Religion defends the validity and emphasises the excitement of the religious quest across the faiths. It demonstrates that the practice of sensible religion is often a courageous path pitted against religious extremism and secularism. Written by committed believers from the major world's faiths, the book endorses the term 'sensible' as expressing religious reasonableness as well as sensitivity to criticism and new insights. Followers of the different traditions live ordinary lives in the mainstream of the world. This volume therefore addresses beliefs and the manner in which these convictions relate to social, political and ethical action. Countering the argument that religion is at root extremist and irrational, Sensible Religion brings together thoughtful and critical reflections by leading thinkers about humanity's spiritual quest.

chapter Chapter 1|12 pages

The Religious Quest

chapter Chapter 2|12 pages

A Sensible Judaism of Love

chapter Chapter 4|12 pages

Islam

chapter Chapter 6|12 pages

Reclaiming Jihad

chapter Chapter 7|14 pages

The Reasonableness of Christianity

chapter Chapter 11|16 pages

Is Buddhism Sensible?

chapter Chapter 12|14 pages

Buddhism: Sense and Sensibility

chapter Chapter 14|12 pages

African Traditional Religion

chapter Chapter 15|16 pages

Conclusion: Sensible Religion Matters