ABSTRACT

This chapter explores a new notion of the unity of religions and world-views, by placing that unity in the future rather than identifying it as a living essence now or as a past reality. It also explores the notion of a tradition, as well as examines an important question arising from the definition of religion. Since World War II some crucial changes have occurred affecting ideas of the unity of the world. Openness to other religious traditions than one's own itself represents a theme which tends to belong to the modern and liberal versions of the traditions. Modern liberal democracy, though at one time arrogant in its rationalism, white-oriented in its cultural heritage and more easily instantiated in relatively homogeneous populations represents a more pluralistic way than its major alternatives. So there is a convergence between federalism, democracy and scientific exploration which itself is favourable to a plural convergence of the great religions.