Wiley Religious Conversion: Religion Scholars Thinking Together

Religious Conversion: Religion Scholars Thinking Together explores various issues relating to the nature, methods, and effects of religious conversion in the major world faiths. Presents the results of an innovative ten-year project initiated the World Council of ChurchesFeatures contributions from religious scholars and leaders of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim traditionsConsiders myriad issues relating to the nature, methods, and effects of religious conversion in the major world faithsAddresses questions on religious freedom, legal considerations, and the future for religious conversion Review Religious conversion touches a raw nerve in interreligious encounters. Shanta Premawardhana takes us on a challenging but rewarding journey with an excellent and courageous collection of articles on conversion. This book explores the significance of conversion in today's inter religious encounter and is essential for anyone interested in relations between religions today.Ed Kessler, Woolf Institute, CambridgeConversion remains an unresolved issue in interreligious dialogue.  Premawardhana offers us the results of an exciting effort among religious leaders to discuss together this challenging question. A must read for anyone working for interreligious harmony.John T. Pawlikowski, Catholic Theological UnionConversion is one of the most contentious interreligious topics in the world today. And the contributors to Religious Conversion: Religion Scholars Thinking Together make up the most distinguished panel of experts on the subject ever assembled. The result is a superb set of theoretical and practical observations that have the potential to defuse this explosive topic and create a growing store of much-needed interreligious peace. Terry C. Muck, Executive Director, Louisville InstituteThis book is a monumental tribute to what we can do when we think together. I want to congratulate Shanta Premawardhana for being able to make this topic so pleasant and refreshing for religious scholars and practitioners. I urge people of all  faiths to take time to read this book and appreciate how we can move into the 21st century towards mutual respect, cooperation and goodwill.Sayyid M. Syeed,  National Director, Office for Interfaith & Community Alliances, Islamic Society of North AmericaIn this path-breaking and immensely valuable work, divergent voices decipher the issue of conversions -- an issue which has long remained a persistent and provocative presence at the tables of inter-religious dialogue. The strength and success of this project lies in the inter-religious nature of its authorship. Distinctive voices, each deeply rooted within their own religious tradition, draw the threads of their experience and expertise  to weave together a rich tapestry of thought which can foster dialogue on a potentially divisive theme.  Premawardhana should be commended for envisioning this creative work of critical importance and courageously bringing it to fruition!Peniel Jesudason Rufus Rajkumar, World Council of Churches, Geneva From the Inside Flap Religious conversion is once again an issue of pressing global importance. This unique book addresses one of the most difficult questions in interreligious relations, exploring the key issues relating to conversion across the major world faiths.Working together an international cast of religious scholars and leaders of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim traditions, discuss the key questions relating to the nature, methods, and effects of religious conversion. In a series of chapters, the history, development and current position on conversion of each major religious tradition is clearly explained and then put into dialogue with other traditions. Questions about religious freedom, legal considerations, and the future for religious conversion are also addressed.Illuminating and thought-provoking, Religious Conversion is based on a ground-break