| Understanding Eastern Philosophy Contributor(s): Billington, Ray (Author) |
|
 |
ISBN: 0415129656 ISBN-13: 9780415129657 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $52.24 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: September 1997 Annotation: Ray Billington explores the spirituality of Eastern thought and its differences from and relationships with the Western religious tradition by presenting the main principles of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism and Confucianism. Billington discusses the central themes of religious philosophy, comparing Eastern and Western views of belief of God, the soul, moral decision-making, nature, faith and authority. He then challenges theism, particularly Christianity, with its belief in a personal God bestowing a certain version of "truth." He concludes that the universal mysticism characteristic of Eastern thought provides a more realistic and rewarding path. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Philosophy | Eastern |
| Dewey: 181 |
| LCCN: 97224463 |
| Physical Information: 0.61" H x 6.17" W x 9.23" (0.70 lbs) 208 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Understanding Eastern Philosophy provides an accessible critical introduction to how some of the key philosophies of the East compare with those in the West. Starting from a discussion of the problems of distinguishing between religions and philosophies, Ray Billington presents a clear picture of the key tenets behind Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism and Confucianism. Moving on to compare the key themes of religious philosophy that cut across East and West, such as a belief in God, the soul, moral decision-making, nature and authority, Understanding Eastern Philosophy presents a fascinating and controversial picture of the contribution theistic religions have to make. With its belief in a personal God bestowing a particular version of 'truth', Ray Billington concludes that the universal mysticism characteristic of Eastern thought provides a more realistic and rewarding path than is commonly supposed in the West. Understanding Eastern Philosophy assumes no prior knowledge of religion or philosophy. |