Multiculturalism and the Convergence of Faith and Practical Wisdom in Modern Society

This volume brings together 17 essays by social science, religion, and other researchers from Europe, the US, Australia, Pakistan, and Nigeria, who examine the role of faith in different cultures in modern society from various perspectives. They present historical perspectives on the commonalities between China and Europe in history and culture and examples of legendary figures with strong religious convictions who impacted society, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Isaac Newton, Bach, and Beethoven; philosophical perspectives on the fact-value split and the secular-sacred divide in contemporary western societies, how existential spirituality can influence practical life, and how life practices in Bali and the Eastern Orthodox tradition are informed by existential spirituality; and discussion of theological aspects like the link between human and divine, mysticism and the Christian hesychasm, and the meaning of narratives about religion. They explore the relationship between religion and the social economy and neoliberal market-based practices, such as microfinance and social entrepreneurship; how faith is part of everyday practice of individuals and groups like Odia women, Iranian cultural and national identity, and Pakistani religious converts; and sociological aspects, such as prison and probation settings, racial hate crimes, and sexuality. Annotation ©2017 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)