Bøker av Leonard Swidler

"At last, an explanation of how Judaism, Christianity and Islam, long the cause of destruction and mayhem, can now be bridges of dialogue and cooperation."Much of the world believes that Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are three vastly different faiths. It is not difficult to understand why one might make this assumption; each has its own history, texts, and practices that, without further investigation, appear quite distinct. But, are these religions really so dissimilar? And with religion being an issue held dear by so many, how do we compare them in a way that brings us closer together, instead of dividing us?You've taken the first step already by seeking out this book. The second step, as you will learn within its pages, is to examine how we communicate with one another. What is dialogue? How do we use it? What is it for? Swidler, Firestone, and Duran use their 150 combined years of scholastic excellence to first provide answers to these questions within the context of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam individually, but also offer the reader insight as to how these concepts can be applied to interreligious dialogue.The Power of Dialogue is an essential read for anyone who, like the authors, believes in the importance of understanding, mutual respect, and growth.By closely examining how these religions emerged, their beliefs, attitudes, and history, this text will teach you what you need to know about religions other than your own and how to use that knowledge effectively to create productive and engaging discourse.By reading this book, you will: Learn about dialogue from the experts, including what it is and why it matters.Explore the background and evolution of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.Examine the ways in which we define ourselves and others, and understand how this impacts dialogue.Tackle roadblocks to creating meaningful dialogue with others.Pick up a copy of this book in paperback or Kindle to become informed of the potential and power of dialogue.

In deed Rabbi Jesus (Yeshua) is a model for everyone.Rabbi Yeshua, thereligious Jew who walked this earth two thousand years ago, is presented anew through the refracting lenses of the four gospels and the picture of the dynamic, turbulent, then-contending various 'Judaisms' (plural intended) of his time. In presenting this emergent image of Yeshua: Jesus the Jew a Model for Everyone, now in its third edition, Leonard Swidler speaks as a modern Christian theologian- not so much about Christ, but about the historical Jesus, or rather, Rabbi Yeshua ha Notzri (Rabbi Jesus the Nazorean). Dr. Swidler presents a timeless model for how to live today a full human life by taking on responsibility for the oppressed of society, breaking through anti-feminine stereotypes, living an "androgynous" model; for all (not just Christians) to follow.This very readable book provides a world-acclaimed biblical scholar's introduction to recent biblical research into the Jewishness of Jesus as a model to follow today-and tomorrow!After reading this book, whether you are a convinced Christian, a 'Spiritual But Not Religious' person, or even someone unaffiliated, you will learn what the famous Rabbi Yeshua "thought, taught, and wrought" which makes eminently good sense for yesterday and today, and presents a deeply meaningful, timeless model to follow!You will find yourself amazed when you find the biggest secret hidden in plain sight. This book will: Help you relate to your Jewish neighbors and friendsLearn and be surprised that most Christians practice a variation of JudaismReveal specifically what Rabbi Jesus (Yeshua) is really about!After reading this book, your understanding of Jesus and how he became a model for everyone will become clear.

"The challenge of religious and political pluralism has become critical in the 21st Century as some warn and others promote a clash of civilization or cultures. Breakthrough to Dialogue, Leonard Swidler (ed.), will be welcomed by scholars, religious leaders, policymakers, and others who seek to train, develop, and implement an agenda for change. This volume chronicles the creation and history of Temple's Department of Religion (TUDOR) in which Bernard Phillips, its founding chair, and Swidler with other "star" professors and their students pioneered, a unique and path-breaking initiative: requiring a one-year introduction to World Religions and that students major in one religion and minor in two others. TUDOR, under Swidler, also introduced the Journal of Ecumenical Studies and later the creation of the Dialogue Institute which promoted inter-religious dialogue globally."John L. Esposito, Professor of Religion & International Affairs at Georgetown University This is the story of a group of pioneering professors who in 1966 brought their diverse traditions into Temple University's Department of Religion and explored whether they could learn from and understand each other. Temple's religion program was already breaking new ground as one of the first such departments in a public university. From the beginning, Temple had made an effort to hire scholars of different religious backgrounds and beliefs: Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and those who adhered to no organized religion. With the worldwide strife of that decade as a backdrop, they began to see whether they, as a microcosm of a troubled globe, could help people from different communities and beliefs learn to tolerate and appreciate each other. Those first efforts have taken root and grown in significance over the years providing insight, practical steps forward, and a measure of hope. This growth has given us a path leading to greater understanding, respect, and acceptance of differences in our world. Learn the fascinating history of this public University grew into a leading scholarly cabinet of top-shelf academics.

Everyone struggles at times to answer important life questions. What is right and wrong? What is the meaning of life? Why do people believe different things? Professor Leonard Swidler, author of more than 100 books has explored these questions with many other professors across the world. Now, with his 15-year old granddaughter, Will, he explores deep human issues, not with heavy language, but with thoughts and words from an experienced grandpa to his open-eyed, open-hearted granddaughter. In this fourth letter, Len explores one of Will's new interests: Buddhism. By thinking deeply for a long period of time, the Buddha had clarified many fundamental puzzles of life - ones which are still being discussed to this day. For Will, who knew very little about Buddhism, this introduction helped her look at her own life and its ups and downs. Professor Leonard Swidler is a global theologian who has pioneered and contributed to the field of interfaith dialogue for more than 50 years. He is a professor of religion at Temple University since 1966 and is the Editor of the Journal of Ecumenical Studies and the founder of the Dialogue Institute. The Dialogue Decalogue, his proposed interfaith dialogue has been translated into many languages and is described as the most convincing theoretical basis for conducting Dialogue

Here is a comprehensive, one-volume commentary on what the Bible really says about women. In this well-documented topical review, every positive biblical reference about women is quoted in full, set in context, and provided with a brief exposition. Over 350 specific topics are...

This invaluable volume gathers together the cumulative insight of more than fifty years of Leonard Swidler's work on dialogue. The founder and president of the Dialogue Institute, Swidler offers through experience and research his theory and tools of interreligious, intercultural, and international dialogue.

A comprehensive case for the feminist interpretation of Jesus and Christianity. This work analyzes the role of women in each of the Gospels, asserts that women were involved in the writing of 2 of the gospels, and outlines the ways in which modern Christianity would not exist without strong women in the church.

An invitation to reflect on the core values of spirituality

Religion is an explanation of the ultimate meaning of life, and how to live accordingly. This book looks at the two movements - the Age of Global Dialogue and inchoative Global Ethic - in order to help readers understand what is going on around them, so they might make informed, intelligent decisions about the meaning of life and how to live it.