Paul Williams

Artificial Intelligence, Reincarnation, and Resurrection

Theology

“In this wide-ranging book, Ernest Valea addresses some of the most fundamental problems of our lives and our deaths. What are the relationships between our minds and bodies? And what does this tell us about the possibility of life after death? This detailed survey and study of the issues provides a rich and recommended resource for those who wish not just to remain in 'blind faith' (on either side of the debate) but who wish to think through the issues critically and come to their own reasoned conclusions.”

Buddhism

World Religions

“At last we have a book that moves beyond the inaccurate, rather imprecise and sentimental level of so many books about Buddhism and the Christian-Buddhist encounter, and focuses on a serious consideration of Buddhist truth claims. The opening chapters give an acceptable first survey of Buddhism, and include material on dimensions of Buddhism, such as the personalist school and the historical context for the introduction of some rather idiosyncratic forms of Japanese Zen into the West, that are often neglected in popular introductions. It gives enough detail on Buddhist doctrines for one new to the subject to understand what the issues are and engage in a critical yet respectful manner with them. At many points this clearly written and readable book corrects, from the point of view of Buddhism as it has existed in history and in its Asian context, common Western misperceptions of Buddhism. But the really exciting section of this book is the philosophical analysis of key Buddhist doctrines such as not-self and momentariness. Netland and Yandell take Buddhist truth claims seriously, as Buddhists ask us to do, and in their analysis of those claims they make a truly original contribution, pitched at an accessible yet refined level of philosophical sophistication and knowledge of Buddhist doctrines and debates. The book throws down a challenge to Buddhists to clarify what they mean when they make their claims, and to enter into debate in defense of their truth. This philosophical analysis is followed by an outline of some absolutely fundamental differences between Christianity and Buddhism, and Christ and the Buddha. Here we see the basis of a critical Christian theological engagement with Buddhism as a religion. The book challenges Christians to move beyond polite small talk or minimalizing of essential differences that demand choice and commitment, and engage with Buddhists in debating their mutually incompatible claims to (as the Buddhists put it) 'see things the way they really are' regarding God, Jesus Christ, personhood, and our meaning, purpose and destiny. This book shows us (to use another Buddhist expression) 'analytical meditation' at its finest. It is an exciting book that I shall certainly use and recommend to my students. For those Christians and Buddhists who take truth seriously, and understand the significance of reasoning in making crucial choices, Netland and Yandell's book will contribute significantly to setting the agenda for serious dialogue between Christianity and Buddhism for some time to come.”

Buddhism in the Light of Christ

World Religions

“At a time when we hear of western 'dual-belongers' who argue with passion that we can actually be Buddhists while at the same time also claiming to be true Christians, in this sequel to her previous book, Esther Baker reflects from her own perhaps unrivaled experience on the deep and irreconcilable differences between what she actually found in living Buddhism and the joy and true freedom of authentically knowing Christ. This book is absorbingly readable and highly recommended.”

Buddhist-Christian Dialogue as Theological Exchange

World Religions

“Ernest Valea has written a book that is remarkably clear, wonderfully perceptive, and enjoyable to read. It is accessible to specialists and the general reader alike. In introducing Romanian Orthodox sources into the current debates in Christian-Buddhist studies, Valea is extremely original. . . . [This book] is highly recommended as both a significant contribution to the field and also an extremely clear and stimulating introduction to the state of the discipline.”

The Promise of Social Enterprise

Work, Money & Leadership

“Engaging with sociology, anthropology, and economics, Sampson develops a powerful theological case for grounding social enterprise as an expression of gift and mutuality that arises uniquely from the Christ event and has the potential to creatively transform people, communities, and society. A vital read for those seeking a serious and deeper response to the problems of contemporary capitalism.”