What does it mean to have a distinctively religious orientation toward reality? Martin J. De Nys offers a philosophy of religion grounded within the phenomenological tradition as a way to understand religious life. Focusing on the key concepts of sacred transcendence, religious discourse, and radical self-transcendence, De Nys contends that a phenomenological view of religion allows considerable diversity in regard to the possibility of religious truth. Phenomenology also helps to account for the dizzying variety of religious expressions and religious lifeways. Ultimately, De Nys reaches a universal and complete method of describing a philosophical approach to religious life. This compelling book plays a valuable role in describing human engagement with religion.

A phenomenological account of religious life

About the Author

Martin J. De Nys is Associate Professor of Philosophy at George Mason University. He is author of Hegel and Theology.

Reviews

De Nys (George Mason Univ.) offers an ambitious, timely work on philosophical theology dealing with the fundamental religious concept of transcendence. Following an introduction, this work's eight chapters are 'Sacred Transcendence,' 'Religious Discourse,' 'Radical Self-Transcendence,' 'The Truth about Religion,' 'Religious Truth,' 'Pluralism and Religious Truth,' 'Aspects of the Conception of God,' and 'The Theory of Religion and Religious Inquiry.' De Nys' treatment of these topics is quite scholarly, analytical, and well documented. Unlike some other works on philosophical theology, this volume is commendable for its focus on religious pluralism and religious truth. However, not being a specialist on non-Western religions, De Nys uses such misleading phrases as 'the Hindu quest for Nirvana' (p. 107), which should correctly read as 'the Hindu quest for Moksha.' Furthermore, although he discusses extensively the concept of transcendence, De Nys does not offer a precise definition. Nevertheless, this is a learned and provocative work in philosophical theology. All students and scholars of religion will find this book beneficial and rewarding. Copious notes, a fine bibliography, and a useful index enhance the value of the work. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. --Choice R. Puligandla, emeritus, University of Toledo, October 2009

"De Nys offers an ambitious, timely work on philosophical theology dealing with the fundamental religious concept of transcendence....All students and scholars of religion will find this book beneficial and rewarding. Copious notes, a fine bibliography, and a useful index enhance the value of the work.--Choice" -, October 2009

Book Information
ISBN 9780253220226
Author Martin J. De Nys
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 13mm