Voices
Francis X. Clooney, S.J., is the Parkman Professor of Divinity at Harvard University, and a scholar of Hinduism and Hindu-Christian studies. He wrote for America’s In All Things column between 2007 and 2016. His latest book, The Future of Hindu-Christian Studies, has recently been published by Routledge.
FaithIn All Things
Cambridge MA I was glad to read Jim Martin s post on the likely beatification and canonization of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa We may as he suggests rejoice at such a prospect and I have indeed admired Mother Teresa for a very long time nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp But when Jim concludes
In All Things
Cambridge MA When I wrote last about the value of more rather than fewer religious images in our lives I cited my essay ldquo Goddess in the Classroom rdquo Then it occurred to me that I rsquo ve said little about my teaching this semester even my current course on Hindu Goddesses and the B
In All Things
Cambridge MA You will have heard by now about how the European Court has decreed that crucifixes in Italian classrooms are illegal a violation of the rights of those who wish not to be confronted with such religious symbols The debate is a fascinating one that the Court should interfere in loca
In All Things
Cambridge MA Here is Mr Manohar rsquo s latest entry to our conversation following upon my recent reply to him The following are his comments with my additions clearly marked and italicized nbsp nbsp nbsp ldquo In this post I wish to consider two difficult issues ndash dialogue and the
In All Things
Cambridge MA I had intended not to blog on another topic until after Mr Manohar and I finish our first round of exchanges in Hindu-Christian understanding but can rsquo t help making this brief entry today mdash in light of the just passed feast of Diwali and NPR rsquo s report this morning o
In All Things
Cambridge MA In the last entry in this blog Mr Murali Manohar offered some very thoughtful and perceptive reflections on interreligious learning definitely worth your reading So please read his remarks before proceeding with this entry Here I take up just a few of his major points First one
In All Things
Cambridge MA As promised in my last entry for the next several weeks I will share this space with Sri Murali Manohar who has kindly agreed to share with me a conversation on matters of interest to Hindus and Christians and hopefully to a wider range of readers interested in religion today What
In All Things
Cambridge MA As readers of this blog know I am quite interested in interreligious dialogue and in learning from Hindu traditions I have been blessed with many Hindu friends over the years and many of these have also challenged me and raised difficult questions that were good for me to answer
In All Things
Cambridge MA We are now safely into Fall and so it is really time to clear off my desk of books that came in during the summer that is to say books that were sent to me sometimes from friends or authors I rsquo ve known over the years and sometimes out of the blue In front of me right now ar
In All Things
Cambridge MA There is an unexpected and excellent reflection on prayer in today rsquo s New York Times Magazine Is there a Right Way to Pray by Zev Chafets It is definitely worth a look and Chafets research speaks for itself nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp All I can do here is share with you a conn