Back
“In this exceptionally fine work, Peter Phan answers his critics clearly, concisely and persuasively. He also provides one of the best descriptions of the amazing strength of Asian Christian theology—especially in its attention to the triple dialogue—with the poor, with other cultures, and with other religions.”–David Tracy
In 2005 Peter Phan received a notification from the Vatican identifying “errors and ambiguities” in his book, Being Religious Interreligiously. This set in motion a long train of correspondence, requiring Phan to answer various questions about the salvific role of Christ and the Church.
Here at last is his response—a spirited affirmation of the methods of Asian theology, which, though rooted in the gospel and the deposit of faith, differ in many respects from the assumptions and categories of traditional European theology. In addition to introducing Asian theology, Phan addresses the specific topic of religious pluralism, a source not simply of challenge to Christian self-understanding and mission, but a potential source of “joy.” An appendix includes his correspondence with church authorities.
Peter C. Phan, a native of Vietnam, immigrated to the U.S. in 1975. He obtained three doctorates from the Universitas Pontifica Salesiana in Rome and the University of London. He is currently Ignacio Ellacuría Professor of Catholic Social Thought at Georgetown University. A former president of the Catholic Theological Society of America, he is also a recipient of the Society’s John Courtney Murray Award.
