Jesus and Buddha: Friends in Conversation

Two friends, one a Christian theologian, the other a Buddhist-Christian theologian, explore how a conversation between Christians and Buddhists can clarify and support a spirituality that is experientially real (mystical) as well as socially engaged (prophetic). From basic questions about Buddha and Jesus—who were they? what did they teach?—Paul Knitter and Roger Haight explore Buddhist and Christian notions about ultimate reality, human nature, spiritual practice, and the question of work for peace and social transformation. They also address the nature of interreligious dialogue and the possibilities of “religious double belonging” (is it possible? dangerous? necessary?).