Description
This book is the product of a seminar organized by ALIRAN on "The Human Being: Perspectives from Different Spiritual Traditions' which explored how the different spiritual tradi- tions view the human being. The theme reflects an underly- ing concern of ALIRAN which is the promotion of universal spiritual values.
All religious and philosophical traditions regard man as a unique being in nature endowed with the highest of capacities. At the same time all spiritual traditions stress the interdependence of man and nature which necessitates man's responsibility for nature. There are great underlying similarities between the various religious traditions and their basic theme is the same: the unity of mankind and the unity of nature. Through understanding the different religious traditions and recognizing that there is the one and same God for all human beings, comes the acceptance of the oneness of humankind. The oneness of humankind, the oneness of the universes is a reflection of the oneness of God. Since the unity of humankind is a manifestation of the oneness of God, it is incumbent on man to foster unity within the human family. Indeed, this is man's greatest challenge at this point in his- tory.
The way to attain unity is through a spiritual philosophy which transcends particular religious traditions, and yet is identifiable with them through the universal values enshrined in these traditions. Only such a spiritual philosophy will be able to hold together the diversity of humanity.
