The Quest: Christ amidst the Quest

by Lyman C. D. Kulathungam

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2012

Overview

The human spirit seems incapable of being stagnant, ever pushing the boundaries of knowledge and experience. We try to understand life through questions regarding our own existence, the nature of the universe, and the nature of God. The question of our collective heart is the external manifestation of an internal longing--a quest, if you will. This thirst to understand reality can be seen in superstructures that are scientific, social, political, and especially religious. When considering the doctrines, institutions, and rituals of religions, we observe certain core aspirations expressed by the people of these communities. These aspirations generate from an underlying quest which seeks a way out of our perceived predicament: a salvific quest. Regardless of whether we view ourselves as religious, pre-religious, post-religious, or non-religious, we find ourselves involved in such a quest; it seems to be an integral part of our human personhood. Using a unique framework of analysis, this book explores Christ’s relevance to the quest expressed by the communities of eight major living religions--a relevance that neither degrades Christ nor demeans other “saviors.” Christ is not part of the human quest, but is well equipped to satisfy that quest.

Praise for The Quest

”Dr. Lyman Kulathungam is eminently qualified to engage this stimulating and vital study of The Quest. For a Christian scholar to credibly explore humanity’s spiritual thirst from the perspective of the world’s major faith traditions requires knowledge and experience as well as a deep respect for those he addresses. Dr. Kulathungam demonstrates all of those qualities."
--Rev, David Wells, General Superintendent, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

“As professor in the areas of Philosophy and Religion at universities both in Sri Lanka and Canada, as a member of the teaching staff at Masters College and Seminary, and eventually as Intercultural Dean of the College, [Kulathungam] has exposed his students to religions that make up the global fabric, particularly within Canada. It is in this context that he was able to assist students in discovering how Christ is relevant to the human quest. As you read through the pages of this book, I am certain that you will find the contents informative, insightful, inspiring and very helpful in your own personal faith journey."
--Rev. David Shepherd, Former District Superintendent, Western Ontario District,
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

"Dr. Kulathungam’s work is brilliant! Lyman has demonstrated that he is a forerunner in awareness and comprehension of world religions. He clearly communicates the position and relationship of each world faith community to Christ. After reading this book you will get an insightful understanding into the core aspirations of the major faith communities . . . I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be aware of what the two-thirds of the world believe! A must-read!"
--Dr. Evon Horton, Senior Pastor, Brownsville Assembly, Pensacola, Florida

"Humankind’s fundamental questions concern creation (how did it all begin?); the fall (what went wrong?); and redemption (what can we do about it?)--hence the core issues of worldview. In this book Dr. Kulathungam postulates the critical aspects of worldview formulation by identifying common human aspirations. He suggests that these aspirations emerge from an underlying quest which seeks a way out of our perceived predicaments--thus a salvific quest . . . One of the book’s greatest contributions is in challenging traditionally held positions regarding religious pluralism and particularly the exclusivist/inclusivist typology. It is this ‘breaking of new ground’ that makes the book unique and indeed critical to current missiological debate. It will be invaluable to missiologists, mission practitioners, and all students of cross-cultural ministry."
--Dr. Irving A. Whitt, Global Education Coordinator, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

Product Details

• Title : The Quest: Christ amidst the Quest
• Author: Kulathungam, Lyman C.D.
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2012
• ISBN: 9781621897828

About the Author

Lyman C. D. Kulathungam, PhD, is Intercultural Dean Emeritus of Master's College and Seminary, Visiting Professor in Philosophy and Religion, and ordained minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He has published on Philosophy, Symbolic Logic, and Eastern/Western Religions in scholarly journals and denominational publications.