Erik Ranstrom, Bob Robinson "Without Ceasing to be a Christian"

Annotation

Since his death in 2010, there has been continuing and growing interest in the life, vision, and thought of the late Spanish-Indian mystical theologian Raimon Panikkar. This volume offers a descriptive and critical assessment of Panikkar';s life and extensive writings about Christ. The chapters by Erik Ranstrom describe the intellectual and ecclesial development of Panikkar amidst his vast corpus, offering a sympathetic but not uncritical evaluation of his legacy and influence. Ranstrom retrieves Panikkar';s early Christology as a key to overcoming various impasses in the theology of religions today. Robinson';s chapters introduce an ecumenical and Protestant perspective, including Panikkar';s reception in Protestant circles. Robinson also compares and contrasts Panikkar with a range of Indian theologians, both Catholic and Protestant, writing in India during Panikkar';s time there and suggests the possibilities of mutual enrichment. The authors'; intention is to provide an accessible journey into the fascinating and intimidating world of Panikkar';s thought. The conclusion features an ecumenical dialogue between Ranstrom and Robinson, as both scholars seek to further understand and learn from each other';s perspectives on this pioneer of interreligious spirituality and theology.