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English Articles on Kanz

Saved by the Name? The Nembutsu and Its Critics in Japanese Buddhism

This article examines the nembutsu as the core practice of Pure Land Buddhism, highlighting Shinran’s vision of salvation through Amitabha’s vow and Nichiren’s sharp critique linking nembutsu to Avici hell, and explores the doctrinal, metaphysical, and textual tensions between them.

Rabbi Nathaniel Fayyumi: Prophetic Revelation in Islam

Rabbi Nathaniel Fayyumi (d. 1165) presents Islam as a genuine divine revelation, affirming the Qur’an, prophetic plurality, and religious diversity willed by God. While maintaining Jewish covenantal chosenness and Torah non-abrogation, his approach is pluralistic and non-prejudicial toward Muslims.

Reconstructing Religious Thought in the Age of Secularization

Modernity shifted meaning from the sacred to the self, leading to a fragmented consciousness. Thinkers like Nursi and Gülen respond by offering inner disciplines of faith as holistic responses to secularism’s disintegration of meaning and selfhood.

A Renewed Jewish Theology of Islam

Rabbi Yakov Nagen calls for a Jewish theology that honors Islam as a fellow Abrahamic faith. Emphasizing shared belief in one God, prophetic heritage, and ethical values, he advocates mutual respect, interfaith partnership, and healing rooted in divine purpose.

Language & Belief: Exploring Non-Realism with Wittgenstein

Religious realism holds that a transcendent divine reality exists; non-realism sees religion as a social construct for guidance and community. Wittgenstein’s focus on language use supports non-realism, though he never fully commits.

The Prophetic Method of Making Religion Beloved

Fethullah Gulen highlights the importance of compassionate religious teaching, advocating the Prophetic method's wisdom, patience, and empathy. Gradualism, kindness, and personalized guidance foster love for faith.

The Role of Sufism in Interfaith Dialogue

Sufism plays a key role in interfaith dialogue, fostering mutual understanding through its emphasis on love, tolerance, and spirituality. By addressing moral decline, promoting inner peace, and countering materialism, Sufism contributes to global conversations about spirituality.