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      Solidarity and incarnation in Sri Aurobindo and Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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      Sartison-SolidarityandIncarnation.pdf (358.6Kb)
      Date
      2008-05-14
      Author
      Sartison, Paul Arvid
      Type
      Thesis
      Degree Level
      Masters
      Metadata
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      Abstract
      This thesis considers the relation of similarity and difference in the comparative study of religion, by examining the doctrines of avatara and incarnation. These doctrines are first considered using a comparative approach, summarizing some of the research that has been done in the general area of avatara and incarnation. A more systematic approach follows, examining the understanding of incarnation in the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Sri Aurobindo. The focus is on the differences between these two thinkers, especially in terms of particularity and universality and in terms of the purpose of incarnation. Similarity arises, though, as both Aurobindo and Bonhoeffer move from the presence of God in humanity to a sense of solidarity with humanity. Aurobindo’s understanding and Bonhoeffer’s understanding result in the view that the Divine is present in the world. This breaking down of the duality between God and the world heightens the sense of solidarity in each thinker’s work, as each one speaks of the presence of Christ or the Divine in the community and in the neighbour. This study demonstrates the interplay between similarity and difference in the comparative study of religion. Beginning with the seemingly similar ideas of avatara and incarnation, it then focuses on the difference between these ideas, returning to similarity as the notion of solidarity is introduced. In the similarity and difference between avatara and incarnation, solidarity itself appears to have a mediating role. It allows for the claim that there is common ground to begin with, and when differences are discovered or brought together, solidarity with the other keeps difference from becoming division.
      Degree
      Master of Arts (M.A.)
      Department
      Religious Studies and Anthropology
      Program
      Religious Studies and Anthropology
      Supervisor
      Jensen, Gordon
      Committee
      Reese, Alan; Mullens, James G.; Beavis, Mary Ann; Sinha, Braj
      Copyright Date
      May 2008
      URI
      http://hdl.handle.net/10388/etd-05122008-164440
      Subject
      Bonhoeffer
      Aurobindo
      comparative religion
      solidarity
      Incarnation
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