Abstract

This essay explores Henri de Lubac's encounter with Buddhism as a pioneering exercise in comparative theology. It has been established that his interest in Japanese Buddhism was influenced by his interest in grace. After an overview of de Lubac's lifelong interest in Buddhism and the influence of his interest in grace on his Buddhist studies, the essay identifies the Buddhist themes and parallels in de Lubac's "temptations of the church." Whether he was explicitly influenced by Buddhism in his reflections on the church cannot be determined, but it offers a fruitful exercise in comparative theology.

PRECIS:

This essay explores Henri de Lubac's encounter with Buddhism as a pioneering exercise in comparative theology. It has been established that his interest in Japanese Buddhism was influenced by his interest in grace. After an overview of de Lubac's lifelong interest in Buddhism and the influence of his interest in grace on his Buddhist studies, the essay identifies the Buddhist themes and parallels in de Lubac's "temptations of the church." Whether he was explicitly influenced by Buddhism in his reflections on the church cannot be determined, but it offers a fruitful exercise in comparative theology.

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