Anthology: Masterpieces of Saints, Philosophers, and Poets

This is a collection for anyone interested in the foundations of religion in general and Christianity in particular, containing writings that deserve to be called world masterpieces. The content is a survey of religious reality reflected in the writings of philosophers, poets and saints. Together these selections constitute a profound perception of the meaning of human existence, powerfully molding our present and shaping our future. Professor Arya masterfully assembles a remarkable tour-de-force of the religious landscape, through more than three dozen selections from pivotal writers, on the marvelous history of religious insight into God. The result is a skillful, inspiring, and sustained investigation into religious reality reflected in the writings of major religious thinkers, poets and saints. It is the marvelous story of religious insight developed over the millennia, and what it means to us today. Vern Denning, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Philosophy Indian River State College Dr. Arya has undertaken and successfully completed a very ambitious project. The scope and depth of the selections is remarkable, and combined with Dr. Arya's introductions and comments make this an extremely important anthology for years to come for present and future generations of readers. Mark C. Herman, Ph.D. Professor of History Florida SouthWestern State College Dr. Arya's scholarly and appropriate inclusion of Jung, as well as proto-psychological thinkers such as Locke and Hegel, gives depth to this authoritative and articulate synthesis. As a result, we can more easily understand Professor Arya's conclusion that these writers "all generally are similar and united in their belief as to the fundamental purpose of life. And, this purpose is to insure the happiness of man through the cooperation of mankind." Terry Maul, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Psychology San Bernardino Valley College Dr. Arya's Anthology of Religious Thought captures the intellectual vigor of the world's most astute theologians. Spanning the ages, the text focuses on such enduring questions as divine truth, spiritual fulfillment, charity, education and the yearning for utopia. Arya skillfully binds a galaxy of theories into a meaningful constellation of spiritual insights, defining the components of a meaningful life on earth for those who seek it. Edith Pendleton, Ph.D. Professor and Dean Edison State College Medicine heals the body, music the spirit, theology the soul. Marsilio Ficino 1489