Putting the Fractal Theory to Work : Review Article Perry Schmidt-Leukel, The Celestial Web

In applying his fractal method to the comparison of Christianity and Buddhism, Perry Schmidt-Leukel touches on some very fundamental theoretical and theological questions. The Celestial Web offers particular grounding for the possibility of interreligious empathy and understanding across religions. Against the idea of the incompatibility of religions, it demonstrates surprising parallels or analogies across the two religions, which are particularly fascinating in the area of theories of the afterlife. The theory does not ignore the differences between the two traditions, which give way to various types of learning. Though Schmidt-Leukel claims that the theory could support any type of theology of religions, it is evident that it lends itself primarily to a pluralist approach. The Celestial Web offers a wonderful application of the different types of learning in comparative theology, which only someone with Schmidt-Leukel’s expertise can offer.