Thank you for your book, Steve. . . . Like all of your writings, I find it helpful. I like what you write about unity and diversity in religions. I am always indebted to you for . . . helping me know that its ok to to take what is useful and leaving the rest. Your teachings are valuable to help someone who wants to have a Vaishnava frame of reference but wants to have a more relaxed, open and creative engagement than one finds in a purely sectarian approach. Neil R. Rasmussen
In Universalist Radha-Krishnaism: A Theological Perspective, Steve Bohlert offers a rigorous theology to satisfy the needs of many of us, especially Westerners, who are looking for an eclectic perspective that also offers real intellectual rigor.
Steve Bohlert skillfully synthesizes the best of the Chaitanya tradition with modern philosophy to produce a spiritual path that may very well give you the strength and optimism to live a full, happy, and meaningful life. You may live with the confidence that your love for the Supreme is deeply yearned for and desired by your Creators—“God-dessâ€â€”the Divine Couple, Radha-Krishna. Michael Valle, Ph.D.
Universalist Radha-Krishnaism: A Theological Perspective offers a transformative vision of reality that addresses the needs of contemporary people for a wholistic spirituality. My approach to theology reflects my experiences as a Hindu monk, Christian pastor-teacher, and contemplative mystic. It is the culmination of my thought based on a lifetime of Radha-Krishna devotional practice and teaching in multi-cultural, multi-religious contexts.
While studying in the progressive environment of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California for three years (1988-91), I came to call myself a process-liberation theologian, and that perspective continues in my ministry today. Process thought is useful for religions in general and has been used with several. Progressive Christian thought grounds my theological approach in the western tradition. Many similarities exist between Christian devotion and Radha-Krishna devotion. Their basic concepts are transferable because of their universal nature—as confirmed by Bhaktivinode Thakur:
The religious principles taught by . . . Jesus Christ are similar to the religious principles taught by Vaishnava sects. (Krishna Samhita 8)
As an eclectic universalist, I firmly believe cross pollination of religions brings a fuller understanding of truth. The liberal reformed tradition welcomed my background as a Radha-Krishna devotee as an asset for Christian ministry, and I saw my Christian ministry as a western version of Radha-Krishna devotion.
Modern people live in a pluralistic world open to truth in many forms. This unique opportunity allows seekers to take the best teachings and practices of all paths and integrate them into a multifaceted whole, which gives a fuller picture of Truth than any one path alone could.
Universalist Radha-Krishnaism: A Theological Perspective is my gift to you in celebration of teaching Radha-Krishna devotion for fifty years. May it further your self realization.
To download the book, right click here: Theological Perspective 1.1