Literature and Religion

“David Jasper’s fascinating dialogue with Ou Guang-an vividly materializes the dialogic space between literature and religion, East and West. It would be difficult to find one who has contributed more to stimulate the interdisciplinary studies of theology and literature.”


—Yang Huilin, Distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature and Religious Studies, Renmin University of China





“This remarkably adventurous book has become possible because two longstanding friends learned to trust one another. Its readers will find themselves indebted to both the authors for their courtesy to one another and the expectations of care and insight they generate in those willing to embark on comparable studies!”


—Ann Loades, Professor Emerita of Divinity, University of Durham, and Honorary Professor in the School of Divinity, University of St Andrews





“Spiritual values connect religion and literature as manifestations of what is at the core of our humanity, even though the forms of manifestation and the emphases in different cultures may differ from one to the other. Through a series of dialogues and exchanges, David Jasper and Ou Guang-an explore those spiritual values in this fascinating book, Literature and Religion, and offer us much to learn, contemplate, and celebrate.”


—Zhang Longxi, author of Allegoresis: Reading Canonical Literature East and West





“To read this fascinating book is to overhear a gracious, informed, and honest conversation between friends whose life experiences could scarcely be more different. But in that difference, and in the quality of that friendship and the willingness to seek out new understandings, there is profound revelation which we are privileged to share. Through the translation of literature in its widest sense, the cultures and religions of China and ‘the West’ are mutually illuminated.”


—Alison Jack, Senior Lecturer in Bible and Literature, Assistant Principal of New College, University of Edinburgh





“The interdisciplinary encounter between literature and religion is given new form and vitality in this lively dialogue between two scholars from very different cultural contexts. Their conversation draws the reader in enabling them to explore unfamiliar territory and also rediscover a compelling strangeness within familiar literary texts. There are many treasures to be found here.”


—Heather Walton, Professor of Theology and Creative Practice, University of Glasgow





“If there is ever a time for a new way of intercultural dialogue, it is now, as the world shrinks and divides in equal measures. Jasper and Ou model for us just such a way. The conversations here, going well beyond comparative studies, are the very ‘enactment of reciprocity,’ conducted in the spirit of unconditional hospitality, and yielding insights germane to not only China and the West, but all sides questioning our shared religious concerns.”


—Andrew Hass, Reader in Religion, University of Stirling