Evangelical Zen, Second Edition

“To the rhetorical question posed by the ancient prophet, ‘Do two walk together unless they have made an appointment?’ (Amos 3:3 NRSVue), Paul Louis Metzger with Kyogen Carlson, in this creative, innovative, and courageous book answers not with a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ but with ‘why not?’ This is a learned and wise book and all of us who recognize that the journey itself is the goal will be the better off from using it as an active road map.”


—J. Jayakiran Sebastian, dean and professor of mission and cultures, United Lutheran Seminary





“This book makes me want to argue with the author—about what makes some people uneasy in conversation with evangelical Christians, about interpretations of Job, about the relationship to suffering in diverse lifestances, and a host of other subjects. But the humility and insight he demonstrates in sharing his spiritual reflections make me want to do so only in the gentlest way. Disagreement melts into conversation, a journey of co-discovery through mutual vulnerability.”


—Rachel S. Mikva, professor in Jewish studies, Chicago Theological Seminary





“Paul Louis Metzger and Kyogen Carlson, with their evangelical Christian and Zen Buddhist communities, invite us to share in the hard work and rich rewards of seeking common ground through friendships that recognize rather than erase particularity and difference. In doing so, they embody a path of constructive engagement across deep difference and disagreement that is sorely needed in today’s dangerously polarized public arena. This is a wise and hopeful book.”


—Wes Markofski, associate professor of sociology, Carleton College





“Paul Louis Metzger, an evangelical Christian theologian well-versed in Japanese culture and customs, has written a thought-provoking book that provides helpful insights for both Americans and Japanese. His years of interaction with a Zen Buddhist priest have enriched his learning and this book.”


—Kiwa Fukushima, chief priest, Genshoin Zenkoji Temple





“When it comes to interreligious interchanges, theology often gets more attention than relationships. That’s not true of Paul Louis Metzger’s Evangelical Zen. Although filled with stunning theological insights, it models how evangelical Christians and Zen practitioners can and should be in relationship. An inspiring read.”


—Terry C. Muck, co-author of Christianity Encountering World Religions: The Practice of Mission in the Twenty-First Century





“A brave, intimate exploration of what it means to have faith, to live that faith, and to meet the world in its multitudinous beauty. Paul Louis Metzger walks his talk.”


—Sallie Jiko Tisdale, author of Women of the Way: Discovering 2,500 Years of Buddhism Wisdom





“Through cross-cultural reflection in Japan, and his relationship with Buddhist priest Kyogen Carlson, Paul Louis Metzger pursues multifaith engagement in the way of Christ. For those asking, ‘What would Jesus do?,’ in a pluralistic world where Christians live among adherents of the religions, Evangelical Zen provides a helpful example for Christ’s followers, and others, to emulate.”


—John W. Morehead, director, Evangelical Chapter of the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy





“Conservative Evangelical Protestants are rare in the Christian-Buddhist encounter genre, making Evangelical Zen a noteworthy volume. The intelligent and reflective essays and responses would be useful for stimulating interfaith group discussion. Christian and Buddhist readers could describe their reactions to the authors’ points and explore their own perspectives together. The palpable and admirable friendship of evangelical theologian Metzger and Zen priest Carlson is likely to give more conservative readers productive pause, nudging them to rethink the possibilities for relationship that exist between Christians and Buddhists.”


—Jeff Wilson, professor of culture and language studies, Renison University College





“With rare honesty and humility, evangelical theologian Paul Louis Metzger journeys with his dear friend, the late Abbot Kyogen Carlson, in offering Christian and Buddhist reflections on some of the most daunting challenges facing humanity, i.e., religious intolerance, nationalism, xenophobia, and climate change. This book will delight all pilgrims seeking light for the path.”


—Thomas John Hastings, editor, International Bulletin of Mission Research








“In a world of what they call ‘gated affinity groups,’ Paul Louis Metzger, an evangelical theologian, and Kyogen Carlson, a Zen Buddhist priest, enter into a dialogue about their understandings of God, reality, culture, religion, and the world around them. Read this book, not just for the insights it offers, but the way in which it models the kind of conversation our world desperately needs.”


—Frederick W. Schmidt, senior scholar, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary





“Books about the theory of intercultural or interreligious encounter abound, but this delightful series of reflections by evangelical theologian Paul Louis Metzger is different. Drawing upon his rich experience with the culture of Japan and a deep friendship with the late Abbot Kyogen Carlson, a Zen Buddhist, Metzger leads us on an intensely personal journey across religious, cultural, ethnic, and national boundaries in search of our common humanity as God’s creatures. Wise and witty, this is a ‘must-read’ for anyone concerned with issues of the gospel and cultural or religious others in our globalizing world.”


—Harold A. Netland, professor of philosophy of religion and intercultural studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School





“The most important prerequisite for being human is to have awareness that what one holds to be true is not the only truth in the world. Out of such awareness comes an unending stream of truths. We are being made truly human by the power of these myriads of truths. This is a guidebook that demonstrates to the readers how such truths are to be brought forth.”


—Shizuka Sasaki, special professor of Buddhist studies, Hanazono University