Abstract

This study is an exploration of the manner in which religion historian, W. C. Smith, has attempted to harmonize intellectual discourse with religious discourse. Using his writings, which span a period of fifty years, the evolution of his analysis of the tension between history and religion is traced, along with his new conceptualizations and symbolizations of resolution. At issue is the role of the study of comparative religion seen to be basic. The ramifications of the problem of the polarity between the absolute and the relative, between the One and the Many, are addressed throughout, especially with regard to history seen as process and religions in process of change. The resolution consists in a movement towards a theology in global perspective, diverse yet coherent, encompassing all humanity.