The Heretical Imperative: Contemporary Possibilities of Religious Affirmation
Peter L. Berger
After ten years of writing in other areas, Peter L. Berger returns to the problem of religion and modernity discussed in his earlier book A Rumor of Angels. In The Heretical Imperative, however, not only is the argument developed further in terms of the challenge to religion of modern secularism, but it is also argued that a new and greatly promising encounter is about to take place between the Judaeo-Christian tradition and the great religions of Asia. Berger discusses the options for religious thought in the contemporary world and suggests that out of the confrontation between different traditions may come a powerful revitalization of religious faith.
Award History
0 wins · 1 total
| Award | Year | Result | Category / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Book Award for Religion/Inspiration HardcoverMajor | 1980 | Finalist | Secondary source |
Experimental book profileGenerated by GPT-5.4 nano · may contain inaccuracies
This is an unverified interpretation of the catalog description, offered as an opt-in discovery experiment—not as bibliographic fact.
01 Central figures
None extracted with sufficient confidence.
02 Central places
None extracted with sufficient confidence.
03 Suggested argument
Modern secularism poses a challenge to religion, but a promising encounter between the Judaeo-Christian tradition and Asian religions could revitalize religious faith.
Model confidence 78%
04 Reading orientation
58 / 100 academicTrade / academic crossover
An estimate of intended readership and scholarly apparatus—not quality or importance.
Confidence percentages are the model's own estimates. Profile confidence: 86%.