Publications
The Rev. Dr. Robert Traer is a minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). He has a Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, a J.D. from the School of Law of the University of California at Davis, and a D.Min. from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago.
His publications include:
Faith, Belief, and Religion (2001)
The
New Testament is all about faith, but says almost nothing about belief. Do you
know what this means and why it is important? Faith and belief are not the same.
We are called to be faithful, not "belief-ful." The Christian
proclamation is that we are saved by faith, not by our beliefs.
We are not saved by following the rules and rituals of Christian religion, but by living faithfully. How is Christian faith like faith in other religious traditions? Despite different beliefs, Christians have much in common with other people of faith. To order click on the book cover.
Quest for Truth (1999)
Should
Christians cooperate with people of other religious traditions? Yes, in working
for a more just and peaceful world. Should churches participate in interfaith
activities and organizations? Yes, when these activities and organizations
enable all of us to live together more faithfully.
Should interfaith cooperation encourage dialogue about what is true for all people of faith? Yes, if this quest includes self-critical reflection and mutual respect. The goal of interfaith cooperation should be repentance and forgiveness. To order click on the book cover.
Faith in Human Rights (1997)
Do
Christians support human rights? Contemporary Christian teaching does, although
not all Christians have or do. Catholics and conservative and liberal
Protestants embraced human rights in the last half of the 20th century. Is there
support in other religious traditions? Yes, at least in contemporary teachings.
There is also "secular faith" in human rights, and secular and religious advocates for human rights struggle together. This collaborative alliance for human dignity is rarely noted but worth understanding. To order click on the book cover.
"Beyond Tolerance: A Call to Repentance," Faith and Freedom, 49, no. 142 (Spring/Summer 1996): 47-51.
"Le Soutien des Musulmans aux Droits de l'Homme." Conscience et Liberté, 49 (1995): 17-24.
"Interreligiöser Dialog darf kein Bazar sein! Kritische Gedanken zur Zusammenarbeit der Religionen," Schweizerishches Reformiertes Volksblatt, 3 (May/June 1996): 9-10.
"A Confessional Approach to Interfaith Cooperation." Visions of an Interfaith Future: Proceedings of Sarva-Dharma-Sammelana, ed. Celia and David Storey (Oxford: International Interfaith Centre, 1994), 318-330.
"Religious Freedom." A Sourcebook for the Community of Religions, ed. Joel Beversluis (Chicago: The Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, 1993), 114-15.
"Religious Freedom at the End of the 20th Century." Church & Society (September/October 1992): 38-50.
"Nonadversarial Conflict Resolution." Dharma World, 19 (January/February 1992): 29-31, 35.
Faith in Human Rights: Support in Religious Traditions for a Global Struggle. (Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 1991).
"Faith in the Buddhist Tradition." Buddhist-Christian Studies, vol. 2 (1991): 85-120.
You may find a brief biographical statement for Robert Traer here and a statement of faith here.
