By the expression “Perennial religion”, Frithjof Schuon specifies, in the Introduction, that he wishes to indicate the inexhaustible and ever-present aspect of the divine Truth and the totality of the human commitment it demands. The first purpose of the book is to describe the divine Reality in its dimensions, qualities and degrees. The complementary aspect of this description consists in lifting the confessional veils that hide the pure Truth. Thus, the author shows that the introduction of moral biases, obedentialist zeal or sublime mysticism into Christian and Muslim theology and spirituality undermines the intelligibility of the central message of these religions. Illustrating the fragmentary aspect of formal religions, a final chapter provides a universalist answer to the question of posthumous states.
Foreword
Epistemological premise
Dimensions, modes and degrees of the Divine Order
Confessional Speculation: Intentions and Deadlocks
Pitfalls of the language of faith
Overviews of religious typology
Enigma and message of an esotericism
Universal Eschatology
Synthesis and Conclusion
