MR543: Christian Witness in the Hindu World (4 units)
Roger E. Hedlund, Visiting Professor of South Asian Studies
Dr. Roger E. Hedlund serves as managing editor of Dharma Deepika: A South Asian Journal of Missiological Research and currently directs the DICTIONARY OF SOUTH ASIAN CHRISTIANITY project at Chennai, India. He previously taught at Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, and more recently as Professor of Mission Research at Serampore College. His present research is focused upon indigenous South Asian Christianity. He is author of God and the Nations: A Biblical Theology of Mission in the Asian Context, published by ISPCK, and other books and articles.
Spring 2003, Pasadena
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course seeks to provide an overview of 1) the Hindu World, 2) Hinduism's globalization, 3) its relationship to Christianity in the Indian Sub-continent, 4) Christian evangelization attempts in the past, 5) various contextual questions arising, and 6) proposals for finding a new way forward. Lectures and readings are designed to identify significant theological and social issues and challenges in planning Hindu evangelization strategies. Exposure to the Hindu missionary effort and to indigenous religious communication methodologies is encouraged with a view to finding contextual approaches for articulating the Christian message in the Hindu/South Asian context.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Familiarity with common Hindu beliefs and practices
• Awareness of Hinduism’s global spread
• Be informed regarding current tensions in the Hindu world
• Ability to identify critical issues in the Christian dialogue with Hinduism
• Awareness of significant missionary approaches among Hindus
• Ability to discern appropriate methodologies for Chr. witness among Hindus
• Love for Hindus
COURSE FORMAT:
Lectures interlaced with discussion based on readings; an exposure experience will be arranged if possible.
REQUIRED READING:
Alphonse, Martin. The Gospel For the Hindus. Chennai: Mission Educational Books, 2001.
Kinsley, David. Hindu Goddesses, Visions of the Divine Feminine. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidas, 1989, ISBN 0520063392
Mathew, C.V. The Saffron Mission. Delhi: ISPCK, 1999, ISBN 81-7214-537-3.
Morgan, Kenneth W. (ed.) The Religion of the Hindus. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidas, 1996, ISBN 81-2080-387-6.
Sharma, Bal Krishna. The Origin of the Caste System. Delhi: ISPCK, 1999, ISBN: 81-7214-496-2.
Kalapati, Joshua. Dr. Radhakrishnan & Christianity.... Delhi: ISPCK, 2002 [for M.Th. students]
RECOMMENDED READING: A list is available from the instructor.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Reading: Complete the study questions on the following books:
(1) Morgan, The Religion of the Hindus; due: April 10
(2) C.V. Mathew, The Saffron Mission due: April 24
(3) Kinsley, Hindu Goddesses; due: May 8
(4) Martin Alphonse, The Gospel For the Hindus. due: May 29
2. Group Assignment. Collect clippings and announcements from local newspapers, university bulletins, and information about Hinduism for our classroom bulletin board or another creative display.
3. In lieu of a final exam, write a short essay (300-500 words) on the following topics due June 12th:
(1) Based on your reading of Bal Krishna Sharma, Origins of Caste, write an essay on "Caste as a Beneficent Social Institute" vs. "Caste as a Social Evil."
(2) From Vinoth Ramachandra, Faiths in Conflict?, discuss the meaning of Hindutva and its implications for Christian witness in South Asia today.
(3) From H.L. Richard, Following Jesus in the Hindu Context: V.V. Tilak's Life and Thought, what is the great contribution of Tilak to indigenous Christianity? What principles and applications do you derive for effective witness today?
ThM. Students: 1) Write a 1000 word critical review of Dr. Radhakrishnan & Christianity by Joshua Kalapati. 2) Read two additional books and write a 500 word summary of each.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAM: None.
Last Date Edited: December 6, 2002