.gif)
Recommendations for gaining a more nuanced perspective of the faith of 1.2 billion.
Vijayesh Lal is the general secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India, the central network and service organization of evangelicals and Pentecostals in India, representing over 6,5000 churches across the nation. He is also a PhD scholar at SHUATS, Prayagraj.
Hinduism, a revered and intricate spiritual tradition deeply rooted in the Indian subcontinent, is largely accepted as one of the world’s oldest religions. The encounter between this faith and Christianity, which arrived in India in the first century, has been marked by cultural exchanges, theological discussions, and the ever-evolving dynamics of religious pluralism. Early interactions were “so cordial and dialogical that Saint Thomas Christians were considered Christian in religion, Hindu in culture, and Oriental in worship,” writes Anantanand Rambachan in Pathways to Hindu-Christian Dialogue.
However, in recent times, right-wing Hindu nationalism has begun promoting a specific interpretation of Hindu identity and values, often resulting in tensions with religious minorities, including Christians. Hinduism and Christianity now meet against a backdrop that includes not only the historical interplay of diverse beliefs but also contemporary issues of religious identity and freedom.
As Hindu communities spread across the world, there is a risk that contemporary political and cultural ideologies associated with Hindutva may accompany the diaspora, potentially shaping global perceptions of Hinduism. Hence, engaging with Hinduism is essential for nurturing genuine understanding and promoting harmonious relations. By exploring authentic teachings, philosophies, and cultural expressions of Hinduism, individuals and entire societies can move beyond stereotypes ...
from Christianity Today Magazine
Umn ministry
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
