Course Code: BID06

Christian Faith and Witness in Pluralistic Societies

BD III, Semester II, 2 Credit Hours, College Paper, No Final Examination

(It is compulsory for the College to submit the Marks through Online Portal.)

Course Objectives:

1. To conscientize students about the challenges and implications of the multi-faith context for Christian faith and witness.
2. To inform students about biblical perspectives and different Christian perspectives on the pluralistic context, and the responses of people of other faiths to the approaches.
3. To enable students to cultivate a mature Christian faith and responsible Christian witness in pluralistic contexts.

Methodology:

• By situating the discussion with reference to missionary encounters, study of religion, and ongoing ecumenical discussions on interfaith dialogue.
• Insights from other disciplines, particularly Bible, mission, and theology will be incorporated.
• Interdisciplinary seminars.
• Organizing interfaith meetings for students to participate and interact.

Course Requirements:

No Final Examinations. Class work, seminars, papers, projects, and other methods would be determined to examine students. The College has to send their marks in a 60% and 40% pattern.

Course Outline:

Unit I: Introduction

• Missionary encounters with world religions.
• Study of religion or comparative religion.
• World Parliament of Religions.
• Ecumenical discussion on interfaith dialogue.
• International interfaith organizations.

Unit II: Faith and Witness of the People of God in the Bible

• One God-Many religions: Hebrew experience and perceptions.
• People of God and Peoples of God.
• Prophetic guidance and visions.
• Poetic and wisdom traditions on universalism and common humanity.
• First Century Greco-Roman-Jewish societies and their interactions.
• Jesus’ approach to people of other faiths, i.e. Samaritan and Canaanite women, Samaritan leper; his appreciation of faith found in people of non-Jewish traditions.
• Apostolic journey and new perceptions about faith and people from other traditions.
• Dealing with exclusive passages, i.e. John 14:6; Acts 4:12.

Unit III: Theologies of Religious Pluralism

• Strands of exclusivism.
• Types of inclusivism.
• Models of pluralism.
• Towards a healthy balance of commitment and openness.

Unit IV: Ecumenical Discussions on Interfaith Dialogue

• World missionary conferences.
• World Council of Churches.
• Vatican II and post-Vatican developments.
• CCA and NCCI.
• Other discussions and affirmations.

Unit V: Challenges for the Interfaith Movement

• Rise of religious fundamentalism and conservativism.
• Politicization of religion and communalization of politics.
• Quest for secularism that can give a creative space for interfaith encounters.

Unit VI: Issues in Bilateral Dialogues

• Hindu-Christian.
• Muslim-Christian.
• Buddhist-Christian.
• Sikh-Christian.
• Interfaith cooperation for social engagement and change as well as human welfare.

Unit VII: Conclusion

Towards Mature Christian Faith and Responsible Christian Witness in Pluralistic Contexts.

Bibliography:

• Imchen, Toshirenla. “Accepting the Difference: Towards an Inclusive Ministry” in Indian Journal of Theology, Vol. 52, No. 1 & 2, 2010.
• K, Giri. “Communal Riots in India: An Exploration of its Roots.” Indian Journal of Theology, 2014.
• K, Giri. “Conversion: An Issue or Allegation? – A Convert’s Perspective.” NCCI Review CXXIX/2 (February 2009): 65-81; Light of Life 51/3 (March 2009).
• Lalrinawma, V.S. Missiological Issues Facing the Contemporary Church in India, Bangalore: Centre for Contemporary Christianity, 2011.
• Lalrinawma, V.S. Christian Mission Among Other Faiths: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of India, (Mizoram Theological Journal, Vol III, No. 2, July-December, 2012, pp. 70-91) Paper presented in the Seminar organized by WCC at Aizawl, Mizoram.
• Sahayadoss, Santosh. “Christian Existence in a Non-Christian Environment: Relevant Perspectives for the Future,” in Glaube und Denken, ed. Andrea Koing, Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 2008.
• Selvanayagam, Israel. A Second Call— Ministry and Mission in a Multi-Faith Milieu, Madras: CLS, 2000.
• Selvanayagam, Israel. Being Evangelical and Dialogical for a Healthy Balance in a Multi-Faith Context, Delhi: ISPCK, 2012.
• Stephen, M. A New Mission Agenda. Delhi: ISPCK, 2007.
• Varghese, C. Kuhjappah. “The Political, Social and Religious Movements in India, Especially Kerala During the First Half of the Twentieth Century.” Kerala Theological Journal 1/4 (February 2012): 4-24.
• Victus, Solomon. “The Budding Spirit of Christian Zionism in Indian Churches,” The SATHRI Journal, SSC, Vol VII, Issue I, April 2013.
• Victus, Solomon. “Faith Response to Modern Science and Technology” Aikyatha, SCM, Bangalore, Oct 2004, p. 14.
• Victus, Solomon. “Come out of Brackets: Challenge of Hindu Secular Friends” Peoples Reporter, Mumbai, Aug. 10-25, 2004.
• Victus, Solomon. “Third Millennium: A Breathing Space for Plurality” Arasaradi Journal of Theological Review (AJTR), Jan-Dec. 1990.

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