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This paper examines the Travancore Pulaya mass conversion movement to Anglicanism in the latter half of 19th century as an expression of social protest. Highlighting aspects of the dissent and dissociation from the Hindu system involved in this movement is likely to add another dimension to the theories on conversion movements in India set forth …
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I. Re ‘member’ing the Faith of our Dalit Forefathers and Mothers The Assembly of World Council of Churches at Canberra in 1991 has been a landmark in the history of Christian thought for it had initiated a dialogue between Christian theologies and God(dess)-talks of religions of the marginalized of the Third World in seeking to …
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To me, Dalit is not a caste. He is a man exploited by the social and economic traditions of this country. He does not believe in God, Rebirth, Soul, Holy books teaching separatism, Fate and Heaven because they have made him a slave. He does believe in humanism. Dalit is a symbol of change and …
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Studies on Christian conversion movements in India have produced some excellent monographs and articles. However, almost all these emphasise the sociological aspects of conversion and largely ignore religious (belief) dimensions.1 Re-reading of the dalit and tribal mass movements needs to recapture pre-existing belief which intermingled with Christian ideas. Historians cannot presume a smooth transition when …
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Dalit Theology is a new strand which has emerged in the Asian theological scene. This theology began to take shape in the early 80’s when A.P. Nirmal, then a faculty member at the United Theological College, floated the idea of “Shudra Theology.” But now, Dalit theology has come of age and it stands by its …
Continue reading “The Emerging Dalit Theology: A Historical Appraisal”
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1. Introduction In their struggle for identity, Dalits have emerged as the strongest force in India today as ever in history. Nearly 200 million Dalits in general and 15 million Dalit Christians among them are active subjects of this great history of India today.1 As the struggle of Dalits is on to regain their lost …
Continue reading “Towards a Dalit Liberative Hermeneutics: Re-reading The Psalms of Lament”
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I Indian society is divided into three categories.1 First, we have the caste community, which Consists of four castes that are hierarchically ordered.2 The Brahmins (priests) are the preservers and protectors of the eternal laws of the Universe (Dharma); the Ksatriyas (rulers and warriors) are the defenders and the guarantors of the safety and security …
Continue reading “Viewing The Bible Through The Eyes And Ears of Subalterns In India”
