This work offers a series of theological explorations of themes not usually addressed in standard treatments of the Hindu tradition. RambachanAs retrieval of these distinctive insights of Hindu theology has implications that extend across the world's religions, and that touches upon key areas of mutual interest and concern. Beginning with a general introduction to the Hindu theological tradition, the book examines several key issues in Hindu theology and its engagement with contemporary religious, social, political, and inter-faith questions, including the theological methods employed in the study of Hinduism, the discernment of vocation, the theological grounds for social justice in the Hindu tradition, religion and nationalism, violence and non-violence, theological resources for interreligious dialogue (especially among Hindus and Christians), hospitality and openness to the stranger, and spirituality and holiness.In exploring these issues, this study draws deeply from Hindu authoritative sources, but does not limit itself to description. Each chapter is also a work in constructive theology, offering an interpretation of the Hindu tradition appropriate for life in our contemporary world. Essays in Hindu Theology will be of great interest not only to theologians and scholars, but to all who are invested in interreligious understanding and theological engagements with modern challenges.
Anantanand Rambachan is professor of religion, philosophy, and Asian studies at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota. He is the author of many books including A Hindu Theology of Liberation (2015) and The Advaita Worldview (2006). He is active in interfaith education and in the dialogue programs of the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. He was recently appointed co-president of the World Council of Religions for Peace.
"Anantanand Rambachan has devoted a lifetime of scholarship to the research and teaching of Hinduism in the context of contemporary thought in North America. Written in clear, engaging, and accessible language, this book is well suited for use with undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students as well as lay readers. Rambachan's voice in these chapters is that of a committed but critical scholar of Hinduism who has spent his life in teaching and dialogue with Christians. Highly recommended. This is a magnum opus collection of wisdom for the twenty-first century." --Harold Coward, professor emeritus, University of Victoria and founding director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at the University of Victoria "Rambachan's scholarship, deep understanding of the Hindu traditions, and his rigorous, intellectual arguments makes this a compelling, thoughtful book which not only educates us but challenges us to take Hindu theology seriously. This is a book that ought to be read by all scholars of the Hindu traditions and Hindus who are seeking ways to reconcile tradition and modernity." --Vasudha Narayanan, Distinguished Professor of Religion, University of Florida "With this book Anantanand Rambachan continues to show us why he is one of the most creative and relevant Hindu thinkers in today's world. His astonishingly wide-ranging topics take us inside both classical and modern Hindu thought and spirituality, prophetically address contemporary social issues both within and outside the Hindu community, and show us the best way forward for engaging interreligious relations. I, for one, am grateful for this book and look forward to using it in my classes." --Bradley Malkovsky, associate professor of comparative theology, University of Notre Dame and former editor of the Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies "Anantanand Rambachan is among the most accomplished and courageous Hindu theologians writing in English today. Essays in Hindu Theology challenges students and scholars of Hinduism to rethink preconceived notions of Scripture, social inequality, and interreligious dialogue, while squarely facing the needs of our time. The book is written in a clear, crisp style, drawing on a wide range of classical sources to build a compelling argument. Highly recommended." --Ravi Gupta, Charles Redd Professor of Religious Studies, Utah State University
