My Short Book Review
Book Name : A christian forerunner of inter-religious dialogue in india.
Author : T. Dayanandan francis
Ideas are of Value only as they inspire experience. To Separate theory from life, philosophy from experience, would be unwise. – A.J. Appasamy
A.J. Appasamy, A Church of South India’ Bishop, who always enriches and engages with interfaith dialogue, the Christian Baktha, philosopher and so on. I don’t know much about him but whenever i wanna search my diocese (Tirunelveli) history, his name will appear in the search results. But when i read the book about him, which was written by T. Dayananthan Francis, he gave an enthusiasm about A.J.Appasamy. Before that I was thinking that Appasamy was a Historian who writes christian history, but later I realized that he is not only a christian historian but also a christian-hindu Philosopher and student of religion. I was amazed with his contribution towards the interfaith dialogue and the comparative theology between Hindu – Christian Scriptures. A.J. Appasamy was influenced by Hindu Guru Ramanujam who taught advaita philosophy in hinduism(Vaishnavite Bhakti Movement), and compared with the Christian Gospels.
Bishop A.J.Appasamy considered as a Christian Baktha, sounds like the christian ideology with indian fragrance, rethink the fundamental ideologies of Christianity relates with Hindu Theism. He engages christians not to show their apathy towards Hindu bakthas, but wants to cultivate the empathetic understanding and approach other faith people.
He said “ If we know a Hindu Guru of Spiritual Power, we should sit at his feet and learn from him”. This language exposed his way of understanding to The Spirituality. He always encouraged Christians who read Hindu Scriptures and said “When we read these beautiful passages not simply from the outside but from the inside, seeking spiritual food, our attitude to Hindu thought will change.”. we can see the depth of plurality he had in his understanding.
One particular thought I get while reading the book, the people who encourage interfaith dialogue and plurality are most of the time risen from the Church Of South India Background. Example AJ Appasamy who is Bishop of Coimbatore and S.J Samarta who is major pioneer of Religious Pluralism was worked as a presbyter in Church Of South India.
I enjoyed this small book which is written by T. Dayanandan Francis. Those who want to start reading about the pioneers of interfaith dialogue can read these books.