Introduction to the ancient religious texts of India and modern religious and philosophical movements with particular emphasis on Hindu religious thought. Considers the Christian response to these faiths as they have become highly influential in the western context. Personal fieldwork amongst Hindus is encouraged.
Students with an interest in a deeper understanding of Hinduism need foundations in the philosophic systems of India, deeper readings in their source texts and actual engagement with the Hindu community that is growing in America.
Understanding the foundations of Hinduism is essential to the task of reaching Hindus with the good news of Jesus.
The struggle of the exclusive claims of the Bible within the pluralistic Hindu context will form one of the key values of this study.
Hinduism today presents a greater challenge than ever before in the mission of the Church to all tribes and tongues. This course will grapple with that challenge and how to meet it.
Understanding Hinduism, in its many contexts, will be an essential discipline of this class.
Fieldwork and actual face-to-face interaction with Hindus will be strongly encouraged in the inter-cultural aspects of this class.
Course outcomes will be geared toward practical engagement with Hindus and towards the task of establishing the Church amongst them.
Students will come away with significant intercultural experiences with the Hindu group of their choice.
