164 Excerpts from Excerpts from Hinduism: A Brief Look at Theology, , Scriptures, and Social System with Comments on the Gospel in by H. L. Richard (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2007)

From the Introduction accompanies popular Hindu devotion. Hindu civilization, and few There is also a philosophical position will listen to a message coming from a he name that grants the validity of idol worship church. Individual disciples of Christ Hinduism T as a lower form of devotion that more need to make an effort to befriend is, in fact, not enlightened people move beyond. Hindus if the gospel is ever to become rooted in India, meaningful in the Hindu world. but was born in In the midst of a practical polytheism, efforts made by the foundational viewpoint of most Recommended Reading outsiders to define Hindus is that there is a single supreme On Hinduism God who interacts with this world in and understand A Survey of Hinduism by Klaus K. various ways. It is to our advantage the complex Klostermaier (State University of New in this life to please God, and in God phenomena of York Press, Albany, 1989) gives a mas- alone final salvation can be found. religious life in terful overview touching every aspect India. In scholarly circles a great debate Vernacular Poets of the classical Hindu tradition, with continues on what the word Hinduism frequent illustrations related to present The movements flourished really refers to, including suggestions day situations as well. that the term should never be used at under the charismatic influence of all. Hinduism is an evolved ensemble of gifted poets and singers. Some themes Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and faiths and practices, and the evolution in the bhakti poets are closely in line Practices by Julius Lipner (Routledge, has not by any means ceased. Hinduism with biblical teaching, although in New York, 1992) gives a carefully today continues to change, most notably other topics the differences remain balanced presentation, full of informa- due to urbanization and globaliza- great. There is often a strong criticism tion yet aiming to give a feel for Hindu tion and in relation to the growth of of idolatry and caste, yet there has perspectives rather than merely a set militant politicized Hinduism. An been little practical outworking of this of facts. teaching of these brilliant poets. understanding of the flow of Hindu The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism history, including the development and I am a mass of sin; and Society in India by C. J. Fuller themes of the scriptures of Hinduism, is Thou art all purity; (Princeton University Press, 1992) essential for a balanced understanding. helpfully surveys Hinduism in its more Yet thou must take me as I am Yet historical understanding cannot be practical aspects, such as worship, ritu- a substitute for knowing Hinduism as And bear my load for me. als, festivals, and pilgrimage. Here one lived by adherents today. The diversity Me Death has all consumed gets a true taste of Hindu life. of Hindu beliefs and practices, however, makes a simple summary of practical In thee all power abides. Understanding Hinduism by Dayanand Hinduism almost impossible. All else forsaking, at thy feet Bharati (Munshiram Manoharlal, 2005). A general introduction to all The Hindu View of God Thy servant Tuka hides. aspects of Hinduism, but with a focus The standard Hindu view of God is (by Tukaram (1608-1649), trans. from on the average Hindu practitioner and perhaps best described as a fluid mono- Marathi, from Psalms of his/her perspectives and problems. theism. has many manifesta- Saints, Nicol Macnicol, Association Press, Calcutta, 1919, pg 65.) tions, and who will dare to say what Editor’s Note: The above is a partial list form God might not appear in? The The Status of the Gospel of recommended readings from the book. Hindu is certain that God’s ways are among Hindus Most of the other recommended books on higher than ours, and so He is beyond Christ in the Hindu world are advertised Despite the outstanding work of numer- our grasp. Jesus is easily accepted as a on pp. 114 and 146. ous missionaries and Indian Christians, manifestation of God, as are various meaningful communication of Jesus Muslim saints, numerous Hindu , Christ to high caste Hindus is mostly and many mythological gods. The aver- noteworthy for its absence. Hindus are age Hindu is not concerned to reconcile now living all across the globe, often the worship of many such figures with in suburban neighborhoods in close belief in one supreme God. proximity to churches. But “church” is It should also be noted that Hinduism understood as part of an alien civiliza- contains schools of thought that tion that is undermining many of the militantly oppose the idol worship that basic spiritual and familial values of International Journal of Frontier Missiology