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Conversion in the Pluralistic Religious Context of India: a Missiological Study

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Conversion in the Pluralistic Religious Context of India: a Missiological Study Conversion in the pluralistic religious context of India: a Missiological study Rev Joel Thattupurakal Mathai BTh, BD, MTh 0000-0001-6197-8748 Thesis submitted for the degree Philosophiae Doctor in Missiology at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University in co-operation with Greenwich School of Theology Promoter: Dr TG Curtis Co-Promoter: Dr JJF Kruger April 2017 Abstract Conversion to Christianity has become a very controversial issue in the current religious and political debate in India. This is due to the foreign image of the church and to its past colonial nexus. In addition, the evangelistic effort of different church traditions based on particular view of conversion, which is the product of its different historical periods shaped by peculiar constellation of events and creeds and therefore not absolute- has become a stumbling block to the church‘s mission as one view of conversion is argued against the another view of conversion in an attempt to show what constitutes real conversion. This results in competitions, cultural obliteration and kaum (closed) mentality of the church. Therefore, the purpose of the dissertation is to show a common biblical understanding of conversion which could serve as a basis for the discourse on the nature of the Indian church and its place in society, as well as the renewal of church life in contemporary India by taking into consideration the missiological challenges (religious pluralism, contextualization, syncretism and cultural challenges) that the church in India is facing in the context of conversion. The dissertation arrives at a theological understanding of conversion in the Indian context and its discussion includes: the multiple religious belonging of Hindu Christians; the dual identity of Hindu Christians; the meaning of baptism and the issue of church membership in Indian context. This study points out that any form of church or movement cannot be an absolute model to other contexts rather different forms of church has to emerge according to different contexts without compromising faith in Christ. Key words Conversion, evangelism, pluralism, India, colonialism, foreignness, traditions, dual identity, church, baptism, cultural, Indian nationalism, Hinduism, syncretism, contextualization, dialogue and Khrist Bhakta ii Acknowledgements My sincere thanks, acknowledgement and profound gratitude are due to my three mentors who have provided valuable assistance during the course of the research. First, to Dr. Terry Curtis who provided enthusiasm, encouragement and guidance throughout all phases of study, offering feedback on substance and style. Second, I extend my gratitude to Dr. Fritz Kruger at North- West University (Potchefstroom Campus) whose in-depth knowledge in the field of Conversion in Indian context and his reviews and critical comments on the finer details of the study have been a rich resource for my work. Third, I am grateful to Peg Evans at Greenwich School of Theology who was prompt in answering all the queries and providing reliable support throughout each step of the research process. I will always cherish their efforts on my behalf with deep gratitude. I would also like to acknowledge the persistent encouragement of my father and mother and the patient understanding of my family, especially my wife Elizabeth and our dear children Joanna and Jessica for their sacrifice and great gesture of adjustment in crucial moments of pressure. Moreover, I am deeply grateful to my brother Varghese Easo, for the financial support to see me through my PhD programme. Finally and greatly I thank the Almighty God for his abundant grace that sustained me throughout this research, especially during the time of ailment. Deo Gratias! iii TABLE OF CONTENT CHAPTER ONE THESIS PROPOSAL 1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................10 1.1 A Fresh Look at Conversion ...................................................................................................12 1.2 Conversion and Christian Traditions ......................................................................................15 1.2.1 The Roman Catholic Understanding of Conversion ..........................................................15 1.2. 2 A Protestant Understanding of Conversion ...........................................................................16 1.2.3 Evangelical and Pentecostal Understanding of Conversion .............................................18 1.3 Conflicting Views and Its Impact on the Mission of Church .................................................18 1.4 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................................21 1.5 Aims and Objectives ................................................................................................................21 1.5.1 Aims ...................................................................................................................................21 1.5.2 Objectives ..........................................................................................................................22 1.6 Central Theoretical Argument .................................................................................................22 1.7 Methodology ............................................................................................................................22 1.8 A Schematic Representation of the Correlation Between Points 2, 3 & 5 ..............................23 CHAPTER TWO BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING OF CONVERSION 2.0 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................25 2.1 Old Testament and Conversion ................................................................................................25 shuv) ..........................................................................................................26) ׁשּוב The term 2.1.1 27................................................................................................... ׁשּוב Covenantal Usage of 2.1.2 iv in the Prophets.....................................................................................27 ׁשּוב The Usage of 2.1.3 2.1.3.1 Conversion by Means of Chastisement .......................................................................28 in Amos................................................................................28 ׁשּוב The Usage of 2.1.3.1.1 in Joel .....................................................................................30 ׁשּוב The Usage of 2.1.3.1.2 in Zechariah ..........................................................................31 ׁשּוב The Usage of 2.1.3.1.3 2.1.3.2 Conversion by means of Restitution .........................................................................32 in Hosea ...............................................................................32 ׁשּוב The Usage of 2.1.3.2.1 in Jeremiah ............................................................................35 ׁשּוב The Usage of 2.1.3.2.2 2.1.4 Conversion of Gentiles in the Old Testament ....................................................................37 2.1.4.1The Call of Abraham ..................................................................................................37 2.1.4.2 Conversion of Naaman ...............................................................................................40 2.1.4.2.1 Naaman‘s Requests ..............................................................................................42 2.1.4.2.1.1 First request: Please Accept this Gifts ..........................................................42 2.1.4.2.1.2 Second request: Dirt of Land for Altar .........................................................43 2.1.4.2.1.3 Third request: Permission to Worship in Rimmon‘s Temple .......................44 Summary .......................................................................................................................................46 2.2 New Testament and Conversion .............................................................................................49 2.2.1 A Semantic Study ..............................................................................................................49 2.2.1.1Metanoeo ( : - To Repent ............................................................................50 2.2.1.2 Epistrephe ( : – To Turn ...........................................................................52 2.2.1.3 Pistos ( ):- faith ................................................................................................54 2.2.2 John the Baptist and the Preaching of Repentance ...........................................................56 2.2.3 Jesus and Repentance .........................................................................................................56 2.2.4 Paul and Conversion ..........................................................................................................57 2.2.4.1 Is Paul‘s Conversion Prototype for all Christians? ...................................................59 2.2.4.2 Paul‘s Use of (kaleo) .....................................................................................60 2.2.4.2.1 God‘s Call and Conversion .................................................................................61 2.2.4.2.2 Human Response in Conversion .........................................................................62
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