Description
Book SynopsisA contribution to the dialogue between Hinduism and Orthodox Christianity, emphasising important commonalities in thought and practice.
Trade Review"A wonderful book!" - Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia (Timothy Ware) "Dr Frost has capably achieved a gargantuan task in shining a light on the spirituality of Orthodox Christianity for a Hindu audience and likewise illuminating the richness and depth of Hinduism for her own Orthodox Christian community. ... She is a critical observer who strives to be fair to both religions both on their own grounds and in dialogue. A reader of this book will be enlightened and encouraged by the possibilities that lie ahead for mutual enhancement and understanding between Orthodox Christians and Hindus alike." - www.aidanorthodox.co.uk, August 2017 "Anyone who wants to reflect on the connections and differences between Hinduism and Christianity would do well to read this book. Scholarly but accessible, it is written by a knowledgeable and experienced author, and deserves wide attention. .... The Human Icon deserves to become a key text for any Christian engaged in conversation with their Hindu friends and neighbours." - Tom Wilson, Anvil, Volume 34, Issue 1, 2018 "Without judgement or obvious inclusion of cultural bias, the text provides an informative entry point for strengthening understanding of aspects of [Hinduism and Orthodox Christianity]. .... Additionally, and congruous with the topical orientation of the book, the subjects covered are well defined and contextualized, and are given contemporary relevance. .... The appeal of The Human Icon can be found in its sensitivity and appreciation to religious practice, belief, and devotion, and its discussion of influences and commonalities that increases understanding of Hinduism through the inclusion of a discussion of Christianity." - Madhavi Venkatesan, Reading Religion, 27 February 2018 "personally, this book was a positive learning experience, while being thought provoking on a page to page basis. I hope that this will be the same sentiment shared by others who choose to challenge their preconceived notions, or enlighten their already informed minds" -Philip Halikias, Inter-religious journal, Boston, written nov 2018 Mangala-Frost's book is immensely engaging, the fruit of long experience and deep reflection Andrew Louth, Sobornost Journal
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements PROLOGUE CHAPTER ONE: Introduction: What It Means to Inhabit a Hindu World Part I: Hinduism or Hinduisms? Part II: Sacred Texts and Sacred Traditions Part III: The Role of the Bhagavadgita in the Modern Hindu World Part IV: God, Gods, Goddesses, and Temples CHAPTER TWO: Orthodox Christianity in India: A Dialogue of Life Part I: The Thomas Christians Part II: A Dialogue of Life Part III: The 'Kottayam School' of Theology CHAPTER THREE: The Quest for the Divine: Divinisation ('Tat tvam asi') in Vedanta and Deification (Theosis) in Orthodox Christianity Part I: Divinisation ('Tat tvam asi') in Vedanta and Deification (Theosis) Part II: Non-Dualism (Advaita), or Monism Part III: Ramanuja (c. 1077-1157 CE) and 'Qualified Non-Dualism' (Visistadvaita) Part IV: Madhva (c. 1238-1317 CE) and 'Dualism' (dvaita) Part V: An Appraisal of Theistic Vedanta CHAPTER FOUR: The Quest for the Divine in the Bhakti Tradition: God, 'the Lover of Mankind' Part I: What is Bhakti? Why is it Considered by Hindus to be Essential to Any Quest for the Divine? Part II: What Are the Possible Areas of Convergence between Hindu Bhakti and Orthodox Devotional Theology? Part III: What Are the Areas of Questionable Convergence and of Significant Divergence between Hindu Bhakti and Orthodox Devotional Theology? Part IV: How Might Hindu-Christian Dialogue Regarding the Bhakti Tradition Progress? Afterword: Parallel Concerns within the Hindu Bhakti and Christian Traditions Where Dialogue May Assist CHAPTER FIVE: The Problem of Suffering and Evil: Karma and the Cross Part I: What is Karma? What is the Attraction of Karma? Part II: Biblical Perspectives on Suffering and Evil Part III: Questions of Convergence and Divergence Part IV: The Great Divergence: The Cross CHAPTER SIX: Yoga and Hesychasm: The Body and the 'Body of Christ' Part I: What is Yoga? How Far, If At All, Could Christians Endorse It? Part II: Meditational Yoga and Hesychastic Prayer: A Comparative Analysis Part III: The 'Prophetic Polemics' of St Gregory Palamas' The Triads and Their Relevance to Discussions of Yoga CHAPTER SEVEN: 'Signs and Wonders': Orthodox Spiritual Elders and Hindu Holy Men Part I: Signs and Wonders: The Biblical Perspective Part II: 'The Golden Chain': Saints and 'Holy Men' in the Orthodox Tradition Part III: Hindu 'Holy Men' Part IV: The Mutual Challenge: Christians and Hindus in Conversation EPILOGUE Select Bibliography Index
