The Human Icon: A Comparative Study of Hindu and Orthodox Christian Beliefs

ISBN: 0227176359

Author: Frost, Christine Mangala

Condition: New

Despite the history that divides them, Hinduism and Orthodox Christianity have much in common. In The Human Icon, Christine Mangala Frost explores how both religions seek to realise the divine potential of every human being, and the differences in their approach. Frost, who has experienced both the extraordinary riches and the all-too-human failings of Hinduism and Orthodox Christianity from the inside, is perfectly placed to examine the convergences and divergences between the two faiths. Inspired by a desire to clear up the misunderstandings that exist between the two, The Human Icon is a study in how two faiths, superficially dissimilar, can nevertheless find meeting points everywhere. The powerful intellectual and spiritual patristic traditions of Orthodox Christianity offer a rare tool for revitalising too-often stalled dialogue with Hinduism and present the chance for a broader and more diverse understanding of the oldest religion in the world. Tracing the long history of Orthodox Christianity in India, from the Thomas Christians of ancient times to the distinctive theology of Paulos Mar Gregorios and the Kottayam School, Frost explores the impact of Hindu thought on Indian Christianity and considers the potential for confluence. With a breadth of interest that spans Hindu bhakti, Orthodox devotional theology, Vedanta and theosis, as well as meditational Yoga and hesychastic prayer, Frost offers a fresh perspective on how the devotees of both faiths approach the ideal of divinisation, and presents a thoughtful, modern methodology for a dialogue of life.Table of ContentsList of IllustrationsAcknowledgementsPROLOGUECHAPTER ONE:Introduction: What It Means to Inhabit a Hindu WorldPart I: Hinduism or Hinduisms?Part II: Sacred Texts and Sacred TraditionsPart III: The Role of the Bhagavadgita in the Modern Hindu WorldPart IV: God, Gods, Goddesses, and TemplesCHAPTER TWO:Orthodox Christianity in India: A Dialogue of LifePart I: The Thomas ChristiansPart II: A Dialogue of LifePart III: The Kottayam School of TheologyCHAPTER THREE:The Quest for the Divine: Divinisation (Tat tvam asi) in Vedanta and Deification (Theosis) in Orthodox ChristianityPart I: Divinisation (Tat tvam asi) in Vedanta and Deification (Theosis)Part II: Non-Dualism (Advaita), or MonismPart 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 VedantaCHAPTER FOUR:The Quest for the Divine in the Bhakti Tradition: God, the Lover of MankindPart 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 AssistCHAPTER FIVE:The Problem of Suffering and Evil: Karma and the CrossPart I: What is Karma? What is the Attraction of Karma?Part II: Biblical Perspectives on Suffering and EvilPart III: Questions of Convergence and DivergencePart IV: The Great Divergence: The CrossCHAPTER SIX:Yoga and Hesychasm: The Body and the Body of ChristPart I: What is Yoga? How Far, If At All, Could Christians Endorse It?Part II: Meditational Yoga and Hesychastic Prayer: A Comparative AnalysisPart III: The Prophetic Polemics of St Gregory Palamas The Triads and Their Relevance to Discussions of YogaCHAPTER SEVEN:Signs and Wonders: Orthodox Spiritual Elders and Hindu Holy MenPart I: Signs and Wonders: The Biblical PerspectivePart II: The Golden Chain: Saints and Holy Men in the Orthodox TraditionPart III: Hindu Holy MenPart IV: The Mutual Challenge: Christians