Acts Academy of Higher Education
Bangalore
Topic: Book review
Subject: Mission Contemporary Indian Context
Submitted to: Dr Ebenezer Dasan
Submitted by: Christina Paron
The Name of the book, Mission and Ministry Direction for the Church in India, edited by
Richard and Rodgers, was published in 2008.
Introduction: The book Mission and Ministry: Direction for the Church The author wrote
this book to teach the church how to remain relevant and transformative in the diversity of the
Indian context.
First section
It was written in the Indian context, and the writer talks about the Historical Context
of Christianity in India, such as the role of the early church Christian community in Kerela
and the impact of European missionary movements of the colonial era.
Second Section
Deal with Theological Foundations of Mission in India, exploring and emphasizing
justice, reconciliation, and holistic transformation themes.
All sections talk about Challenges to the church in India, such as anti-conversation ills, caste,
secularism, and communalism. A practical approach to ministry.
The strength of the book.
The book has balances theological, historical, and practical aspects of the mission and
provides a holistic view. A gave contextual sensitivity to the challenges in the mission field,
including religious, cultural, social, and political challenges.
Critique:
Somehow, the writer did great. However, certain areas cannot be understood without
a theological background—and limited emerging issues.
Second Book
Modern Religious and Secular Movements in India
The Author’s name is Aleyamma Zachariah
Introduction
Modern Religious and Secular Movements in India are deeply analytical explorations
of social and politics and talk about religious current affairs. And expanded on the history of
India. The main goal of this book is to focus on what is particularly important in
understanding the diverse movement in India.
The book has discussed various movements, such as Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and many
more Hindutva ideologies. The Author brought the depth of communalism that B.J.P. is
trying to bring by having many groups and how the marginalised people are being treated, for
instance example, Dalits. He also mentioned the feminist movement and how Dalit women
are being treated. A tribal issue was added too.
Strength of the book.
The book provided a comprehensive Coverage analysis and examined both religious
and secular movements which also highlighted the conflict. And also brought the depth of
historical movement and suffering. Offer a clear understanding of the religious perspective
which India has dealt and dealing with today.
Critique:
Though it was a good book, and the Author wrote well, however, there was something I
could not understand properly I wish it could have been a little simpler way.
CONCLUSION:
Both books gave a wide picture of how India is functioning more of communalism and
nationalism, with Hinduism trying to take hold of everything and making things hard for
minorities. The books not only give a view of the contemporary but also try to give a solution
to the Christian mission of how they should react and take the decision. The book helped me
understand the history and contemporary condition without learning that the Christian
mission would not understand how to deal with the situation for everything learning and
experiencing is vital than only anyone can go further and logical idea and solution.
