This thesis is focused on a particular chapter in the history of the Christian study of
Hinduism. Perspectives and attitudes from the mid-twentieth century will be studied as seen
in the Christian Society for the Study of Hinduism (CSSH, 1940-1956), the first organization
or society ever to focus on the Christian encounter with Hinduism, and the first forty issues of
its quarterly publication, The Pilgrim (1941-1952).1
The CSSH made no attempt to spell out what it meant by "Hinduism," nor what particular
variety of "Christianity" was brought to the study. The non-reflective use of these terms is not
surprising for that time but demands examination in this thesis, which focuses on the
Christian understanding of Hinduism that is discernable in the work of the society.
The meaning of "Hinduism" has become a hotly contested issue, as has the role of Christians
in developing that term and its various shades of meaning. This thesis does not attempt to
resolve all the questions and controversies surrounding the study of Hinduism, but does
intend to contribute to the ongoing engagement between Christians and Hindus by
highlighting an impressive (and neglected) chapter in the history of that interreligious / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil (Religious Studies)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/4657 |
| Date | 06 1900 |
| Creators | Hivner, Richard Leroy |
| Contributors | Clasguin, M. (Michel) |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (viii, 360 p.) |
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