Comparative Theology—Hindu–Christian Relations

Dear Colleagues,

Hinduism and Christianity form two of the largest religions in the world, with over 40% of the global population subscribing to one of these two faiths. Hindu and Christian theologies have often been seen as highly dissimilar at best and impossibly incompatible at worst; for example, integral Hindu concepts such as karma, dharma, and moksha are not found in Christianity. Yet, upon closer inspection, there seems to be some overlap between the two traditions. One may hear of integral Christian terms, such as the Trinity being applied to the Hindu gods of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In addition, both traditions believe in divine incarnation, reference sacred scriptures, adhere to ethical codes, and have dedicated monastic communities. While similarities can be acknowledged, most of the time, comparing two religious traditions does not remain limited to theological concepts; in many cases, politics plays a considerable role in intensifying the comparative analysis of Christianity and Hinduism. Contentious debates among Christians and Hindus about the other’s religion continue, and, on the Christian side, there are concerns about the anti-conversion laws that have emerged in India prohibiting individuals from converting to Christianity. These laws have been enacted against a backdrop of the increase prominence of Hindutva or Hindu nationalism. For Hindus, Christianity is often cast as the religion of the colonizers that seeks to supplant Hindu traditions through missionary and proselyting activities. Despite such tensions between Christian and Hindu communities, there is continued evidence of positive engagement, such as attending each other’s religious festivals, integrating Hindu cultural and architectural motifs in Christian churches, revering Jesus as a sandhu or avatar by Hindus, and working collaboratively on issues of mutual concern, such as poverty, climate change, and religious freedom. It is clear that the similarities along with the points of difference between Christianity and Hinduism do require further scholarly investigation and insight.

We are pleased to invite you to submit your original research to this Special Issue.

This Special Issue aims to provide readers with an interdisciplinary approaches to Hindu and Christian theology, and we welcome scholars from interdisciplinary theological backgrounds that bring into conversation several other disciplines, such as history, political science, religion, sociology, philosophy, and cultural studies.

Contributions to this Special Issue are welcome in the form of original research articles and reviews, and research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Interfaith Dialogue;
• Hindu–Christian Syncretic Influences;
• Concepts of the Divine;
• Sacred Scriptures;
• Ritual and Practices;
• Hinduism’s Reaction to Christian Missionaries;
• Caste System and Christianity;
• Hindu Nationalism;
• Anti-Conversion Laws;
• Reincarnation and Resurrection;
• Monasticism;
• Dalit Theology;
• Women in Hinduism and Christianity.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200–300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send this to the Guest Editor, Dr. John Cappucci (jcappucci@assumptionu.ca), and CC the Assistant Editor, Margaret Liu (margaret.liu@mdpi.com) of Religions. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editor for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. John Cappucci
Guest Editor

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