The Festschrift-Re-Visioning Methods and Approaches in the Study of Religion: Essays in Honour of Swami Raju Tadivaka-is collection 20 articles in honour of Prof. Rev. Dr. Swami Raju Tadivaka edited by his doctoral students Pranay Bin, Aorenla Longchar and Pamhor Thumra. This collection primarily studies the issues, methods and approaches in the study of religion. The underlying theme of book is that while the systematic study of religion as a modern phenomenon contributed richly to understand the nature and function of religion, an appraisal of these methods and approaches has become indispensable in the post-modern contexts. It advocates pluralistic and dialogical methods and approaches in the contemporary study of religions. The contributors of these essays comprise of teachers, colleagues and students of Swami Raju Tadivaka.
Prof. Rev. Dr. T. Swami Raju is born on 10-10-1959 in a small village Tadivakavari Palem of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh and his parents are late Paul Rama Rao and Reamatulasimma. He completed his B.Sc., at Nagaram, Post Graduation in English from Andhra University, and in Philosophy from Osmania University. He received his theological degrees from Senate of Serampore University: B.D in 1986 from ACTC, M.Th (Religions-Hinduism) in 1993 from Gurukul, Chennai and D.Th (Religions) in 2001 from SATHRI, Bangalore. Ordained in 1987 from the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church, Guntur and involved in Pastoral Ministry in Lutheran Church, Srisailam from 1986 to 1991. Having married to Susanna Bhanumathi in 1979, they are blessed with four daughters and one son; four grandsons and two granddaughters.
He has been teaching as Professor in Religion, Philosophy and Culture at Andhra Christian Theological College, Hyderabad since 1993 and presently the Registrar of Advanced Institute for Research on Religion and Culture, Hyderabad, a joint program of ACTC, HMI and CIT for M.Th and D.Th studies from June 2019. His major literary and theological contributions are listed inside.
Re-Visioning Methods and Approaches in the Study of Religion: Essays in Honour of Swami Raju Tadivaka is a Festschrift volume edited by Rev. Dr. Swami Raju's students in honour of him. It is a befitting obeisance to a Guru. Rev. Dr. Swami Raju and I were buddies in United Theological College, Bangalore in the late 1990s, and we have been journeying together in our professional career with the Senate of Serampore College. Rev. Dr. Swami Raju is a very committed scholar-teacher and prolific writer who has dedicated his entire ministerial life in promoting vernacular theological education in Telugu. I feel humbled to have been invited to write a piece of Foreword.
The collections of essays are from eminent scholars in the field of religions, and young researchers of religions who are the future of religious studies in theological institutions of India. The essays bring out the methodological issues and perspectives in studying religions as students of theology. The Indian theological students who are trained under the Senate of Serampore College's affiliated colleges to prepare for vocation in ministry undergo rigorous and series of critical studies of different religious traditions including that of Christian religious traditions. India being the home for all the religions of the world it is pertinent for the students to study seriously the religious traditions of the world. We are glad that many students take interest in the study of religions, pursue their higher theological studies, continue teaching in seminaries and contribute scholarly research.
Beside various methodologies and perspectives that have found space in the book, it also keeps alive the interfaith dialogue/relationships as key to understanding the faith of our neighbours. When we joined our theological education in the 1980s, interreligious or interfaith dialogue/relations was so important that students of the theology could not ignore. Over the years, the study and research have grown manifold and saturated the theological thinking. Though there are no big names today from among the Indian scholars who may be authority in interfaith dialogue, it is true that students of theology are made aware of its challenges and prospects, and the need for engaging in interfaith dialogue for our times more than ever before. Churches and Christian institutions today work for promoting interfaith dialogue for understanding of religions, religious harmony and peaceful coexistence of religions.
Rev. Dr. Raju who though was born Hindu, the family chose to follow Christ immediately after few months of his birth. Rev. Dr. Raju vividly describes in his autobiography the healing and life-giving touch of Christ Jesus to him brought the family to follow Christ. His writings speak volumes of how religious communities interact among each other and make their faith experience proclamatory to other communities. Rev. Dr. Raju's parent's 'testimony' and his own faith encounters made him what he is today. Nevertheless, he has never given up his passion to study Hindu Religious Traditions, particularly the popular religious traditions and practices that are very much prevalent in faith communities. Therefore, to him interfaith dialogue takes place in most informal ways in communities.
His personal encounter of Christ is both scholastic and experiential. For him academic approach to the study of religions rather strengthens the personal faith, for one cannot journey academically without encountering in personal ways. Faith and reason go hand in hand for students of religions. His writings also encroach the field of biblical studies and Christian theology. His one volume bible commentary in Telugu language reflects his commitment to his faith that his parents embraced, and contributions to the church at large by reading the scripture from interreligious perspective. His students have contributed articles in the book. As students of religions they too are deeply committed to scientific study of religions. How does one view faiths and beliefs in today's context? How does the religions find relevance in modern and postmodern world? In what ways religions respond to various contemporary challenges? The rise of religious fundamentalism, communalism, terrorism in the name of religions, ecological issues, the religious nationalism and the exhibition of religions in public and marketplaces are few that need immediate attention in the study of religions. The geo-political situation and the societal expectations make the study much more complex and at times critical. As budding scholars and the future teachers of religions in theological institutions they give us the hope that they are committed to make study of religions move forward to the next level. They further reiterate that the only way to study religions is to study from the perspectives of faith communities.
This volume is an additional wealth of resources particularly for students of theology who want to learn more about religions of the people. Such writings and many more in related areas must be encouraged from scholars and researchers alike to make academic community to understand the role of religions in society.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist