Dalit Theology, Boundary Crossings and Liberation in India - by Jobymon Skaria (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Jobymon Skaria, an Indian St Thomas Christian Scholar, offers a critique of Indian Christian theology and suggests that constructive dialogues between Biblical and dissenting Dalit voices - such as Chokhamela, Karmamela, Ravidas, Kabir, Nandanar and Narayana Guru - could set right the imbalance within Dalit theology, and could establish dialogical partnerships between Dalit Theologians, non-Dalit Christians and Syrian Christians. Drawing on Biblical and socio-historical resources, this book examines a radical, yet overlooked aspect of Dalit cultural and religious history which would empower the Dalits in their everyday existences.

Review Quotes

"This fascinating and timely work examines the boundless theological riches within Dalit cultural, literary and philosophical traditions and explores their potential for constructing a post-colonial Dalit theology. Its strength lies in its honesty in calling upper-caste Indian Christians to repentance for their continuing complicity in discrimination against the Dalit communities." --Peniel Rajkumar, Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford, UK

"One of the inescapable tasks facing those from socially privileged and traditionally prominent communities within Indian Christianity is regarding the relevance of Dalit theology and the obligations that this poses to theologizing today. Those coming from such backgrounds cannot continue the theological enterprise with haughty indifference to voices that they have disregarded, discounted, silenced, and stifled down the centuries. This work is a sincere attempt to wrestle with this task, respectfully engaging with and allowing these voices to interrogate, question, disrupt, and indeed dictate the directions of 21st century Indian Christian theology through heartfelt repentance, thereby paving the way to possible reconciliation and a shared commitment to social and theological transformation." --The Rev. Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian, Dean and H. George Anderson Professor of Mission and Cultures United Lutheran Seminary, USA

"What does it mean to look into one's privileged tradition through the eyes of the marginalized and for a Non-Dalit to listen and learn from Dalits? In this courageous, learned, and honest biblical and interdisciplinary work, Jobymon Skaria assesses key stories of Abraham for possible answers, showing how dialogue and liberation require truth-seeking, reconciliation, and faith in one's God, self, and the other." --Peter Admirand, Dublin City University, Ireland

About the Author

Jobymon Skaria is an Indian Syrian Orthodox priest, is a part-time Lecturer at The Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kerala, India. He received his PhD from Dublin City University, Ireland.